Tips on Pursuing Editing Jobs in the Field of Music Videos
Take Several Video Editing Classes
Submit an application to learn post-production in video editing and graphics classes at a local university. These programs include instruction on popular non-linear editing software programs that give you basic skills needed to get a music video job. College editing courses may last for about three months each if you take them individually. Save all of your work, including the source files to video editing projects on a 500GB external hard drive instead of the school computer. External hard drives allow you to transport the work from one computer to another while also keeping all necessary files in one place. A full two to four year program can provide more extensive knowledge and experience for students who want to get a music video editing job. Attending a variety of classes centered on video production, graphic design or special effects majors will also lead to college degrees that help you get hired for jobs.
Become a Music Video Intern
Apply for an internship at a video production company that specializes in music videos. Use your opportunities as an intern to learn how these videos are recorded on set and remote locations that make them ready for effects during the editing process. Accept as many job positions as possible during the internship to get a full understanding of creative and technical music video elements. Production company internships can help you learn different ways to use green screen backgrounds and perform stunts. Internships may put you in a better position to get a music video editing job faster than an unknown applicant at the production company.
Study Online Video Editing Tutorials
Watch online videos that provide instructions on how to create specific video effects using a desktop computer. Many websites publish free video content that allow viewers to learn editing tips and tricks at their own pace. Online videos can also help refine the skills you already learned while displaying new ways to add transitions, animations and other graphics. The access to instructional video content will be useful when you are hired to create music video effects for paying clients.
Work as an Assistant to Gain Credibility
Apply for a full-time job as an assistant video editor at post-production facilities that assemble the final cuts to music videos. This job will help you learn new trends in the music video effects business while making money to buy editing equipment or pay for school related expenses. Ask the main editor how to create specific music video effects that were not covered in post-production classes at school. He or she can also become your unofficial mentor when priority jobs are completed each workday. Assistant editor positions will build your resume and reduce unemployment while trying to get a music video editing job at new production companies.
Review Video Editing Trends
Read video trade magazines that publish instructional material, interviews and electronics reviews. These publications will provide new ways to learn video effects that are yet to be practiced in your market. Reading new material on video effects and related tools that help create them will give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs in the music, television and film industries. Pay special attention to effects that were used in web or film projects but have not made their way into music videos. Some trade magazines also publish classifieds sections that you can use as one resource to get a music video editing job.
For tips on producing a music video, read Tips on How to Make Music Videos.
