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Video production internship vs freelance video editor

The differences between video production interns and freelance video editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a video production internship, 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 $33,585 average annual salary of a video production internship.

The top three skills for a video production internship include video production, video content and youtube. The most important skills for a freelance video editor are training videos, video content, and motion graphics.

Video production internship vs freelance video editor overview

Video Production InternshipFreelance Video Editor
Yearly salary$33,585$54,795
Hourly rate$16.15$26.34
Growth rate10%12%
Number of jobs105,0415,910
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age4237
Years of experience26

What does a video production internship do?

A video production intern is responsible for supporting the digital content production team in creating engaging video content for the target audience of the business or according to a client's specifications and requirements. Video production interns familiarize themselves with the use of various software tools and applications, shadowing tenured video producers on actual applications and media publications. They assist in publishing video content on digital platforms, responding to the viewers' inquiries and concerns. A video production intern must have excellent organizational and creative skills, especially when recommending content that would attract the audience and bring more potential clients.

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.

Video production internship vs freelance video editor salary

Video production interns and freelance video editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Video Production InternshipFreelance Video Editor
Average salary$33,585$54,795
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $50,000Between $32,000 And $91,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between video production internship and freelance video editor education

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

Video Production InternshipFreelance Video Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityNew York University

Video production internship vs freelance video editor demographics

Here are the differences between video production interns' and freelance video editors' demographics:

Video Production InternshipFreelance Video Editor
Average age4237
Gender ratioMale, 64.4% Female, 35.6%Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 5.7% White, 62.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%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 Percentage8%10%

Differences between video production internship and freelance video editor duties and responsibilities

Video production internship example responsibilities.

  • Architect & manage MWV's Cisco video and telepresence environment.
  • Manage the scheduling of VTC for SES management and flag officers.
  • Videotaped children, manage, edit and assemble video clips into a library.
  • Manage HD camerawork and calculating wireless mic levels.
  • Provide right-hand executive assistance to the editor-in-chief; manage all aspects of professional life.
  • Assist in filming and editing b-roll footage.
  • 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

Video production internship vs freelance video editor skills

Common video production internship skills
  • Video Production, 25%
  • Video Content, 9%
  • YouTube, 4%
  • Motion Graphics, 4%
  • Video Intern, 4%
  • Video Shoots, 3%
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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