Future-Proof Your Video Editing Skills: How to Stay Relevant in an AI-Driven Editing World

If your skillset only consists of technical know-how. Guess what? Your future as a video editor might be coming to an end.

But there are other skills that can future-proof your work for many years to come. So that you never become replaced by an AI editor.

Read this article to understand what makes an exceptional editor that becomes irreplaceable in the AI revolution.

Understanding the Impact of AI in Video Editing

The impact of AI on video editing is multifaceted. With benefits including improved workflow efficiency, cost savings, and scalability.

AI video editing tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated. With automated color correction, intelligent sound design, and advanced visual effects.

The tools not only streamlining the editing process but also enable editors to focus on the creative aspects.

The incorporation of AI in video editing will play a big role in shaping the future of the industry.

This progress also raises concerns about job displacement.

As AI takes over routine tasks, editors will need to focus on high-level creative decisions. And develop skills that complement AI capabilities.

I believe the future of video editing will be characterized by a harmonious blend of AI and human creativity.

The human editors who learn how to complement the AI editors will se a lot of success.

Foundational Video Editing Skills

Knowledge of editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Avid Media Composer is important for any film and video editor.

But those are just tools and many people have that type technical skills. So they can be easily replaced.

For film and video editors, social skills are equally important. And ofter overlooked, because you don’t have as much physical contact with them as others do.

But strong communication and networking abilities are still essential for career success. As editing requires a lot of collaboration and feedback.

The Right Mindset

Why do you think so many filmmakers work with the same crew in project after project?

Because forming a functioning team is the number one factor that will determine the success of your film. And if a person isn’t collaborative, it can ruin the entire project.

Therefore.

A solution-driven mindset and willingness to collaborate are essential social skills for all creatives. But filmmakers, they are deal-breakers.

Those skills are what get you through the door when it comes to bigger projects and high ticket clients.

If you don’t feel like you possess these traits today, don’t worry! I’ve had to work on them and so has every skilled creative.

One key for me has been, to understand that ITS NOT ABOUT YOU.

When I started acting as a child, I had this idea that becoming an actor would make everyone love me. And that it would place me in the center of attention.

The truth is that the story is in the center. And it’s actually not at all about me.

Therefore you need to learn how to put your ego aside and deliver what is needed for the project to be realised.

This means not being attached to your ideas. You might have spent weeks working on something, only to find that it doesn’t fit the project.

You cant take this personally, once again, its not about you and your ideas. Its about the story.

Technical Expertise

That being said.

If you want to know what the technical skills of a video editor are. Understanding the video editing process is crucial.

Here are some examples that will be relevant for a long time:

• Attention to detail is crucial in video editing, as small mistakes can have a big impact on the final product.

• Organizational skills are essential for managing multiple projects and assets, ensuring a smooth editing process.

• Time management is vital for meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality content on schedule.

• Adaptability is key in the ever-evolving video editing landscape, where new software and technologies emerge constantly.

• Knowledge of computer hardware and software is great for optimizing editing workflows and troubleshooting technical issues.

• Understanding color grading & sound design, is vital for producing high-quality content. Even if you somebody else is responsible for them, understanding the workflow will make you a better collaborator.

• Familiarity with AI-powered tools and their applications in video editing is becoming increasingly important.

• Knowledge of video editing workflows and pipelines is necessary for efficient collaboration and communication with other professionals.

• Understanding of formats and resolutions, including 4K and HDR, is becoming increasingly important.

Creative Vision and Storytelling

At the heart of filmmaking and video creation lies storytelling and having a vision.

I don’t care if you are making Youtube videos, short Instagram reels or feature films. You are still communicating with humans and not robots.

So you need to understand how to present the visual world and the story to the viewer so they can understand it.

They key to really bring value to a project. Is by having a unique vision and taste.

Try to look at the narrative from your perspective and figure out what YOU would want to do. Shape it in a way that unique to you.

Based on your life experience and curiosity.

Directing the Viewer’s Attention

Understanding how to spark the interest of a viewer and keep is key.

