Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Multicam • LUTs • Foley

Drop Frame

Term from Editing industry explained for recruiters

Drop frame is a method used in video editing to keep video and audio synchronized when working with different time formats. Think of it like automatically skipping a few frames to make sure the video timing stays accurate, similar to how we skip a day in leap years to keep the calendar correct. This is especially important in broadcast television and professional video production where precise timing is crucial. When you see this term on a resume, it indicates that the candidate understands how to work with professional video timing systems and maintain quality standards for broadcast or streaming content.

Examples in Resumes

Managed Drop Frame timing systems for broadcast television projects

Implemented Drop Frame solutions for live streaming content

Resolved Drop-Frame synchronization issues in post-production workflows

Typical job title: "Video Editors"

Also try searching for:

Video Editor Post-Production Editor Broadcast Editor Digital Media Editor Television Editor Film Editor Media Technical Director

Where to Find Video Editors

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you explain drop frame to a client who is experiencing timing issues in their project?

Expected Answer: A senior editor should be able to explain drop frame in simple terms, describe common timing issues, and provide practical solutions for different delivery requirements.

Q: How do you manage drop frame in a project that needs to be delivered to multiple platforms with different timing requirements?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of various delivery standards, ability to create multiple masters, and understanding of how to maintain quality across different platforms.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What's the difference between drop frame and non-drop frame timecode?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that drop frame skips certain timecode numbers to maintain accurate timing, while non-drop frame counts all frames sequentially, and when to use each.

Q: How do you troubleshoot common drop frame synchronization issues?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe common timing problems and demonstrate knowledge of how to identify and fix sync issues in various editing software.

Junior Level Questions

Q: When would you use drop frame timecode in a project?

Expected Answer: Should understand basic concepts of when drop frame is necessary, particularly for broadcast television or when precise timing is required.

Q: How do you check if your project is using drop frame or non-drop frame timecode?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain how to identify timecode settings in common editing software and recognize the visual indicators for drop frame timecode.