About us
The Independent is an online news publisher that was established in 1986 as a national newspaper independent of party political affiliations or proprietorial influence. In 2016, The Independent became a fully digital publisher, moving away from print in pursuit of sustainability, and to safeguard its values and journalism for the future.
The Independent has always thrived through innovation and change. It was the first British newspaper to add a Saturday magazine; the first to give photography the same prestige as a news copy; the first to challenge the Westminster lobby system of closed briefings; the first broadsheet to move to the more compact ‘tabloid’ format; the first to launch a concise quality compact paper; and the first – and only – major newspaper to pull off a successful transformation to fully digital publishing.
Through The Independent, Independent TV, eCommerce, indy100, subscriptions and other ‘reader revenues’, The Independent plans to continue the work of many decades, bringing much-needed independent journalism to over 100 million unique global visitors a month, make its voice ever louder and more insistent the world over.
We have an international editorial team with our main offices in London and New York.
Independent Studio
Independent Studio is The Independent’s hub for original visual and audio storytelling. Our studio content spans documentaries, podcasts, interviews, explainers, and live formats — all driven by the values and editorial insight of The Independent.
With a growing footprint in both the UK and US markets, Independent Studio produces multimedia content across platforms — covering international affairs, politics, culture, entertainment, sport and more. Our mission is to tell smart, globally minded stories that inform, challenge and inspire.
The Role
We are looking for a highly skilled and organised Video Editor to join the team at Independent Studio. Based in London, this role will play a crucial part in editing a wide range of video content — from long-form documentaries to sharp news packages and platform-native short-form content. You’ll be working on stories with real global impact, often under tight deadlines and with shifting priorities — so you’ll need to be a calm, efficient and flexible editor who thrives in a newsroom environment. You’ll work across the full editorial slate of The Independent, contributing to current affairs, politics, international reporting, entertainment, sport, travel and beyond. This is a role for someone with strong storytelling instincts and a creative eye, as well as the technical proficiency to manage workflows, maintain visual standards, and collaborate with producers to bring ambitious projects to life.
You are:
- An experienced video editor with a strong portfolio of documentary, factual or editorial content
- Highly proficient in Adobe Premiere Pro, with strong skills in After Effects, Photoshop, and other Creative Suite tools
- Comfortable editing long-form, mid-form and short-form content — for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and The Independent’s own platforms
- Aware of emerging digital video trends and platform-specific editing techniques
- Confident handling audio and visual polish, including basic sound mixing and colour grading
- Familiar with tools such as Descript, CapCut, and Canva — or open to learning alternative editing platforms
- Organised and methodical in file management and project archiving
- Comfortable working under pressure and adjusting to shifting editorial timelines
- A collaborative team player who contributes to feedback sessions and is passionate about improving creative standards
- Committed to accuracy, editorial integrity, and producing high-quality content for global audiences
Key Responsibilities:
- Edit a wide variety of content including documentaries, explainers, studio-based shows, and reactive news stories
- Cut platform-specific versions of content for YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and other short-form platforms
- Work alongside producers, editors, and journalists to shape story arcs, tone, and pace
- Perform basic sound mixing and colour grading to ensure consistent visual and audio quality
- Maintain excellent project organisation, version control, and file delivery workflows
- Support ideation and quality control by providing creative and technical input throughout the post-production process
- Help implement and maintain editing standards and visual consistency across the studio’s output
Desirable Skills:
- Experience in editorial or journalistic environments
- Understanding of SEO, metadata, and visual optimisation for digital platforms
- Knowledge of international news and current affairs
- Motion graphics experience for titles, explainers or branded content
- Experience collaborating across remote and hybrid teams
- An eye for design and visual composition
Video Editor - Independent Studio in Belfast employer: The Independent
Independent Media is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity and innovation thrive. As a Social Media Manager, you will have the opportunity to engage with a diverse audience across multiple platforms while contributing to meaningful journalism and content creation. With a commitment to employee growth and development, Independent Media offers a dynamic environment that encourages collaboration and the exploration of new ideas, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals looking to make an impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Video Editor - Independent Studio in Belfast
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at The Independent!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like The Independent, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for The Independent:When applying for the Video Editor - Independent Studio role at The Independent, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what The Independent produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within The Independent. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.