What to study to specialize in editing, sound and film effects?

Cinema is experienced as much with the ears as with the eyes. Editing, sound design and effects are essential parts of the audiovisual language. Behind every cut, every atmosphere, and every chilling sound, there is a highly trained and creative technical team. If you're interested in cinema from the invisible, from what transforms emotion through rhythm, sound, and atmosphere, this specialization may be for you.

At ECPV – Basque Country Film School, we offer comprehensive and practical training in film editing, sound and effects. Here you will not only learn to use professional software, but also to understand sound storytelling, to build tension, emotion and rhythm through image and sound.

"Sound is 50% of the cinematic experience." — George Lucas

Why train in this specialty?

Technology has greatly expanded the expressive possibilities of sound and editing in film. Today, professionals in the field work with increasingly sophisticated tools that allow the construction of complex soundscapes. But the real value lies in how those tools are used with narrative intent.

Studying this specialty at ECPV will allow you to master key technical aspects, but also to think and feel like an editor or sound designer: to understand when to cut, how to create an atmosphere, what rhythm a scene needs, or how an effect can generate a precise emotion.

What will you learn at ECPV?

• Narrative and rhythmic audiovisual editing.
• Sound design for film, TV, advertising, and new media.
• Capture and processing of direct sound and ambiences.
• Editing of dialogue, music, atmospheres, and effects.
• Foley and advanced sound post-production.
• Digital processing of effects and creation of soundscapes.
• Use of professional tools like Pro Tools, Adobe Premiere, or DaVinci Resolve.

Learn by working with real footage

Throughout the diploma program, you will work with real materials from school shoots. You will edit short films, create sound design for specific scenes, reconstruct ambiences and effects, and collaborate with the directing, direct sound and production departments. Integration with the other training programs ensures that your learning takes place within a complete creative ecosystem, just like in the industry.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to take part in specific exercises such as scene editing, effect recreation, final mix practices, and sound correction, applying what you’ve learned immediately.

What career paths does this training offer?

Editing and sound professionals are in high demand in the audiovisual sector. The versatility of this training will allow you to work in:

• Editing of feature films, documentaries, series and commercials.
• Sound design and mixing for film, television or digital platforms.
• Sound post-production and special effects.
• Capture of direct sound and ambiences.
• Technical and artistic supervision of audiovisual projects.

And if you wish, you can continue your path by specializing in areas such as Dolby Atmos mixing, experimental editing, or sound creation for immersive media such as virtual reality.

This might be the right time to develop your cinematic ear, to discover how your sensitivity can transform the way audiences experience a story.

Check out the full syllabus of the Diploma in Editing, Sound and Film Effects here.