Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1542296
23 W I N T E R Q 4 I S S U E W H A T O U R M E M B E R S D O fascinated by what went on behind the scenes. I enjoyed the post-production side, so I bought my first editing software, Video Explosion Deluxe, and taught myself to edit. Q: Who gave you your first break? I'm originally from Maryland, and I worked at a media agency in Washington, D.C. One of the executive producers there connected me with a producer they knew in L os Angeles. I f lew out to make the connection and landed an interview for a post-production assistant job. As soon as I got back to Washington, they called and offered me the job. Two weeks later, I shipped out my car, booked a one-way ticket to California, and the rest is history. Q: What was your first union job? Assistant editor on NBC's "The Voice." Q: What credits or projects are you proudest of, and why? I was an editor on an interactive sci- f i web series called "Artif icial," which streamed on Twitch. Audience members could vote on polls and share input that would influence the narrative and help s h a p e t h e c h a ra c te r s t h ro u g h o u t t h e series. It won several accolades, including an Emmy. I was lucky enough to hold the Emmy statue at the wrap party. It's heavier than it looks! Q: What was your biggest challenge in your job (or on a particular project) and how did you overcome/solve it? I worked nights as an assistant editor several times, and I was very green. A common challenge I encountered was the lack of support if I ran into any issues. Since most co-workers were already off for the day, I had to troubleshoot on my own. If that didn't solve anything, I'd check in with other assistants who worked the same shift. As a last resort, I'd reach out to the lead as- sistant, who kindly guided me on what to do. Q: What was the most fun you've had at work? After working at Discovery, first as a post-production assistant and then as a coordinator, I came back years later as an editor, cutting trailers, sizzles, and short- form content for the Discovery streaming app. I had so much fun reconnecting with old co-workers and working together on cool projects. It was a full-circle moment. Q: Jobwise, what do you hope to be doing five years from now? I hope still to be working in post-produc- tion, whether it be assisting or, hopefully, editing. I'm also interested in assisting on a feature as it's something I have not yet dabbled in. Genre-wise, I'd like to work on an action project or a suspense/thriller. Q: What are your outside activities, hobbies, passions? I love traveling and learning new cul- tures. I enjoy trying new cuisines and taking cooking classes in different countries. My most memorable adventures were in Japan, Laos, and Sri Lanka. I'm also into tech, video games, and attending all kinds of conven- tions. I enjoy hiking, biking, rock climbing, and going to the gym when I have time. Q: Favorite movie(s)? Why? I love a good suspense/horror film, so naturally I enjoyed the classics such as the original "Alien," "The Silence of the Lambs," and "The Shining." I also liked Alfred Hitch- cock's "Rope." The editing was ahead of its time, using the "long takes" effect as if it were a single seamless shot. I'm a massive fan of Japanese cinema. I love the Studio Ghibli films. They're bril- liant and aesthetically pleasing to watch. My favorites are "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Spirited Away." I would say "Grave of the Fireflies" is one of the best films I've ever seen. Q: Favorite TV program(s)? Why? "Entourage" and "Wentworth" are two of my favorite TV shows. I was so hooked on and invested in the characters and sto- rylines that I couldn't stop watching. Q: Do you have an industry mentor? I am very grateful and fortunate to have worked with excellent editors throughout my career. Each of them helped shape me and gave sound advice. I want to give a special shoutout to Lillian Benson, ACE, who took a chance on me to assist her on "Chicago Med." She also encouraged me to apply for the ACE Diversity Program, which I was recently accepted to, and I've already met so many talented editors and assistant editors there. Q: What advice would you offer to someone interested in pursuing your line of work? Start creating content now. Get footage by shooting from your phone or invest in a cheap budget camera. Download DaVinci Resolve (the free version) and watch tuto- rials to learn how to use it. Start building a reel or portfolio of your work to show potential employers. Try to attend mixers and networking events in your area to meet people in the industry or see if you can set up Zoom meetings to connect. Q: Was there ever a circumstance when you had to rely on the Guild for help or assistance? I was unemployed for a signif icant period during the strike. The Guild waived membership dues for those who weren't working during that time. It was an enor- mous help. Q: Is there anything you'd like to say to your fellow Guild members, some words of encouragement? S t a y p o s i t i v e d u r i n g t h i s d i f f i c u l t t i m e i n t h e i n d u s t r y. B e p r e p a r e d t o adapt as the industry is changing, and take this time to learn a new skill. Hope- fully, that will help open more doors. ■ Compiled by David Bruskin.