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Freelance videographer/editor vs executive producer

The differences between freelance videographer/editors and executive producers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a freelance videographer/editor, becoming an executive producer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, an executive producer has an average salary of $117,841, which is higher than the $48,481 average annual salary of a freelance videographer/editor.

The top three skills for a freelance videographer/editor include training videos, video content and video production. The most important skills for an executive producer are video production, digital content, and digital platforms.

Freelance videographer/editor vs executive producer overview

Freelance Videographer/EditorExecutive Producer
Yearly salary$48,481$117,841
Hourly rate$23.31$56.65
Growth rate12%8%
Number of jobs5,40974,007
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 80%
Average age3740
Years of experience612

What does a freelance videographer/editor do?

A freelance videographer/editor is responsible for processing and editing video contents, usually on a project basis. Freelance videographer/editors create their footage using their shooting equipment, utilize various design and editing software, and finish the project based on the clients' specifications and deliverables. They should also have a good grasp of digital marketing to produce impactful videos to the target audience. A freelance videographer/editor must be detail-oriented and have excellent communication skills to coordinate with the production team for content plans and perform adjustments as needed.

What does an executive producer do?

An executive producer is responsible for supervising the creation and development of digital entertainment content. Executive producers secure and maintain the production budget, negotiate with a production company, and manage marketing campaigns for promotion. They also work with multiple producers to finalize the production team, review the creative content, and ensure the completeness of production plans within the agreed timeframe. An executive producer must have excellent communication and organization skills, especially on coordinating with production personnel to ensure the smooth flow of the production operations.

Freelance videographer/editor vs executive producer salary

Freelance videographer/editors and executive producers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Freelance Videographer/EditorExecutive Producer
Average salary$48,481$117,841
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $67,000Between $72,000 And $190,000
Highest paying City-Novato, CA
Highest paying state-Nevada
Best paying company-Netflix
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between freelance videographer/editor and executive producer education

There are a few differences between a freelance videographer/editor and an executive producer in terms of educational background:

Freelance Videographer/EditorExecutive Producer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 80%
Most common majorPhotographyCommunication
Most common collegeNew York UniversityHarvard University

Freelance videographer/editor vs executive producer demographics

Here are the differences between freelance videographer/editors' and executive producers' demographics:

Freelance Videographer/EditorExecutive Producer
Average age3740
Gender ratioMale, 80.0% Female, 20.0%Male, 62.3% Female, 37.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 7.1% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.3% Asian, 6.3% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage10%14%

Differences between freelance videographer/editor and executive producer duties and responsibilities

Freelance videographer/editor example responsibilities.

  • Provide right-hand executive assistance to the editor-in-chief; manage all aspects of professional life.
  • Upload the video to YouTube and make some DVD copies for them to hand out to customers.
  • Experience in using DSLR cameras and HD video camcorders such as: Sony EX3, and Sony PMW 350K and others.
  • Edit and post the footage to the association's Facebook page.
  • Establish an online presence through the use of a Facebook page.
  • Authore and convert documents to HTML on a daily deadline-driven basis.
  • Show more

Executive producer example responsibilities.

  • Manage local ABC affiliate news department.
  • Manage on air giveaways and daily advertising metrics
  • Manage day-to-day completion activities including project planning and QA testing.
  • Operate ENG vehicles and equipment.
  • Coordinate out of house productions for live events such as ABC live and Facebook live.
  • Develop an expert understanding for building a channel and programming video on YouTube and the competitive platforms.
  • Show more

Freelance videographer/editor vs executive producer skills

Common freelance videographer/editor skills
  • Training Videos, 38%
  • Video Content, 6%
  • Video Production, 4%
  • Camera Operation, 4%
  • Video Projects, 3%
  • Video Shoots, 3%
Common executive producer skills
  • Video Production, 9%
  • Digital Content, 9%
  • Digital Platforms, 6%
  • Web Content, 6%
  • News Stories, 5%
  • News Content, 5%

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