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How a film / video editor can use AI, task by task

O*NET 27-4032.00: Film and Video EditorsMedian pay $75,420/year (BLS, May 2025)22 tasksJob Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

Your job title Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Editor, Film Editor, News Editor, News Video Editor, News Videotape Editor, Non-Linear Editor, Online Editor, Tape Editor, Television News Video Editor, Video Editor.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 8%AI-assist 62%Stays human 30%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 2 AI-ready, 13 AI-assist and 7 human-led tasks out of 22. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork

Thinking & planning

People & communication

Leading & teaching

Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

Review footage sequence by sequence to become familiar with it before assembling it into a final product.Create & design · Several times a day
Organize and string together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producers.Create & design · Several times a day
Select and combine the most effective shots of each scene to form a logical and smoothly running story.Create & design · Several times a day

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

Set up and operate computer editing systems, electronic titling systems, video switching equipment, and digital video effects units to produce a final product.Be there for people · Several times a day
Cut shot sequences to different angles at specific points in scenes, making each individual cut as fluid and seamless as possible.Hands-on work · Several times a day
Trim film segments to specified lengths and reassemble segments in sequences that present stories with maximum effect.Hands-on work · Daily

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

AI can draft these 2

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Verify key numbers and time codes on materials.

Several times a day

AI is a tireless first-pass checker.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 52% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a tireless proofreader. It catches inconsistencies, missing fields and errors across documents and data, so your review time goes on what matters.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to verify key numbers and time codes on materials.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, communications and media and telecommunications.
Data: [paste sample entries]
Source: [what it was entered from]

Find likely errors and suggest validation rules. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Data entry verification

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you verify key numbers.

Step 2Fill in [Data] and [Source] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Verify accuracy of data..

Develop post-production models for films.

Weekly

AI generates ideas and first drafts to choose from.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a brainstorming partner and first-draft machine for copy, concepts and variations. Your taste and judgment pick the winner.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to develop post-production models for films.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on fine arts, communications and media and telecommunications.
Product or offer: [what we're promoting]
Audience and channel: [who, where]

Give me 10 concept lines, then develop the best 2 into an ad, a short social post and a one-page flyer outline.

10-minute exercise: Promotional campaign materials

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop post-production models (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Product or offer] and [Audience and channel] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every claim is true before it goes out.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 3.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Develop promotional materials..

AI can help you prep these 13

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Review footage sequence by sequence to become familiar with it before assembling it into a final product.

Several times a day

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to review footage sequence by sequence to become familiar with it before assembling it into a final product.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on fine arts, communications and media and telecommunications.
Content: [film, broadcast, presentation]
Standards: [production, broadcast]

List review criteria and give feedback notes. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Review content

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you review footage sequence.

Step 2Fill in [Content] and [Standards] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Manage content of broadcasts or presentations..

Organize and string together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producers.

Several times a day

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to organize and string together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producers.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on fine arts, communications and media and telecommunications.
Footage or recording: [describe content, length]
Goal: [final length, audience, story]

Suggest a structure, cut list and pacing notes. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Edit plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you organize and string together raw footage.

Step 2Fill in [Footage or recording] and [Goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Trust your eye for the final edit.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Edit audio or video recordings..

Select and combine the most effective shots of each scene to form a logical and smoothly running story.

Several times a day

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to select and combine the most effective shots of each scene to form a logical and smoothly running story.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on fine arts, communications and media and telecommunications.
Footage or recording: [describe content, length]
Goal: [final length, audience, story]

Suggest a structure, cut list and pacing notes. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Edit plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you select and combine the most effective shots of each scene.

Step 2Fill in [Footage or recording] and [Goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Trust your eye for the final edit.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Edit audio or video recordings.. Also involves: Determine presentation subjects or content..

Review assembled films or edited videotapes on screens or monitors to determine if corrections are necessary.

Several times a day

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to review assembled films or edited videotapes on screens or monitors to determine if corrections are necessary.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on fine arts, communications and media and telecommunications.
Content: [film, broadcast, presentation]
Standards: [production, broadcast]

List review criteria and give feedback notes. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Review content

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you review assembled films or edited videotapes.

Step 2Fill in [Content] and [Standards] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Manage content of broadcasts or presentations..

Edit films and videotapes to insert music, dialogue, and sound effects, to arrange films into sequences, and to correct errors, using editing equipment.

Several times a day

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to edit films and videotapes to insert music, dialogue, and sound effects, to arrange films into sequences, and to correct errors, using editing equipment.

Context: We use Adobe After Effects and Adobe Photoshop; the work draws on fine arts, communications and media and telecommunications.
Footage or recording: [describe content, length]
Goal: [final length, audience, story]

Suggest a structure, cut list and pacing notes. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Edit plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you edit films and videotapes.

Step 2Fill in [Footage or recording] and [Goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Trust your eye for the final edit.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Edit audio or video recordings..