And I don’t mean this in a manipulative sense.

You should provide something that is of real value to the viewer. What is considered valuable depends on the format and topic.

If you are creating informative videos? Find out what information the viewer is looking for.

If you want to become really good at this. You need to start observing your own attention.

Figuring this out is easier for some types of videos then other.

Its usually more obvious for tutorials.

Personally, I continue watching if the pace of revelation (the speed in which information is presented) is high enough. And TO THE POINT:

If the video is talking about color correction, is talking about the flowers on the editors desk, I will close the video.

Because its not respecting my time and attention.

When it comes to feature films or any narrative film. I’ts all about how the story is set up in the beginning of the film.

Lets say it is a crime series, Im probably asking: Who is the killer? And in that case you as an editor need to be super focused on laying out ques to that answer.

If the editor suddenly starts to give a lot of time and attention to a love relationship. I might loose interest because as a viewer my attention is on finding the clues to the murder.

Networking

Networking is not about having the perfect CRM tool and killer e-mails.

Those things can be great, but the essential skill I’ve found is: finding mutual benefits.

You can have a really bad email and still get a lot of answers and engaged replies. As long as you find the right people to contact.

So, who are those people?

The way I look at this, they are:

• People who need your hard skills

• People who you vibe with

The Value of Vibing

You might not realise this the true value of finding people who you actually vibe with.

Its not only valuable because you feel good around those people.

The truth is, if you vibe its probably because you a lot of things in common like values and interests.

An AI will never not build a connection with its team members. Its just a tool.

If you connect and vibe with a person, you probably understand a that person’s vision and way of communication.

The Value of Hard Skills

This one is more obvious.

But if you can find people, who understand & need your skills.

For example, a client who doesn’t understand the power of video or video editing. Is probably not the right person to network with.

Same thing for a director who hates fast-paced editing. If your style is all about fast-paced editing.

That’s not a good fit!

That person won’t like your showreel. And even if you get to work with them you will need to do work that doesn’t come naturally to you.

Continue looking for people who are a better fit for your style and your hard skills.

Immerse yourself in a world and community of people that inspire you! And you will start finding those people naturally.

The Human Touch in AI-Driven Video Editing

AI can analyze footage, suggest edits, and automate routine tasks.

But it cannot replicate the emotional intelligence and creativity, that a human editor brings to storytelling.

The human touch is necessary to ensure that the final product has a consistent and stylistic look that supports the narrative.

While also connecting to the viewer in an emotional way.

In an AI-driven editing environment, editors will need to focus on high-level creative decisions.

Such as developing the story, selecting the right footage, and ensuring that the pacing and tone are consistent with the narrative.

The human touch will also be essential in ensuring that the final product is engaging, emotive, and resonates with the target audience.

And as a video editor its part of your job to understand the audience!

Navigating the Changing Landscape of Editing Software

To stay ahead of the curve, you need to be aware of the latest trends and developments in editing software.

This includes understanding the capabilities and limitations of different software options.

Tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Avid Media Composer. Constantly change and improve their software.

In addition to traditional editing software, AI-powered tools are becoming increasingly popular.

Editors need to be familiar with these tools and understand how to integrate them into their workflows.

By understanding AI capabilities and staying adaptable, you can thrive in an AI-driven editing environment.

And continue to produce high-quality content that engages and resonates with audiences.

Conclusion

There are technical skills that are necessary for a video editor.

But the soft-skills are ofter overlooked.

Considering how AI will continue to take over the technical aspects of video editing. Honing the human creativity is what will make your career last through the AI revolution.

Want to know other ways AI is changing filmmaking? Read my post: “10 Ways AI is Revolutionizing Independent Filmmaking & Best Tools to Use”

Key Takeaways:

• Become a great collaborator.

• Building a personal portfolio. Showcasing creative work that reflects the essence of who you are as a creative.

• Networking and building relationships is more valuable then ever.

• Understanding of the business side of video editing, including pricing and budgeting. Is necessary for running a successful business or advancing in a corporate environment.