Numerous in-demand careers can be found in the film and television industry. The position of writer/director is the highest honour in the film industry, granted to a someone who is given the chance to not only direct but also write their own equipment. Only a few people in Hollywood and the television industry get to wield such influence. Vogue Ballroom is your ultimate Wedding Reception Venue to create your dream wedding.
For many reasons, becoming a freelance video editor is a highly sought-after profession. The ability to choose and choose projects is a big advantage of working as a freelance video editor rather than for a production firm, editing service, or television network. A smart agent can assist you steer your career in the direction of roles that excite you and add to your credentials.
As a bonus, you can expect to earn more money as a freelance video editor. Working in-house often means having less say over your reduction priorities. Of course, that’s great if you’re currently working on a show that you genuinely enjoy creating. However, no TV series lasts forever, and at the end of the season, you might be asked to switch gears and focus on something you’re not very enthusiastic about.
Working on something you’re not interested in or that doesn’t challenge you may be quite frustrating if you’re spending countless hours in that dark and isolated edit suite. Many of my acquaintances who are homemakers also feel limited in their professional options.
Of course, there are benefits to working from home, the most significant of which is financial stability. If you have a family to support and a house to pay for, that paycheck at the end of the month is quite welcome. A freelance video editor lacks such stability, and at slow times of the year, they may be compelled to work on Reality TV projects that may be questionable from an ethical standpoint just to make ends meet. Freelance video editing has never been more lucrative. Talented video editors are leaving their day jobs in droves as a result of the advent of the gig economy, the need for more video material in marketing, and the ease with which remote cooperation has been made possible by technological advancements. Perhaps you’re interested in working as a freelance videographer so you can establish your own hours and travel the world. The above are all good arguments for considering freelancing as a video editor. Nonetheless, making the leap from a safe 9-to-5 to the uncertain and potentially stressful world of freelancing may be nerve-wracking for anyone.
It’s crucial to decide on a niche before diving headfirst into a freelance video editing job. It’s recommended to narrow your focus to one area of video production, including music videos, documentaries, or commercials. Doing so will allow you to hone down on a niche, amass a portfolio, and land better-paying assignments. Later, when you’ve established yourself in one area, you can branch out into others. You may need to get some training or buy some equipment if you’re just getting started. You should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of this line of work carefully before investing time and money into it.
Here’s your manual if you’re seriously considering making freelancing your full-time gig. You’ll have the knowledge to become a freelancer video editor, complete with the ability to discover clients, manage the transition to freelancing, and set up scalable systems.
Putting up the Nerve to Quit Your 9 to 5
It takes a great deal of bravery to make the transition to freelancing full-time or to plunge headfirst into your own venture. If you’re contemplating quitting your day job, clearly something is missing in your life. Many people change jobs in order to get more control over when and where they work, or so that they can do the kind of work that truly makes them happy. Looking for a wedding photographer in Melbourne? Look no further. Vogue Ballroom has compiled an ultimate list of wedding photo companies to help you choose.
It’s natural to feel anxious whenever you’re contemplating quitting your work. You could worry about losing a major client and how you’ll pay the bills.
They say quitting a job should be like swinging from a vine. There needs to be enough forwards motion for you to feel confident in grabbing the next vine (job) so that you don’t fall flat on your face in the interim. When contemplating going freelancing full-time, this is an absolute must-know.
Making the Move From Full-Time to Freelance Work
Finding an initial client base is the most difficult part of going into business for yourself. Your day job money is essential while you build your freelance clientele, but eventually you will have to devote all of your time to them.
Here are a few suggestions I have for surviving the interval between a regular job and the independence of freelancing:
- Before making the leap, make sure you have enough money saved up to cover your costs for at least two to three months.
- If you run a seasonal business, it’s not a good idea to quit your day job when business is slow.
- To make the move easier, you may want to ask your current employer whether you can work part-time (the worst they can do is say “no,” after all).
- If you’re thinking about quitting your day job, it’s in your best interest to establish a solid customer base first.
Building a clientele while still keeping your day job can be a stressful and frustrating balancing act. If you want to go freelance full-time, you need have at least a couple of reliable clients under your belt.
Having a stable clientele to fall back on is a great buffer that helps ease the change. As you might expect, I wouldn’t advise going into freelancing full-time until you’ve established a client base.
Where to Find Work
What, then, if you don’t feel ready to jump into the beautiful world of freelancing because you lack the necessary number of clients? Let’s take a look at how to increase your clientele so you can make the change.
