Senior Film Editor - Documentary & Narrative

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Film Editor for our Bloemfontein project team. You will shape raw footage into polished documentary and narrative features, collaborating with directors and producers to craft compelling storylines, pacing, and emotional impact.

You should have a strong portfolio, 7+ years editing experience, and expert proficiency in Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or Avid, with solid sound and color grading knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Film Studies, Media Production, or related field (or equivalent significant professional experience).
• 7+ years of professional experience as a film editor with a strong documentary/narrative portfolio.
• Expert proficiency in non-linear editing software (Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Avid).
• Strong storytelling, pacing, rhythm, and narrative understanding.
• Solid sound editing, mixing, and color grading knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Edit documentary and narrative projects from assembly to final picture lock.
• Collaborate with directors and producers to realize vision and translate it into edits.
• Assemble footage to create coherent scenes and strong narrative flow.
• Refine pacing, rhythm, and emotional arcs for audience engagement.
• Coordinate with sound designers, colorists, and VFX artists for seamless post-production integration.
• Manage and organize project files and media efficiently.
• Incorporate feedback from directors, producers, and stakeholders throughout editing.
• Stay current with editing tech, software, and techniques.
• Contribute creative ideas to enhance storytelling and film quality.
• Ensure final deliverables meet technical specifications and broadcast standards.

Skills

Storytelling & narrative structure

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Film Studies or related field

Tools

Adobe Premiere Pro

Final Cut Pro

Avid Media Composer

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected film production company known for its compelling documentaries and evocative narrative features, is seeking a Senior Film Editor to join their team in Bloemfontein . This critical role involves shaping raw footage into polished, impactful cinematic experiences that resonate with audiences. You will work closely with directors and producers to craft compelling storylines, refine pacing, and ensure the highest standards of technical and artistic quality. The ideal candidate will possess a sophisticated understanding of narrative structure, exceptional technical proficiency in editing software, and a keen eye for detail and emotional nuance. This is an outstanding opportunity to contribute to meaningful storytelling within the vibrant filmmaking community of the Free State .

Key Responsibilities

• Edit documentary and narrative film projects from initial assembly through to final picture lock.
• Collaborate closely with directors and producers to understand their vision and translate it into compelling edits.
• Select and assemble the most effective footage to create coherent scenes and a strong narrative flow.
• Refine pacing, rhythm, and emotional arcs of films to maximize audience engagement.
• Work with sound designers, colorists, and visual effects artists to ensure seamless integration of all post-production elements.
• Manage and organize project files and media efficiently.
• Incorporate feedback from directors, producers, and stakeholders throughout the editing process.
• Stay current with advancements in editing technology, software, and techniques.
• Contribute creative ideas and solutions to enhance the storytelling and overall quality of the films.
• Ensure final deliverables meet all technical specifications and broadcast standards.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Film Studies, Media Production, or a related field, or equivalent significant professional experience.
• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience as a film editor, with a strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of completed documentary and narrative features.
• Expert proficiency in non-linear editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or Avid Media Composer.
• Strong understanding of storytelling, narrative structure, pacing, and rhythm.
• Excellent grasp of sound editing, mixing, and color grading principles.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to take and implement direction effectively.
• A passion for filmmaking and a keen understanding of cinematic language.
• Experience with motion graphics or basic visual effects editing is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, benchmarked against industry standards for senior editing roles. Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage, performance-based bonuses, and opportunities for professional development. Employees enjoy generous annual leave and are encouraged to attend industry events and workshops. This role provides a creative and collaborative work environment in Bloemfontein , with the opportunity to work on impactful films that reach a wide audience and contribute to the growing film industry in the Free State .