How do you land a video editing internship or job?

As someone who hires and manages multiple video shooters/editors, when building your first demo reel it is important to include samples that show you can do the basics. Can you edit a simple interview? Can you make good use of straight, L, and J cuts? Are your audio edits clean? Some demo reels I get want to showcase advanced techniques and graphics, but too often the editor behind them cannot make quick and efficient edits to meet tight deadlines. Show me your creativity, but also your efficiency. It’s great you can put together a high concept music video, but if you can’t edit a simple interview, it’ll be tough to land an entry level job.

To score a video editing internship or job, building a standout portfolio is your secret weapon. Start by creating diverse video samples that showcase your skills. Include personal projects, freelance work, or even spec projects that demonstrate your versatility. Tailor your portfolio to match the type of role you're targeting, whether it's commercial, documentary, or social media editing. Highlight your ability to tell a compelling story through editing, your proficiency with editing software, and any unique creative touches you bring to the table. It's like your visual resume, and it speaks volumes about your talents to potential employers. 🎥📽️

Take a step back and realize that the only way you are going to know what "good" is, is if you really know what "bad" is. And that comes from experience, which you can gain from a filmmaking tribe, club, institution, or professional organization that provides a safe place to fail. This is an ongoing process outside of internships or jobs because remember you are a working artist and need to hone your skills and keep learning.

I had a couple years of experience making videos for myself or my YouTube channel before I was hired as an editor for anyone else. In those couple years I focused on finding filmmakers that were producing content like I wanted to make and practiced editing techniques they used. Once I felt comfortable with the basics, I started to develop my unique style and found the areas of editing where I really excelled. I created a portfolio and started reaching out to established creators and agencies in my area to see if they were looking for an editor and they gave me some sample projects to see where my skill level was at and over time that led to full time work. If you mastered fundamentals and know your style, reach out to creators around you.

Employers should be mindful as to what they really need. An intern or a full-time employee. A video-editing internship shouldn’t be as profound as getting a “very spicy” or “looks great” portfolio. The reason they’re getting an internship is to get or steal some skills from their mentors and start a portfolio for themselves. Having an intermediate level on premiere pro or Final Cut Pro or DaVinci resolve should be enough. But getting a video editing job is different. You need to be able to at least present a good portfolio if you’re starting and/or having advance levels on using either Premiere, FCP or DaVinci.

I Had zero experience, and an empty portfolio when I landed my video editing internship. I would say having and expressing the will to learn unconditionnaly will give you the opportunity to land an internship, the internship on it's own will help you build a solid portfolio. Apply for internships, and be honest with your recruiting if you have zero work experience or zero videos in your portfolio, and have faith in your talent, you must be there with a mindset of learning for at least the first couple of years.

In the beginning you often see advice like "build your portfolio" and "practice your craft" but plenty of us do/ did not have access to the tools required to build these skillsets and portfolios. If you do then putting the hours in is certainly the best use of your time. In my opinion the best place to start is showcasing your passion, be an active member of the community you're stepping into. Watch films, TV, documentaries and adverts, etc. Write creative ideas down that you can work on, that could be as simple as drawings, poems, scripts or photography/ videography on a smartphone. These will form a portfolio. Utilise YouTube, there are so many tips and tricks out there. At the very least you will learn which industry words to use!

Obviously being creative in video editing is key and knowing all the latest software is fundamental, but if it's an internship or entry level job you probably won't be doing much of that to start. You'll be doing basic edits - fast - or assistant editing doing logging and assemblies, plus applying director notes. Being a director that shoots lean with the edit in mind I often just do it myself because it's in my head. The best assistant editors or editors I've had are the ones who applied notes I gave them well with their own creativity. On top of your amazing resume and reel/samples you could offer to do a cut or recut of something the company already has - to show your directability and willingness to engage and go the extra mile.

I started to edit a video same time as I started to shoot it. And I have been working with video editing for years in news gathering and broadcast. But then I began to make a documentary film, I realized the difference between video editing in news and documentary. Because the last thing is mainly about the narrative, the first is about like show over. So find a reel for your portfolio that answers your willings and job tasks.

I was lucky to work with the famous Dutch documentary film director Jessica Gorter. She taught me many many told how to create a narrative story in documentary filmmaking, and how to edit it, even how to shoot. This was an experience I'd never had in University or from some online courses as I studied to film from Europe filmmakers from Sweden. So, If you can work with a professional on the project - grab it. It would be paid you back.

Adding a personal perspective to this advice, I'd emphasize the importance of actively engaging with the content and professionals you follow. For instance, when watching tutorials or taking online courses, practice the techniques in your own projects to reinforce your learning. Additionally, participating in forums or online communities isn't just about asking questions—it's also about contributing your own insights and helping others, which can deepen your understanding and establish you as a knowledgeable member of the community. Networking with other video editors can lead to mentorship opportunities, collaborations, and even job offers.

