The world of film and video editing is a fascinating blend of creativity and technical skill. Many aspiring filmmakers and storytellers are drawn to this profession, but a crucial question lingers: How Much Do Editors Make? This guide dives into the salary landscape for editors, providing insights into the factors that influence earnings.
The role of an editor is multifaceted. From feature films to documentaries, editors collaborate closely with directors and other creatives to shape the final product. Their responsibilities include:
- Ingesting, synchronizing, and labeling footage
- Organizing footage into bins
- Preparing scenes
- Building scenes
These tasks are crucial to the post-production process and directly impact the film’s narrative flow and overall impact.
Editor vs. Assistant Editor: Salary Differences
Before delving into specific numbers, it’s important to distinguish between editors and assistant editors (AEs). AEs play a supporting role, handling many of the organizational and technical tasks mentioned above. They often work longer stretches on a project, beginning before the editor and staying on through deliverables. As such, how much do assistant editors make relative to editors is an important consideration.
Here’s a breakdown of typical weekly rates, comparing union and non-union positions:
- Union AE: $2,500/week
- Union Editor: $5,000/week
- Non-Union AE: $1,500/week
- Non-Union Editor: $3,000/week
It’s evident that union positions offer significantly higher compensation. However, securing union membership often requires experience and can be competitive.
Factors Influencing Editor Salaries
Several factors can influence an editor’s earning potential:
- Union vs. Non-Union: As shown above, union membership can substantially increase income.
- Experience: More experienced editors command higher rates.
- Project Type: Feature films, documentaries, commercials, and television all have different budget structures, affecting editor salaries.
- Location: Editors in major film and television hubs like Los Angeles or New York City may earn more than those in smaller markets.
- Negotiation Skills: An editor’s ability to negotiate their rate is crucial.
- Film Budget: A higher budget allows for higher salaries
The Lengthy Process and the Realities of Post-Production
Feature film post-production can be a lengthy process, often spanning many months, or even years. A typical feature can take half a year, but this can vary depending on reshoots and producer acceptance. Some features can take years due to story issues requiring reshoots and additional funding. Documentary features are also known for their long post-production timelines, often lasting 3-5 years.
This extended timeline impacts editor salaries. While some editors might work on multiple projects per year, others might dedicate themselves to a single, lengthy film.
The Myth of the Million-Dollar Editor
While it’s true that a handful of elite editors can command substantial fees (millions per film), these are exceptions, not the rule. For most editors, the reality is closer to union scale or even less. Many top editors do not drive fancy cars or have nice houses.
The Rise of Color Grading
It’s also worth noting the increasing prominence of color grading in the post-production landscape. Top colorists can earn significant hourly rates, sometimes exceeding $1500/hour. This highlights the growing demand for specialized skills in post-production.
Conclusion: Is Editing a Lucrative Career?
The answer to “how much do editors make” is nuanced and depends on various factors. While the potential for high earnings exists, the majority of editors earn a more modest living. Passion, dedication, and continuous skill development are essential for success in this competitive field. While the field might not guarantee riches, a career in film editing offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful storytelling and shape the future of visual media.