Manipulate plot, score, sound, and graphics to make the parts into a continuous whole, working closely with people in audio, visual, music, optical, or special effects departments.

Daily

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to manipulate plot, score, sound, and graphics to make the parts into a continuous whole, working closely with people in audio, visual, music, optical, or special effects departments.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on fine arts, communications and media and telecommunications.
Footage or recording: [describe content, length]
Goal: [final length, audience, story]

Suggest a structure, cut list and pacing notes. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Edit plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you manipulate plot (today).

Step 2Fill in [Footage or recording] and [Goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Trust your eye for the final edit.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Edit audio or video recordings..

Study scripts to become familiar with production concepts and requirements.

Daily

AI gives you a first-pass summary; you still read the key parts.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 75% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can pull out the key points and questions to look for. Use it as a first pass, then look closely yourself.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to study scripts to become familiar with production concepts and requirements.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, communications and media and telecommunications.
Script or treatment: [paste pages or a scene summary]
My department: [sets / costumes / lighting / locations / props]

Break this down for my department: a scene-by-scene list of requirements, locations or sets needed, special effects or items, and open questions to raise with the director.

10-minute exercise: Break down a script for requirements

Step 1Pick a script section you need to break down this week.

Step 2Paste it into [Script or treatment] and name your area in [My department].

Step 3Compare it with your own breakdown. Add what it missed, then take the open questions to the next production meeting.

Remove names and private details before pasting, and check your employer's rules on what you can share with AI tools.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Study scripts to determine project requirements..

Program computerized graphic effects.

Daily

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 55% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to program computerized graphic effects.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on fine arts, communications and media and telecommunications.
Project: [animation, effect]
Style and length: [describe]

Suggest shot breakdown, techniques and references. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Animation plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you program computerized graphic effects (today).

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Style and length] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Create computer-generated graphics or animation..

Determine the specific audio and visual effects and music necessary to complete films.

Daily

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 38% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to determine the specific audio and visual effects and music necessary to complete films.

Context: We use Adobe After Effects and Adobe Photoshop; the work draws on fine arts, communications and media and telecommunications.
Program or production: [show, season, schedule]
Audience and constraints: [length, budget]

Suggest content ideas and a schedule. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Choose content

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you determine the specific audio and visual effects and music (today).

Step 2Fill in [Program or production] and [Audience and constraints] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Determine presentation subjects or content..

Confer with producers and directors concerning layout or editing approaches needed to increase dramatic or entertainment value of productions.

Daily

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to confer with producers and directors concerning layout or editing approaches needed to increase dramatic or entertainment value of productions.

Context: We use TikTok and Apple Final Cut Pro.
Project: [artwork, set, production]
Partners: [clients, lighting, sound]

Draft questions and specs to agree. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Technical production details

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you confer with producers and directors concerning layout or editing approaches (today).

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Partners] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with others to determine technical details of productions..

Discuss the sound requirements of pictures with sound effects editors.

Weekly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to discuss the sound requirements of pictures with sound effects editors.

Context: We use Adobe After Effects and Avid Digidesign Pro Tools.
Project: [artwork, set, production]
Partners: [clients, lighting, sound]

Draft questions and specs to agree. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Technical production details

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you discuss the sound requirements of pictures (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Partners] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 4.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with others to determine technical details of productions..

Piece sounds together to develop film soundtracks.

Daily

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to piece sounds together to develop film soundtracks.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on fine arts, communications and media and telecommunications.
Footage or recording: [describe content, length]
Goal: [final length, audience, story]

Suggest a structure, cut list and pacing notes. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Edit plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you piece sounds together (today).

Step 2Fill in [Footage or recording] and [Goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Trust your eye for the final edit.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 3.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Edit audio or video recordings..

Conduct film screenings for directors and members of production staffs.

Weekly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to conduct film screenings for directors and members of production staffs.

Who: [clerks, staff, crew]
Information: [prices, schedule, changes]

Draft a clear message with exactly what they need to do. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Update coworkers

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conduct film screenings (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Who] and [Information] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 4.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Provide information to coworkers..

These stay human 7

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: every day · Contact with others: contact with others most of the time

Set up and operate computer editing systems, electronic titling systems, video switching equipment, and digital video effects units to produce a final product.

Several times a day

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to set up and operate computer editing systems, electronic titling systems, video switching equipment, and digital video effects units to produce a final product.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, communications and media and telecommunications.
Program: [show, remote]
Equipment: [console, remote setup]

Give me a pre-show checklist, contingency plan and on-air phrases for problems. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: On-air or broadcast operation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you set up.

Step 2Fill in [Program] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Rehearse the contingency phrases before going live.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.. Also involves: Edit audio or video recordings..

