Sound effects editors are responsible for finding, manufacturing, recording, and editing the sound effects in films and television shows.

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.

A sound effects editor might begin a project by making a master plan that details all sounds mentioned in a script or indicated by the action, or simply be assigned certain effects to cover by a supervising sound editor. Some effects can be sourced from libraries, which are stocked with thousands of digitally stored background sounds, such as birdsong or traffic. When natural sounds that correspond with specific action visible on screen need to be recreated for a film, such as footsteps or a closing door, effects editors collaborate with foley artists. For designed sounds, effects editors create patches to modulate or manipulate existing recorded sound into the desired effect, or synthesize the sound from scratch.

Work Life Balance

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. When deadlines are pressing, effects editors must be ready to work as much as necessary to have the assets completed in time. In between projects, freelance editors might find a week or two to catch their breath before tackling the next one.

Community

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 in particular benefit from having an adventurous and curious spirit that drives them to find new ways to (re)create sound.

Finding Work

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 webseries.

Professional Skills

• Audio editing
• Basic acoustics
• Audio recording
• Audio mixing
• Sound libraries
• Avid
• Pro Tools
• DAWs
• Time management

Interpersonal Skills

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 in particular benefit from having an adventurous and curious spirit that drives them to find new ways to (re)create sound.

Industries

• Film, Video, and Television
• Technology
• Video Games
• Advertising
• Artist Services
• Music and Audio Tools
• Radio and Streaming Music
• Recording Industry
• Health and Wellness
• Theater
• Live Music
• Opera
• Dance
• Orchestra, Chorus, and Band
• Education
• Arts Administration
• Journalism
• Church and Worship

Top US Cities for This Role

• Los Angeles
• San Francisco Bay Area
• New York City
• Boston
• Nashville