Results
🎬 Welcome to The Blade Podcast!
This is the podcast where we talk about film production, post-production, branding, and marketing.
I’m your host, Lungile, and in today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of video editing—what it means to be an editor, how to get started, and how to survive and thrive in the post-production industry.
If you’ve ever been curious about becoming a video editor in South Africa’s entertainment industry, this episode is for you!
What Does a Video Editor Do?
As a video editor, your job is to take raw footage and shape it into a compelling story.
This can include:
- Movie trailers
- Music videos
- Corporate videos
- TV promos
- Commercials
- Documentaries
Sometimes, editors work as freelancers, sometimes they’re hired full-time by companies, and other times they work as solo entrepreneurs.
The process usually starts after production—once the footage has been shot, it’s up to the editor to put everything together and bring the director’s vision to life.
The Essential Tools of a Video Editor
As an editor, you need to master video editing software. The most commonly used programs include:
✅ Adobe Premiere Pro – Industry-standard for film, TV, and online content.
✅ DaVinci Resolve – Powerful for editing and color grading (used by Hollywood).
✅ Avid Media Composer – Popular in high-end film and TV productions.
✅ Final Cut Pro X – Used mostly by Mac-based editors, especially for fast turnaround projects.
If you’re just starting out, Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve are great options.
A Day in the Life of a Video Editor
When working as a freelance editor, you’ll typically get a call from a client who says:
"Hey, I have a project. I need it edited."
They’ll send you anywhere from 5 to 15 hours of raw footage, and your job is to cut that down to a 3-minute trailer or a full-length video.
This process involves:
- Watching All the Footage – You need to review every clip to find the best moments.
- Organizing the Timeline – Cutting out unnecessary footage and structuring a sequence.
- Adding Music & Sound Design – Selecting the right soundtrack to set the tone.
- Incorporating Graphics & Effects – Using motion graphics, transitions, or animations.
- Color Correction & Grading – Enhancing the video’s look to match the project’s style.
- Final Review & Client Feedback – Delivering the edit and making adjustments as needed.
How to Get Started as a Video Editor in South Africa
1. Learn the Software & Practice Editing
- Download Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Avid Media Composer.
- Practice by editing your own short videos, music videos, or documentaries.
- Watch YouTube tutorials on advanced editing techniques.
2. Build a Strong Portfolio
- Start editing short films, social media content, or music videos.
- Create a showreel showcasing your best work.
- Upload your videos to Vimeo, YouTube, or a personal website.
3. Network & Find Job Opportunities
- Join Facebook groups for filmmakers and video editors in South Africa.
- Attend film festivals, industry events, and networking meetups.
- Reach out to production houses, YouTubers, and small businesses looking for video content.
4. Get Your First Editing Gig
- Offer free or low-cost edits to gain experience.
- Apply for internships or entry-level positions at production companies.
- Work on student films or indie projects to get real-world experience.
5. Develop Your Own Editing Style
- Experiment with different cuts, transitions, and storytelling techniques.
- Watch movies, TV shows, and commercials to analyze professional editing styles.
- Follow top video editors and study their workflows.
Advanced Editing Techniques & Industry Tips
1. Master Keyboard Shortcuts
- Editing fast and efficiently is key to making a living as an editor.
- Learn the keyboard shortcuts for your editing software—it will save you hours.
2. Use High-Speed Storage & Hardware
- Use SSDs (Solid State Drives) – Faster editing and rendering times.
- Upgrade your RAM – Video editing requires a powerful computer.
- Use a gaming mouse or programmable buttons for quick workflow improvements.
3. Work on a Server or Cloud Storage
- Many bigger production companies use servers to store footage.
- As a freelancer, invest in a RAID storage system for backups.
- Cloud-based storage like Google Drive or Dropbox helps keep projects organized.
4. Improve Your Storytelling & Creativity
- Editing is more than just cutting clips—it’s about telling a great story.
- Watch well-edited movies, music videos, and ads to study pacing, rhythm, and emotion.
- Learn how to edit to music to enhance storytelling.
5. Keep Learning & Stay Updated
- Technology changes fast—new updates, plugins, and techniques emerge all the time.
- Follow editing blogs, YouTube channels, and online courses to stay ahead.
Final Thoughts: Is Editing a Good Career in South Africa?
✔ Yes! The demand for content, digital media, and storytelling is bigger than ever.
✔ Video editors are needed in:
- Film & TV production
- Online content creation (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok)
- Corporate video production
- Advertising & marketing agencies
✔ It takes time to master, but editing is an amazing career path that allows you to work remotely, be creative, and earn a great income if you build your skills and reputation.
Let’s Connect!
🔥 Are you a video editor or trying to become one?
Drop a comment below if you’re watching on YouTube or leave a review if you’re listening on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts.
Wrap-Up
That’s it for this episode of The Blade Podcast! 🎙
📢 New episodes drop every Monday & Thursday at 10:00 AM (CAT).
Brought to you by Einhardt Films, a production agency helping businesses with film, branding, and marketing.
📧 Want to connect? Email me!
Until next time, keep editing, keep creating, and keep pushing forward! 🎬