Cut shot sequences to different angles at specific points in scenes, making each individual cut as fluid and seamless as possible.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to cut shot sequences to different angles at specific points in scenes, making each individual cut as fluid and seamless as possible.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, communications and media and telecommunications.
What's involved: [shot sequences: where, when, who's affected]

Make me a step-by-step checklist to cut shot sequences, the details I should double-check before I start, and a 3-line template for noting it's done.

10-minute exercise: Checklist: shot sequences

Step 1Before you next cut shot sequences, fill in [What's involved] with the real details.

Step 2Strike any step that doesn't match how your workplace does it, and add what only experience teaches.

Step 3Afterward, note it with the 3-line template and one thing you'd do differently next time.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Edit audio or video recordings..

Trim film segments to specified lengths and reassemble segments in sequences that present stories with maximum effect.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to trim film segments to specified lengths and reassemble segments in sequences that present stories with maximum effect.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, communications and media and telecommunications.
What's involved: [film segments: where, when, who's affected]

Make me a step-by-step checklist to trim film segments, the details I should double-check before I start, and a 3-line template for noting it's done.

10-minute exercise: Checklist: film segments

Step 1Before you next trim film segments, fill in [What's involved] with the real details.

Step 2Strike any step that doesn't match how your workplace does it, and add what only experience teaches.

Step 3Afterward, note it with the 3-line template and one thing you'd do differently next time.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Edit audio or video recordings..

Mark frames where a particular shot or piece of sound is to begin or end.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to mark frames where a particular shot or piece of sound is to begin or end.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, communications and media and telecommunications.
Project: [film, audio]
What to mark: [cuts, sound starts]

Suggest a consistent marking and logging system. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Marking edit points

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you mark frames where a particular shot.

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [What to mark] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.3/5 · O*NET work activity: Label production materials..

Supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in film editing, assembling, and recording activities.

Weekly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in film editing, assembling, and recording activities.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, communications and media and telecommunications.
Production: [describe]
Crew: [departments]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Coordinating a production crew

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise and coordinate activities of workers (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Production] and [Crew] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Coordinate activities of production personnel..

Record needed sounds or obtain them from sound effects libraries.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to record needed sounds or obtain them from sound effects libraries.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, communications and media and telecommunications.
Session: [music, captioning]
Equipment: [mics, interface, software]

List setup, levels and backup steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Recording session prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you record needed sounds (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Session] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Operate audio recording equipment..

Collaborate with music editors to select appropriate passages of music and develop production scores.

Weekly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to collaborate with music editors to select appropriate passages of music and develop production scores.

Context: The work draws on fine arts, communications and media and telecommunications.
Production: [describe]
Collaborators: [director, writers]

Prepare questions and ideas to bring. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Collaboration on a production

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you collaborate with music editors (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Production] and [Collaborators] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

Importance 3.6/5 · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with others to prepare or perform artistic productions..

Get the full prompt pack for Film and Video Editors

Every task, prompt and 10-minute exercise on this page in one PDF, formatted to print or keep on your desktop. Free.

Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

Learning Strategiesimportance 2.6/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

Active Listeningimportance 3.8/5
Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Critical Thinkingimportance 3.5/5
Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Reading Comprehensionimportance 3.4/5
Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Active Learningimportance 3.2/5
Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Special Effects Artists and Animators10% human-led · Same preparation · $102,030/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Your skills already line up
Media Technical Directors/Managers61% human-led · Same preparation · $90,360/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Operation and Control, Monitoring, Operations Monitoring
Graphic Designers9% human-led · Same preparation · $62,960/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Negotiation, Speaking

New tasks appearing in this job

O*NET has started tracking 1 new or updated task here: 0 AI-ready, 1 AI-assist, 0 stays human. They have no worker ratings yet, so they aren't counted in the bar above.

Write scripts.

New in O*NET

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a film / video editor. Part of my job is to write scripts.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Creative Cloud software; the work draws on fine arts, communications and media and telecommunications.
Piece: [drama, comedy, announcement, narration]
Audience and length: [describe]

Generate 10 premises or openings, then draft the strongest 2. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Script or creative piece

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you write scripts.

Step 2Fill in [Piece] and [Audience and length] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Make it yours: rewrite the best one in your own style.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

New O*NET task (08/2020). O*NET hasn't linked it to work activities yet, so its label comes from similar tasks, such as “Write new scripts for broadcasts.” (Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film), and was checked by hand. O*NET work activity: Write material for artistic or entertainment purposes.. Also involves: Develop computer or online applications.; Write informational material..

Getting into this job

Bachelor's degree is most common (65% of workers)

High school or less 16%
Certificate or some college 1%
Associate's 17%
Bachelor's 65%
Graduate degree 1%

On-the-job training: 1–3 months
Related experience: 2–4 years

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Adobe After EffectsAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopAJAXCascading style sheets CSSExtensible markup language XMLHypertext markup language HTMLJavaScriptMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office software