Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Sequence • Render • Avid Media Composer

EDL

Term from Video Editing industry explained for recruiters

EDL (Edit Decision List) is a basic tool in video editing that works like a recipe for putting together video content. Think of it as a detailed instruction sheet that tells editors exactly where to cut and join different video clips. It's particularly useful when moving projects between different editing software or when multiple editors need to work on the same project. When you see EDL mentioned in a resume, it usually means the person knows how to work with professional video editing systems and understands how to manage complex editing projects.

Examples in Resumes

Created and managed EDLs for seamless project transfers between editing suites

Exported EDLs and Edit Decision Lists for collaborative editing projects

Handled complex EDL workflows for multi-editor television productions

Typical job title: "Video Editors"

Also try searching for:

Video Editor Post-Production Editor Film Editor Digital Video Editor Broadcast Editor Television Editor Content Editor

Where to Find Video Editors

Online Communities

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you manage EDLs in a large-scale production with multiple editors?

Expected Answer: A senior editor should explain how they organize and track different versions, ensure compatibility between systems, and maintain clear communication between team members about EDL changes and updates.

Q: What are the common challenges with EDLs and how do you overcome them?

Expected Answer: Should discuss format compatibility issues, timecode accuracy, dealing with offline media, and strategies for troubleshooting when EDLs don't translate correctly between systems.

Mid Level Questions

Q: Can you explain the difference between EDLs and XMLs?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that EDLs are simpler and more universal but limited in what they can transfer, while XMLs are newer and can carry more information about effects and transitions.

Q: How do you ensure EDLs are accurately exported and imported?

Expected Answer: Should explain checking timecodes, verifying clip names, ensuring media is properly linked, and testing the EDL before proceeding with the full edit.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is an EDL and why is it used?

Expected Answer: Should explain that an EDL is a list that tracks editing decisions and allows projects to be moved between different editing systems, like a recipe for putting together video clips.

Q: What basic information does an EDL contain?

Expected Answer: Should mention that EDLs contain clip names, timecodes for in and out points, and basic transition information between clips.