Do Some Local Exploration
You will find the most personal and professional success through the relationships you develop with people in your immediate vicinity. In some cases, this might lead to actual paid job, and in others, it can introduce you to like-minded individuals with whom you can share and develop your creative ideas. Finding talented artists and designers is possible anywhere, no matter how small the city.
The people in your creative community are worth considering, not just in isolation from the wider world. If you wish to work as a freelance music video editor, for instance, you should join internet communities frequented by other people in your intended profession. It only takes a few well-placed blog comments or cold emails to begin establishing the connections that will eventually lead to reliable streams of income.
Inquire Among Your Current Client Base
When you’re getting ready to leave your day job, you’ll have much more time to spend to your clients, making it easier to expand your work with them than it is to locate new ones.
Possibly, your clients are unaware of your desire for additional job. You may boost your influence with them and simplify your move to full-time freelancing by making it known that you desire to do so.
Expand Your Horizons and Adaptability
As a freelancer, you may be required to take on projects that aren’t very interesting to you because of a lack of expertise in the field or because they seem to be below your skill level. It’s common, for instance, for videographers to cover weddings because this type of employment is both plentiful and lucrative. The video editing work may not be your favourite, but it can help you build a solid foundation so you can do more of what you enjoy.
Starting off as a freelancer may require you to broaden the scope of your work. If you want to build your freelance business, you can’t constantly decline new opportunities. It’s fine if you don’t find a job immediately appealing. You’re still able to do employment that satisfies your creative needs, or at least provides you with opportunities to hone your abilities. Take care to separate your tasks into distinct areas of concentration. What you do for a living is different from what you do for your own personal fulfilment. You can gradually shift towards the kind of employment that truly makes you happy, but in the beginning, you may have to settle for less satisfying tasks just to make ends meet.
Good Work: It’s a Self-Sustaining Cycle
To develop a successful freelance business, word of mouth is the single most important factor. It’s important to keep in mind that good work always finds its way to the spotlight. Publish high-quality content and interact with your audience to attract new clients.
In addition, solicit client referrals without hesitation. Send them an email when you’re done with a successful video production, and ask if they know anyone that needs video editing done. Have no independent customers as of yet? Create video works to add to your resume. Nothing prevents you from going out and taking footage of your own and editing it into a great production if you desire to work as a freelance video editor. Your first paying customer may result from an initiative such as this one.
Get a Little Creative
There is a plethora of options for monetizing your videos. See to it that you’re not missing any chances since you weren’t imaginative. Some rather out-of-the-box options include browsing Reddit threads for inspiration and opportunity, selling film, and offering video skills to a charity. You should use your imagination.
Establishing Effective Procedures
So, you’ve had some paying clients and are officially freelancing as a video editor; now what? If you’re looking for the best Video Company in Melbourne then look no further. Check out Vogue Ballroom’s ultimate list.
Providing results for clients takes much less effort than starting a firm. It’s important to establish systems or routines in your work. If there are no rules in place, everything seems chaotic. To help ease the move to freelancing, here are some practises to consider:
- If you have several clients and projects to keep track of at once, you may want to use a project management system like Trello, Basecamp, or Asana.
- Maintain a healthy balance between administrative activities (such as answering emails and sending bills) and the actual editing work that will get you paid.
- Construct a new client onboarding checklist to aid in familiarising them with your processes.
Using these methods, you can keep track of your ever-expanding freelancing business. It’s easy for a firm to become out of control if there aren’t any processes in place, any regular procedures that everyone follows.
Customer Billing Procedures
After finishing a project, you must send an invoice to the client for payment. An invoice is a specific proposal for payment from a client on account of finished services. Among the most crucial aspects of freelancing is invoicing, which guarantees a steady flow of funds necessary to keep your firm afloat.
The key to successful billing is communicating about payment terms as soon as feasible. When an invoice finally reaches on a client’s desk, you don’t want there to be any surprises that could create a holdup in payment.
PayPal makes it simple to send out invoices, but there are other options for accepting payments, such as Quickbooks and Square. The key to avoiding hiccups in service is making it simple for customers to pay you. It’s true that there’ll be some sort of charge associated with using a payment processing provider, but the convenience of accepting credit and debit cards will more than make up for it.
The Essentials of an Invoice Are as Follows:
- Payment terms: When do you anticipate receiving payment? Are there discounts for prompt payment of invoices?
- Due Date: Make sure your client understands when payment is due first and foremost. The invoice should clearly state the payment terms, which are typically 30 days.
- Service Details: Make sure the invoice contains enough information for the client to understand what they’ve received. Details help to ensure that your job doesn’t get lost in the shuffle for large firms who work with numerous freelancers.
