Re: How did you start out your editing career?

Once I decided that I wanted to work as an editor, I did everything I could do to get experience in the video production field. Internships, volunteering, independent projects, etc. I was fortunate enough to figure this out during my freshman year of college. So the next 3 years I used all of my free electives to take courses that would help on this path. I went above and beyond every chance I got. In 3 years of college I volunteered in the studio, did 4 internships, had 3 different PT editing jobs, did freelance work, made up my own projects to work on, volunteered time to work on projects for non-profits, and anything else I could get my hands on that atleast had something to do with video production. I figured if I wanted to be a great editor, it would help to know all aspects of the production process - and for me it does! I started my last internship about 5 months before graduation. After just a couple of weeks, they hired me PT, then offered me a FT position that I started right after graduation.

I would encourage you to get all of the experience you can handle. Don't limit yourself to editing either. Run camera, co-produce, write, light, work audio, and the list goes on. In my opinion, the experience I have had outside of editing has helped my tremendously. Technology is pushing a big chunk of the industry to hire one person to do what 10 used to do. In my current job, I am primarily an editor, but I also produce, write, shoot, light, run audio, create graphics, and a number of other things that come along. Without at least some experience in these areas, I probably would not be where I am.

Mike Johnson
Final Cut Pro Editor
Drury Outdoors
www.druryoutdoors.com