There are many videos on YouTube, content creators putting out videos on editing. You can learn from them. One thing is learning but the most important is taking action. Once you put into practice what you learned, post that content. You will only get better with each video. Plus while you are posting content, you can learn from others what they like or dont like to help you get better.

Learning from others is crucial in any industry, I studied Digital Media at University and heavily covered a lot of video editing software in my modules; I made sure to use the guides that the university had to offer and to always ask questions to get better insight into the software that I am using. Asking questions is absolutely crucial if you wish to excel within your chosen field, I was mostly self taught until I attended university and once I started learning under professionals in the industry my skills truly began to excel.

Follow industry leaders on platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Watch tutorials, read blogs, and listen to podcasts to gain insights into advanced techniques and trends in video editing.

You can use any opportunities and workshops where your colleagues are promoted if you're in a network. This is a good runway for developing and groing up in a career. Do not hesitate to use any project, even if pro bono, as you won't expect to get some money. NGOs often need volunteers, which is an outstanding platform for your portfolio.

Ensure that you take on any opportunity that is thrown your way as you never know which one will end up being a lead into your career. Actively seek out potential work experiences using online services like Indeed and LinkedIn as there are many good opportunities on there. If you are in education studying for this field make sure that you keep an eye out in your university emails for any potential opportunity.

Don't be afraid to be an assistant. That's the best way to start and learn! Be proactive and edit as much as you can. There are tons of resources to gather video clips and assemble a story. That's how I started: I freelanced and worked on personal projects to build my portfolio. Then, I applied for a job as an assistant editor. After a few months, I became the main editor. Reach out, apply and work on your craft.

Apply for opportunities: Don’t hesitate to apply to internships or jobs even if you’re just starting out. Platforms like LinkedIn, Upwork, Fiverr, and Indeed have many listings. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each opportunity, highlighting your video editing skills.

Showcasing your work in a portfolio is great but also post your work on YouTube, platforms where your ideal client profile is. If you are not posting it out for others to see, no one will know you even exist. Also share your story. Everyone loves to know how you got to where you are how you got into video editing.

Your resume and portfolio should help showcase your value but ultimately in an interview the best way to sell yourself is through words and actions, explain any creative decisions you made with your portfolio, why you are the ideal candidate and why you stand out amongst your peers.

Showcase your value: When applying, focus on how you can solve specific problems. For instance, mention how your editing style can increase engagement, create an emotional impact, or align with the company's brand.

Showcase your work on social media platforms and don't hesitate to talk about your work, build a network and you can ask for referral too.

Follow up and follow through: After applying, follow up with potential employers or clients to show your continued interest. Once you land the role, always follow through on your promises and deliver quality work on time.

To excel, it's not just technical skills; we must grasp emotions, psychology, and cultural nuances for storytelling. Dive into various projects, even beyond comfort zones. Diverse styles expand horizons and adaptability. Collaboration is key. Mentors, peers, and clients offer inspiration and growth, challenging biases for refined craft. Constructive criticism enhances results, not setbacks. 'Learning and growing' isn't one-time; it's ongoing dedication. Stay curious, humble, and relentless for mastery. This mindset elevates us and video editing, crafting impactful narratives worldwide.

- Your eyes are your first camera. - Wake up every day and be curious for everything, not just videomaking-related things. - Organize your routine and all other aspects of your life. This will make you able to improve quicker.

Keep learning and growing: The video editing industry is constantly evolving. Invest in learning new software like Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, or DaVinci Resolve. Stay updated with the latest editing trends, such as 3D animations or AI-assisted tools.

Two things to know about a video internship. 1. You Have to be a Jack-of-All-Trades! That means learning writing, shooting, editing, audio, motion graphics, software and even copyright law. Google and YouTube are your friends, but one the best resources I know of for learning about the craft in all facets is creativecow.net. Search anything you like and you’ll find answers and mentors. 2. Learn to Take Constructive Criticism. As an intern, you’re there to achieve someone else’s vision. By all means, pitch your approach! But remember, it is ONE of MANY possible solutions. The goal is to find the BEST creative solution. When in doubt whether to push your approach or not, ask yourself this: Is it a Hill Worth Dying On?

It may sound counter intuitive, but there will be some employers who actually prefer you lack experience in certain areas – often more subjective ones. If you can be trained their way without much resistance or un-learning, they will prefer that. Working in creative industries requires creativity and execution of that creativity. If you are applying for jobs that require more execution, consider advertising your compatibility with the visions of others more than your own creative capabilities. That may not be where you want to be long term, but humility and eagerness to contribute to the visions of others will get you far.

Landing a video editing internship or job requires a combination of skills, experience, networking, and a strong application. Constantly develop your editing skills by learning different software and plugins. Build a portfolio to show what you can do. Get experience working for other people, first for free then by getting paid. Attend events to network with potential clients. Stay persistent and positive until you reach your revenue goals. It takes work, but you can do it.

Network within the community: Build relationships with other video editors and creators. Attend virtual or in-person industry events, workshops, or webinars. Being active in online communities can open doors to job opportunities.