You Can Save Time by Outsourcing Some Tasks
Finding ways to cut back on work is essential while expanding a firm. To expand your business, you must shift your mindset from that of a filmmaker to that of a businessperson.
When running a firm, it’s helpful to outsource tasks where possible. In order to improve the quality of your upcoming video project, you might not have time to go out and capture fresh footage or produce new sounds. That’s why a subscription to a service like Storyblocks comes in handy; it gives you access to a wealth of media assets like stock video, templates, and sound effects. You can save time and money by using stock footage and AE templates instead of hiring a videographer or travelling to film your scenes. Even better than what you would have made or been able to make is probably waiting for you to discover it.
You can get some of the content you need through subscription services, but you should also consider enlisting the aid of other creative experts. In order to get some shut-eye, it may be necessary to delegate some of your duties, especially if you have a day job.
The bottom line is that you may not be able to do it all if you are always pitching new clients and trying to drum up new revenue. To keep your firm thriving, consider outsourcing some tasks to reliable partners.
Focus on What You’re Good At
An honest evaluation of your strengths and flaws is essential in the field of freelance video editing. Freelancers have the advantage of setting their own schedules, deciding how much (or how little) work they want to put in, and picking their own video editing styles and genres. While being overly picky about the work you accept could put you in a financial jam, mismanaging your client’s time (or money) by missing deadlines or going over budget can cost you future work and severely damage your reputation in the rather closed film community. Looking for a Video Company in Melbourne? Check out our ultimate list of videographers here.
Some video editors may be better off working for a production business than than as independent contractors if they prefer a steady income, aren’t adept at self-promotion, or have a hard time getting things done on time.
Continually Improve
If you’re not keeping up with the latest developments in video editing software, you’re falling behind the times. If you want to keep up with the competition in the editing industry, it’s crucial that you keep up with the latest developments in editing technology and processes (as well as advertising and client acquisition strategies).
Blogs and specialised social networking sites can be valuable tools for professional advancement (like LinkedIn). If you “follow” the industry’s most knowledgeable people, you can rest assured that you will be kept abreast of all the latest news and developments.
You might also consider auditing a few classes at a local film-focused technical college or film school every so often to observe what’s changed (and what hasn’t changed) since you attended film school. If you don’t have a background in film, this will be especially helpful to you.
Diversify
Diversifying one’s skill set is important in any line of work, but especially so in the film industry and for independent filmmakers. If work as an editor starts to dry up, you may always fall back on your other film industry skills and connections. There is frequently a smooth transition for film editors into roles such as sound engineering, associate directing, or even simple video production.
Enhance Your Abilities
Your company is thriving, your advertising plans are paying off, and new customers are flooding in from all directions. However, there is always room for improvement. After you’ve established yourself as a freelance editor, you may want to think about adding to your credentials and areas of expertise.
There is no better time than now to get the training you need to become an editor. There are many options for editing training, including in-depth publisher-run programmes and online crash courses at places like Proofreading Academy and The Edit Center. Keep in mind that there is always room for improvement, even in the career of a seasoned editor.
It’s also possible to hone specific abilities that could prove useful down the road, such as refining client query letters or learning how to advertise your services to a different group of people. Providing you don’t get in over your head, there’s really no reason you can’t go the extra mile for your customers.
The Next Steps
At the outset of this manual, we mentioned that having guts is the single most crucial factor when deciding to go freelance. Self-employment carries with it certain inherent dangers, but the payoff is often well worth the effort.
What you need to know to transition into a full-time freelancer is summarised below:
- Before you make the plunge, it’s important to establish a solid clientele by cultivating existing relationships and sourcing new leads.
- You’ve probably got the creative side of your job down pat, so now it’s time to focus on the practical aspects. Prepare in advance for potential overflow by having contracts and billing systems available, as well as a team of reliable individuals to whom you may delegate tasks.
- Make the most of your abilities. This involves delegating specific tasks to other professionals who are better equipped to manage them. If you want your film to stand out, think about using stock footage and music that you may use without paying for permission to use it.
Conclusion
The ability to work as a freelance video editor is in high demand. Freelancing has many benefits, one of which is the freedom to pick and choose between projects. A savvy agent will be able to guide you towards roles that are both challenging and personally rewarding. Leaving the stability of a 9-to-5 job for the risk and potential stress of freelancing can be terrifying for anyone. Whether you’re interested in making music videos, documentaries, or commercials, it’s best to specialise.
