Want to become a film editor, would like to move to LA to begin (Los Angeles: apartment, lease)

[hist135]

What's in Atlanta? Is it inexpensive?

[nightlysparrow]

Lots of filmmaking there. And way less expensive.

[Cinema Cat]

Don't waste money on film school. Don't come to Los Angeles (yet).

You can do film editing (I assume you mean digital video editing, not actual film stock) anywhere, and email the video files back and forth to your employer. Lots visual effects and animation are done overseas (it's cheaper), and the work product is emailed back and forth from Los Angeles to ... wherever.

Learn video editing in Texas. Buy an editing program, teach yourself. If you need help, take a course (but you don't need an expensive degree program).

More important than a degree are your editing credits and work samples.

Lots of independent films are shot in Texas, especially around Austin. Find low end projects on Craigslist. You can also network with the indie film community in Austin to seek better projects. Check out the local organizations and unions to see who's working on projects. Go to local film festivals to network.

Offer to assist for free. When you feel ready, offer to edit for free. First shorts. Then features.

Try to hook up with quality projects. Films that look likely to win awards on the festival circuit. Try not to waste your time doing free work on dreck. You can learn by editing dreck films. But eventually, you'll want some quality films among your credits.

Once you've some quality editing credits under your belt, you'll be in a better position to ask to be paid. And you'll be a better position to move to L.A. if you still want to.

[hist135]

Actually I do want to go to film school. I want to get myself to work with people, since I'm a withdrawn person. Instead of editing I actually more so prefer to create my own presentations and my own stories. That would require directing and screenwriting, but I'm currently not a good leader (and also withdrawn) and I don't like to write. I thought film editing would be a good start for me before going into these other areas, and I'm very good at it. I can practice working with people, and maybe someday I can create my own stuff.

I've been thinking about Austin, but wasn't sure about jobs until you replied.

[Cinema Cat]

Sound recording is also a good place to start.

Many more people aspire to become directors and cinematographer, than sound recordists and mixers.

I was told early on, if you want to break into film production, you have a better chance if you learn sound than camera. A good soundman (or woman) is harder to find than a good DP, so you'll have less competition.

I didn't take that advice. But then, I never wanted to do production. I preferred working in the business end.

[hist135]

I have much more experience doing sound editing/mixing than film editing. I have created fine works of art through Audacity. I got tired of doing it and wanted to do film again, but maybe I can strive for it some more if you suggest it.

I decided I want to try community college instead of expensive film school.

[eureka1]

Wise choice.

[oldtrader]

Problem, is there are so many graduates and few openings, it is about impossible to even get a job in the industry.

I have a nephew that had the same type dream you have, and found that when he applied for a job at Disney, they hired him to be the captain of the jungle cruise boat, and he is the one that sank it and got fired over that. He was in communication with a number of other people that got that degree, and none of them could find work, and this was from a top college which gets preference over the lower quality schools.

To get a job, he went back to college and got a degree in education, specializing in children with special needs, where he has worked every since.

The degree you want is in the communication field, with few openings, and lots of graduates. One of the most worthless degrees, with very low pay according to experts. Do a lot of checking as to a future in that industry, before spending the time getting educated.

Today, you don't edit film, as all movies are shot digital today. The last movie made on film, happened 2 or 3 years ago, and got the publicity of it being the last one. One problem in you chosen industry, is that so many graduates are taking courses that teach them to edit computer generated copy, which is the old film editors courses.

I have a 17 year old grandson with 2 partners around the country, are developing a video game. My grandson is the one doing the automation. They figure another 6 months to a year, it will be finished. They have been working with a company that sells games, and they have told the kids as soon as it is finished, they want to take it to market, it is that good. Three young men, who have not even gone to college yet, who are doing what you want to go to college to learn how to do.

[Coast 2 Coast]

Originally Posted by hist135

Hello. I am currently a 34 year old man who would like to start life anew. I would like to go to school to become a film editor. I have done research online and feel that I should go to school where the film industry is at (Los Angeles). I know that by going to school in LA, I would be networked to many editors of the industry, where I can find an externship. I may also find much more success there than where I live. I don't really know exactly how to start, but being a person my age, I would like to start off right, without too many detours that would take longer to be where I want to be.

Right now I live in Texas, and moving to a university or film school in LA would be quite costly as an out-of-state. I have a plan to first go to a community college in LA, stay until I gain residency, then go to a university or film school, if need be.

Is this the right way to go? Thank you for your help.

Don't know if anyone mentioned this yet, as I'm just jumping right in here to respond.

You don't need to go to school to become and editor (TV, Documentaries, Film, whatever). You need to have a passion for film and for creating stories with images. I'm sure there are some editors who went to Tisch or USC etc and work in the industry, but I don't know any. All the editors I know started as PA's and hustled. Get yourself Avid and possibly Final Cut or Premiere, and jump in. Do you know anyone in the industry out in LA ? Have you done any editing ?

[Coast 2 Coast]

Originally Posted by hist135

Hello. I am currently a 34 year old man who would like to start life anew. I would like to go to school to become a film editor. I have done research online and feel that I should go to school where the film industry is at (Los Angeles). I know that by going to school in LA, I would be networked to many editors of the industry, where I can find an externship. I may also find much more success there than where I live. I don't really know exactly how to start, but being a person my age, I would like to start off right, without too many detours that would take longer to be where I want to be.

Right now I live in Texas, and moving to a university or film school in LA would be quite costly as an out-of-state. I have a plan to first go to a community college in LA, stay until I gain residency, then go to a university or film school, if need be.

Is this the right way to go? Thank you for your help.

Forgot to mention ... You should look for a job specifically as a post PA. From there you can work your way up and become an assistant editor. This is the best and fastest way.