Where are you currently employed?
Currently I'm doing freelance production work.
Current Project?
I just wrapped up logging on CBS’ Big Brother.
Describe Your Job.
My job is to view content while writing a summary of events as well as to identify any great scenes, conversations or thematic elements.
How did you first become interested in this line of work?
I've been interested in film and television since I was a child and I knew I wanted to be involved, but I wasn't sure in what aspect.
Who gave you your first break?
Two people that I am enormously grateful to. I was moving to New York for school and needed a job beforehand. A good friend of mine, Kelly Scofield, who now does video control, was working on a show as a logger, and her boss, Todd Abrams, was willing to give me a chance. I really enjoyed it, and one job lead to another. I ended up coming back to LA every summer to work on various shows during my break from school. In New York, I was also doing costume design.
What was your first union job?
My first union job was Big Brother. I worked on the show while I was in college, and then as an alternate while doing a different full-time job. The year the show flipped to being a union production, I became eligible to join the Guild — and I did.
Which of your credits or projects have made you the most proud and why?
I've worked on a couple of documentaries that I think are really great. One was on HBO called American Winter and dealt with the struggles of several families to survive in the post-recession economy. I feel the subject matter is so important and the film really challenges the common stereotypes surrounding those who seek out assistance, so I was happy to be a part of that. The other project I loved working on was the documentary The Typewriter (In the 21st Century). The film examines the continued use of typewriters and why they are still relevant in today's computer-obsessed world. It really made me think about consumption and design in a different way.
What was your biggest challenge in your job (or on a particular project) and how did you overcome/solve it?
There are definitely times when things get crazy while working on anything live, such as Big Brother, which films 24/7. But over time, I've developed a sense of what is most important and relevant to focus on, and what types of scenes are going to make it into the final episode.
What was the most fun you’ve had at work?
It's hard for me to think of any specific instance. Anytime that I'm on a set or a studio lot I feel a sense of excitement and happiness. I can't think of anything more fun than being part of a team and collaborating on the creation of a show or a film.
Jobwise, what do you hope to be doing five years from now?
So many things! I would love to learn as much as possible about editing and work in that area. I would also love to be in the costumers union and the costume designers guild. Either way, I want to be working on more films and television shows.
What are your outside activities, hobbies, passions?
Going to movies; I could live in a movie theatre! Costume design. Going to see live music and opera. Visiting art galleries and bookstores. Drawing, painting, sculpting and reading.
Favorite movie(s)? Why?
Point Break — surfing, bank robbery and Gary Busey; what more could you want in a movie? It's the perfect action film and I can watch it over and over. Fargo — I love the dark humor, the writing, the acting and everything about Steve Buscemi. Others favorites include The Godfather, Heat, Unforgiven and Edward Scissorhands. They are all films that made a strong impression on me when I was a kid, and I still love watching them today.
Favorite TV program(s)? Why?
Most recently: The Jinx — I love true-crime documentaries and found the story of Robert Durst fascinating and amazingly bizarre. The Killing — I enjoyed the slowness and darkness of how the story was told, a careful study of the effects of violence and grief. Mad Men — my obsession; I was heartbroken when it ended this spring and immediately started re-watching it from the first season. The acting, writing, production and costume design are perfection.
Do you have an industry mentor?
No, but I would love one! I think it's extremely valuable to be able to learn from others who have been working in the industry for longer than I have.
What advice would you offer to someone interested in pursuing your line of work?
I would say try to get any job on set or in post so that you are in the right environment to meet people and to find out about opportunities that may come up. And always do a good job, no matter what the task is!
Was there ever a circumstance when you had to rely on the Guild for help or assistance?
Absolutely! A while back I needed to learn some things on Avid for a job. Using the training center and online tutorials, I was able to learn much more in a short amount of time than I would have on my own. It has been a great resource and I hope to continue to learn more about editing.
Is there anything you’d like to say to your fellow Guild members, some words of encouragement?
The pursuit of a non-traditional career can be very difficult and challenging at times. But it's worth the sacrifice to be able to work towards what you love. The bonus is you are constantly meeting and working with amazing new people and no two projects will ever be the same.
Compiled by Edward Landler
Editor’s Note: To recommend a member (including yourself) to be featured on the home page of the Editor’s Guild website contact edlandler@roadrunner.com.