Where are you currently employed?
I am currently an Assistant Editor on an indie feature called “Here’s Yianni,” that is being cut by the wonderful Mindy Elliott.
Current projects?
When I am not assisting I am cutting as much as possible. Lately I’ve edited dance performances and Zoom shorts, and I freelance as an editor for various shows at MSNBC.
Describe your job.
When working as Assistant I’ve been mostly working remotely. I organize the dailies, script sync, find stock footage, and do sound design and temp VFX while also sending outputs — really anything and everything that’s needed!
At MSNBC, I remotely edit packages, voiceovers and interviews for various MSNBC shows, like “The Eleventh Hour with Brian Williams”, “The Rachel Maddow Show” and “All In with Chris Hayes.” MSNBC taught me the ins and out of AVID, how to do things quickly and correctly, and how to collaborate with other editors, directors and producers. 30 Rock was a very fun place to work; from the holiday parties in the “Saturday Night Live” studio, to the random celebrities you met in the elevator, to watching the tree-lighting from Brian William’s office, there was always something going on.
How did you first become interested in this line of work?
My love for TV and movies goes way back. My dad took me to the movies every Tuesday and throughout the week we’d all gather around the television to watch our favorite shows. I started making movies with my sister and friends growing up for fun. Later, for every school project, instead of giving an oral report I would make a video of myself presenting.
I was always choosing between attending film school and studying meteorology. The movie “Twister”inspired me to go into meteorology. While at Rutgers University I worked at RU-TV as a lead producer to bring daily weather reports to the campus, all while hosting movie nights to try and watch as many of AFI’s Top 100 movies as I could. I realized I liked working behind the scenes and after I graduated I became an editor at MSNBC. I worked at MSNBC for seven years before moving out to Los Angeles to pursue more creative work in scripted.
Who gave you your first break?
Two amazing editors, Kelly Sol and Jen Rosenthal, who I met at Editfest, gave me my first job after I moved to Los Angeles. I was the DIT as well as the Assistant Editor for a Duplass Brothers Productions pilot series.
What was your first union job?
My first union job was as an Apprentice Editor to Editor and ACE President Kevin Tent for a feature called “The Holdovers,” which is going to be released in theaters November 10. I can’t wait for everyone to see this movie!
What credits or projects are you proudest of, and why?
I really loved working on “The Holdovers.” I learned so much from everyone on that film and I’m really proud of the movie. Everything came together for this film the writing, acting, directing, score and editing. I felt extremely lucky to be able to witness the incredible shorthand that Kevin Tent has with the director Alexander Payne. I also felt that I was included in many conversations that I might not have been had I been working on a bigger blockbuster movie, so I am very thankful for that.
What was your biggest challenge in your job (or on a particular project) and how did you overcome/solve it?
My biggest challenge is always feeling confident in myself. When I was starting out I felt confident in my Avid abilities, but I was nervous about being able to succeed in the rest of the role. Imposter syndrome is real! But as Lady Gaga once said, “There can be 100 people in a room and 99 of them don’t believe in you, but all it takes is one and it just changes your whole life.” I was lucky enough to have way more than one person believing in me. So with a lot of coaching and guidance from my mentors I proved to myself that I could do the job and be successful.
What was the most fun you’ve had at work?
On Friday evenings, while working on “The Holdovers,” martinis would be made and everyone at the cutting room would hang out, guests would stop by, and sometimes Alexander Payne would set up his projector and we would watch short films. His collection was great!
Jobwise, what do you hope to be doing five years from now?
I hope to be in the editor’s chair! My dream job would be to work on something in the Batman universe. As someone who has read many of the comics I know there is so many great stories and characters that have yet to be explored. I also really enjoy the range of tones Batman stories can have: Silly, dark and campy, to name a few.
What are your outside activities, hobbies, passions?
I volunteer at a Cat Cafe in Westwood, play golf, and travel whenever I can.
Favorite movie(s)? Why?
My absolute favorite movie is “Parasite.” I remember seeing it in theaters and leaving just being in awe of what I just watched and not really speaking about it for like two hours after. “Parasite” is the movie that I measure all other movies against.
Favorite TV program(s)? Why?
My current favorite TV show is “Succession”. The blend of drama and comedy is next level and I was so happy with how they ended the series. I also really love “Bob’s Burgers.” I’ll put it on whenever I need to relax and watch something wholesome.
Do you have an industry mentor?
I’ve been lucky enough to have many industry mentors. Sven Pape, Erik C. Andersen and Jason Ballantine have all given me great advice throughout my career. The person I can really ask anything is the Editor I am currently working with, Mindy Elliott. She hired me for “The Holdovers” and taught me so much on that film and I am so lucky to continue working and learning from her!
What advice would you offer to someone interested in pursuing your line of work?
Keep networking! Even if you think you have enough contacts, keep networking! And make sure to keep in touch with the network you’ve set up. For me in the beginning I thought I was bothering people, but Editors are really nice people so just reach out. All the jobs I’ve worked on is because someone vouched for me.
Also, try to be up to date on both Avid and Premiere. I am seeing more and more job postings for Premiere.
Was there ever a circumstance when you had to rely on the Guild for help or assistance?
I go to as many Guild events as I can so I can stay informed about what’s going on. I even joined the Basic Agreement Committee so I can be involved in the conversation when contract negotiations are up.
Is there anything you’d like to say to your fellow Guild members, some words of encouragement?
Stay hustling and be excellent to each other.