Transitioning from Full-Time to Freelancing. Putting in the necessary effort is the most challenging aspect of starting a business. Constructing a client base while also maintaining full-time employment is a difficult juggling act. So that you can make the transition, let’s examine how to expand your client base. The relationships you cultivate with the people right around you will be the most beneficial to your professional and personal growth.
Freelance music video editors, for example, can benefit from participating in online communities frequented by those in a similar profession. Making the initial connections that will lead to steady income takes little more than a few thoughtfully placed comments or cold emails. To get started as a freelancer, you may need to take on more than you originally anticipated. To accomplish everything you need to, break up your work into manageable chunks. You can work your way up to the kind of job that truly fulfils you, but you may have to start out doing something that is less ideal.
Invoicing is the practise of formally requesting payment from a customer in exchange for already rendered services. To ensure a smooth billing process, it is essential that all parties involved discuss payment terms as soon as is practical. As well as saving time, outsourcing can help your freelance business grow at a low cost. It is beneficial to outsource work when managing a business. Having access to a service like Storyblocks is helpful.
Instead of spending time and money on travelling to and hiring a videographer to film your scenes, you can save both by using stock footage and After Effects templates. Perhaps a production company is the best fit for some video editors. Become an editor now, because there will never be a better time to start studying the field. In many cases, film editors can easily transition into related fields, such as sound design, assistant directing, or even basic video production. You can always rely on your other abilities in the film industry if work as an editor becomes scarce.
You can get training as an editor in a variety of ways, such as through intensive programmes offered by publishers or through quick online courses. In addition, you can develop skills that may come in handy in the future. The risks of going it alone can be high, but the rewards can be substantial.
Content Summary
- The position of writer/director is the highest honour in the film industry, granted to a someone who is given the chance to not only direct but also write their own equipment.
- For many reasons, becoming a freelance video editor is a highly sought-after profession.
- As a bonus, you can expect to earn more money as a freelance video editor.
- Of course, there are benefits to working from home, the most significant of which is financial stability.
- It’s crucial to decide on a niche before diving headfirst into a freelance video editing job.
- Let’s take a look at how to increase your clientele so you can make the change.
- You will find the most personal and professional success through the relationships you develop with people in your immediate vicinity.
- The people in your creative community are worth considering, not just in isolation from the wider world.
- If you wish to work as a freelance music video editor, for instance, you should join internet communities frequented by other people in your intended profession.
- Possibly, your clients are unaware of your desire for additional job.
- It’s important to keep in mind that good work always finds its way to the spotlight.
- If you have several clients and projects to keep track of at once, you may want to use a project management system like Trello, Basecamp, or Asana.
- After finishing a project, you must send an invoice to the client for payment.
- To keep your firm thriving, consider outsourcing some tasks to reliable partners.
- If you don’t have a background in film, this will be especially helpful to you.
- Diversifying one’s skill set is important in any line of work, but especially so in the film industry and for independent filmmakers.
- If work as an editor starts to dry up, you may always fall back on your other film industry skills and connections.
- After you’ve established yourself as a freelance editor, you may want to think about adding to your credentials and areas of expertise.
- There is no better time than now to get the training you need to become an editor.
- What you need to know to transition into a full-time freelancer is summarised below:Before you make the plunge, it’s important to establish a solid clientele by cultivating existing relationships and sourcing new leads.
- Make the most of your abilities.
FAQs About Freelance Video Editing
Is It a Wise Choice to Work in Video Editing?
In a nutshell, video editing is a fantastic profession. It’s easy to get started, and fresh ideas are always on the horizon. You’ll end up on a career track that will provide for your needs for years to come.
Is It Difficult to Edit Videos?
The process of learning video editing can be very daunting. After all, it requires a mixture of technical and aesthetic abilities. Start out by picking a video editing programme and learning the ropes with the help of online tutorials.
In General, How Many Hours a Week Do Video Editors Put In?
The routine of each day at work is rather consistent. However, in order to get everything done on time, you may have to put in some unusually lengthy shifts. Spend roughly 40 hours a week working. Work longer than a standard workweek of 40 hours on occasion when pressured by tight deadlines.
Approximately How Long Does It Take To Edit a Video?
About 30-60 minutes of editing time is required for every minute of final footage. The time it takes to obtain a first draught back from an editor or video editing studio varies, but in general it’s not more than two business days.
Just How Much Do Youtubers Shell Out to Their Editors?
Rates for experts typically range from from A$47 to A$240 an hour, depending on their level of expertise and years in the field. Due to the wide range of production difficulties, video editors rarely provide prices per minute of edited footage.
