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Assistant producer vs freelance video editor

The differences between assistant producers and freelance video editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become an assistant producer, becoming a freelance video editor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a freelance video editor has an average salary of $54,795, which is higher than the $45,231 average annual salary of an assistant producer.

The top three skills for an assistant producer include video production, web content and audio clips. The most important skills for a freelance video editor are training videos, video content, and motion graphics.

Assistant producer vs freelance video editor overview

Assistant ProducerFreelance Video Editor
Yearly salary$45,231$54,795
Hourly rate$21.75$26.34
Growth rate8%12%
Number of jobs10,2565,910
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age4037
Years of experience126

What does an assistant producer do?

In the entertainment industry, an assistant producer is in charge of overseeing production operations and coordinating staff, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. They typically manage the schedules and hiring procedures, write and edit production materials, arrange meetings with internal and external parties, procure supplies, and develop strategies to optimize production operations. They may also perform clerical tasks such as preparing and processing documentation, obtaining permits, and even disseminating information. Furthermore, an assistant producer may also participate in establishing policies and regulations for a safe and efficient work environment.

What does a freelance video editor do?

A freelance video editor offers video editing services to individuals and businesses. Most freelance video editors manage their own time and work at their preferred places, some even working from home. Among their responsibilities include meeting with clients to identify their needs and preferences, negotiating contracts, gathering and editing clips, and completing projects within deadlines. There are also instances when they must shoot videos in adherence to the contract's terms. Moreover, a freelance video editor must establish positive relationships with clients to develop a strong client base.

Assistant producer vs freelance video editor salary

Assistant producers and freelance video editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Assistant ProducerFreelance Video Editor
Average salary$45,231$54,795
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $62,000Between $32,000 And $91,000
Highest paying CityMiddletown, CT-
Highest paying stateConnecticut-
Best paying companyPlayStation-
Best paying industry--

Differences between assistant producer and freelance video editor education

There are a few differences between an assistant producer and a freelance video editor in terms of educational background:

Assistant ProducerFreelance Video Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorCommunicationPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityNew York University

Assistant producer vs freelance video editor demographics

Here are the differences between assistant producers' and freelance video editors' demographics:

Assistant ProducerFreelance Video Editor
Average age4037
Gender ratioMale, 51.5% Female, 48.5%Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.3% Asian, 6.3% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 7.0% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage14%10%

Differences between assistant producer and freelance video editor duties and responsibilities

Assistant producer example responsibilities.

  • Facilitate and manage CNN weekend editorial team of freelance editorial producers.
  • Research relevant theme source b-roll video and book relevant interviews and shoots.
  • Used information to compile competitive quarterly reviews using Microsoft PowerPoint.
  • Collaborate with production to streamline and track internal booking calendars.
  • Negotiate copyediting, proofreading, typesetting/layout, and art rendering services at substantial cost savings to the company.
  • Develop story ideas and create highlights and feature packages for specialty shows including SportsCenter, NFL PrimeTime and NBA2Night.
  • Show more

Freelance video editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage media assets including creating graphics, digitizing, archiving, editorial 'string-outs' and tracking media assets.
  • Operate cameras on set - Sony FS7, DSLR, assist DP with striking of set.
  • Collaborate with producers to match b-roll to script for voice-overs.
  • Direct and/or DP d lighting for many corporate communication projects.
  • Edit promotional content for YouTube, the company's main publishing site
  • Incorporate mix formats into a single project format including HD footage.
  • Show more

Assistant producer vs freelance video editor skills

Common assistant producer skills
  • Video Production, 17%
  • Web Content, 10%
  • Audio Clips, 7%
  • Production Schedules, 7%
  • QA, 5%
  • Facebook, 5%
Common freelance video editor skills
  • Training Videos, 23%
  • Video Content, 7%
  • Motion Graphics, 6%
  • Adobe Premiere Pro, 5%
  • Edit Video, 5%
  • Freelance Video, 5%

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