Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: B-Roll • Waveform Monitor • Rotoscoping

Waveform Monitor

Term from Editing industry explained for recruiters

A Waveform Monitor is a tool used by video editors and colorists to check and adjust the brightness and color levels in videos. Think of it like a quality control tool - similar to how a thermometer measures temperature, a waveform monitor measures video signal strength. Editors use it to make sure videos look consistent and meet broadcasting standards. It's especially important in professional video editing, television production, and film post-production. You might also see it referred to as a "Video Scope" or "Video Waveform."

Examples in Resumes

Used Waveform Monitor and Video Scope tools to ensure broadcast-standard color accuracy

Performed color correction using Waveform Monitor analysis for major television productions

Trained junior editors in proper use of Waveform Monitor for quality control

Typical job title: "Colorists and Video Editors"

Also try searching for:

Colorist Video Editor Post-Production Specialist Color Grading Artist Broadcast Engineer Digital Imaging Technician

Where to Find Colorists and Video Editors

Online Communities

Professional Networks

Job Boards

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you use a waveform monitor to ensure legal broadcast levels?

Expected Answer: A senior colorist should explain how they use the waveform monitor to check that video signals stay within acceptable broadcast ranges (typically 0-100 IRE), and how they adjust footage that exceeds these limits while maintaining creative intent.

Q: Describe a challenging color correction project and how you used scopes to solve it.

Expected Answer: They should describe a specific project where they used waveform monitors to identify and fix issues like mixed lighting conditions, overexposed footage, or matching footage from different cameras.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What information can you get from a waveform monitor versus a histogram?

Expected Answer: Should explain that a waveform monitor shows brightness levels across the image from left to right, while a histogram shows overall distribution of brightness, and when each tool is more useful.

Q: How do you use a waveform monitor to match two different shots?

Expected Answer: Should explain the process of comparing waveform patterns between shots and adjusting brightness and contrast to achieve consistent levels across scenes.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What does a waveform monitor display?

Expected Answer: Should explain that a waveform monitor shows the brightness levels of a video image, with brighter areas appearing higher on the display and darker areas appearing lower.

Q: Why is it important to use a waveform monitor in color correction?

Expected Answer: Should explain that it helps ensure consistent video quality, proper exposure, and that the final product meets technical standards for broadcast or streaming.