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Field producer vs freelance video editor

The differences between field 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 a field 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 $49,364 average annual salary of a field producer.

The top three skills for a field producer include video production, booking and reality. The most important skills for a freelance video editor are training videos, video content, and motion graphics.

Field producer vs freelance video editor overview

Field ProducerFreelance Video Editor
Yearly salary$49,364$54,795
Hourly rate$23.73$26.34
Growth rate8%12%
Number of jobs54,7565,910
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 85%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age4037
Years of experience126

What does a field producer do?

A field producer acts as a coordinator between studio personnel, field crews, and actors. They are responsible for scouting the best location for the interview or production to happen. Field producers even work on other details, such as working with editors to create the best video for the best interest of the company. They monitor and make sure the video created is high quality based on standards set forth by the media companies. They make sure that the film is submitted on time, find solutions, and provide compensation if there are delays.

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.

Field producer vs freelance video editor salary

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

Field ProducerFreelance Video Editor
Average salary$49,364$54,795
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $80,000Between $32,000 And $91,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between field producer and freelance video editor education

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

Field ProducerFreelance Video Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 85%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorCommunicationPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityNew York University

Field producer vs freelance video editor demographics

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

Field ProducerFreelance Video Editor
Average age4037
Gender ratioMale, 55.9% Female, 44.1%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 field producer and freelance video editor duties and responsibilities

Field producer example responsibilities.

  • Hire national and international crews, lead on-site location scouting, conduct on-site interviews and determine b-roll to be shoot.
  • Manage all production activities for fast-pace popular daytime reality series.
  • Manage the QA process including test/debug cycles and platform compliance/compatibility testing.
  • Hire nationally to cover NFL, MLB, NBA and NCAA breaking news.
  • Coordinate with external agencies, including the NHL, NFL, MLB, STX, UMMS, & MSP.
  • Assist in coordinating and booking events for daily entertainment news.
  • 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

Field producer vs freelance video editor skills

Common field producer skills
  • Video Production, 21%
  • Booking, 9%
  • Reality, 6%
  • Video Content, 5%
  • B-Roll, 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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