What does a Sound Effects Editor (Film and TV) do?
Sound effects editors are critically important figures in the entertainment world. Without them, the sounds that accompany real life and the noises that make fantasy worlds seem real—from rustling leaves to a spaceship landing—would be missing from movies and television shows. Whether they're sourcing and modifying effects from sound effect libraries, synchronizing effects created by foley artists with the on-screen action, recording their own sounds in the field, or creating so-called designed sounds—unnatural audio that cannot be captured from real life—effects editors make visual worlds come alive.
At a Glance
Sound effects editors commonly enter post-production through assistant, internship, or junior sound-editor roles and develop portfolios that demonstrate editing, synchronization, sound-library, field-recording, and digital-audio-workstation skills. With experience, they may advance to senior sound-editor or supervising sound-editor positions or work across dialogue, Foley, and effects specialties.
Although the majority are freelance, sound effects editors can also be part- or full-time employees of an audio production house, movie studio, or TV production company. Beginning effects editors may gain experience and begin to build their resumes by working for little or no pay on student films, independent films, and web series.
- Audio editing
- Basic acoustics
- Audio recording
- Audio mixing
- Sound libraries
- Avid
- Pro Tools
- DAWs
- Time management
Although there are collaborative aspects to the job, sound effects editors spend the bulk of their work days at an audio workstation with headphones on, so the ability to be alone for long stretches of time while maintaining exceptional focus and meticulous attention to detail is vital. Also important is a passion for visual media and a real feel for how sound and images work together to create compelling art and entertainment.
Effects editors generally work different hours depending on the project they're working on and where it is in its production cycle. TV effects editing might require a few inconsistent hours each week on a long-term basis, while film effects editing could require many months of a dedicated, consistent work schedule.
