Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1543164
19 S P R I N G Q 1 I S S U E W H A T O U R M E M B E R S D O place — to tell the stories of people who are often unseen and to give their experiences a voice. Q: What was your biggest challenge in your job (or on a particular project) and how did you overcome/solve it? Learning how to communicate more effectively is one of the main challenges. I've realized that miscommunication or under-communication can easily lead to unnecessary problems and delays during a project, while over-communication can become ineff icient or even frustrating for others. Also, each project team has a different dynamic and preferences. Finding the right balance is really an art. I try to be more mindful and structured in my commu- nication, and it's an ongoing process. I also found it's important to talk with team mem- bers throughout the project's lifecycle and, later, gauge their feedback. It's a continuous effort, as changes happen all the time. Q: What was the most fun you've had at work? On "P reparation for the Next Life," one of my responsibilities was recording temp ADR and loop group voices. I had the chance to write background dialogues, which turned out to be a blast. For one scene, I created a supermarket promotion announcement over the store speakers, and it actually ended up staying in the final cut! It was so fun to leave my voice in the film literally, and the sound team made sure it didn't sound terrible, either. Q: Jobwise, what do you hope to be doing five years from now? I h o p e t o w o r k o n m o r e p r o j e c t s with directors and screenwriters I truly respect and admire, like Chloe Zhao, Ang Lee, Greta Gerwig, and Phoebe Waller- Bridge, among others. Q: What are your outside activities, hobbies, passions? I enjoy being in nature, exploring new places, and finding delicious food, which makes hiking a perfect fit for me. It's also the only "sport" activity that I have been doing regularly. This summer, I joined the New York Local 700 softball team, the Cutters. It was my first time playing a team sport, and I ended up loving it. Everyone on the team was incredibly encouraging and patient — they taught me everything about the game. By the end of the season, I was even scoring runs! Now I'm hooked and already planning to come back next year. Q: Favorite movie(s)? Why? I always struggle on this question. How do people decide their favorite movies? I have so many that I love. If I had to make a list, my recent "fa- vorites" would include "The Naked Gun" (2025) and "Wet Hot American Summer" (2001). I've been watching more comedies lately and appreciate their dry, witty humor and deadpan delivery (which is part of why I like Buster Keaton's silent films). I espe- cially enjoy how "The Naked Gun" parodies modern detective shows, which happen to be my most-watched TV genre. The other one I love is "What We Do in the Shadows" (2014), which cleverly spoofs vampire tropes around the 2010s. Beyond comedy, I'm also drawn to social realist movies like "Secrets & Lies," "Sorry We Missed You," "Shoplifters," and "The Bicycle Thief." I admire how these films reveal broader social issues through the lens of a single family. Q: Favorite TV program(s)? Why? "Jeopardy!" is probably the only "live" program I still watch on TV. I enjoy seeing people play trivia or solve puzzles. I find that kind of quick thinking fascinating. To return to the topic of detective shows from the previous question, I just realized how many detective shows I've watched over the years. Detective stories often explore different facets of society through the investigation process. They reveal social realities, moral dilemmas, and the personal circumstances that can lead people to cross ethical lines. I also appreciate the detectives' distinctive personalities and how their perspectives shape each case. Some of my favorites include "Endeavour," "Person of Interest," the original "CSI," and "Happy Valley." Q: Do you have an industry mentor? Anne McCabe has been such an import- ant mentor in my career. We've collaborated twice — on "Nightbitch" and "Preparation for the Next Life" — and working with her was truly invaluable. I've learned so much from her, not just about editing but also about how to lead with kindness and create a positive, collaborative environment. She's such a generous mentor, always sharing her insights. I also have a mentor through the Guild's Women's Steering Committee "Lift Up Women" Mentorship Program. Her name is Lizzie Fine, and it's been wonderful connecting with her and learning from her experience in the industry. She's given me valuable advice and encouragement, and I really appreciate having someone who understands both the creative and practical sides of the work. I recommend the program to our fellows out there. Q: What advice would you offer to some- one interested in pursuing your line of work? My advice would be to stay open-mind- ed and embrace change. Technology in our field is evolving constantly — and so are our reels! Instead of being afraid or overwhelmed, curiosity and a willingness to keep learning will always carry us a long way. Q: Was there ever a circumstance when you had to rely on the Guild for help or assistance? Yes, I often reach out to our field rep- resentative or the Guild office whenever I have questions about a contract or a specific job. They've always been very responsive and supportive, providing clear guidance whenever I need it. Knowing that the Guild is there to back us up gives me a lot more confidence and peace of mind in my work. Q: Is there anything you'd like to say to your fellow Guild members, some words of encouragement? When I was a teenager, I thought film- making was the coolest thing in the world because it could make dreams come true — and I still believe that today. What we do is truly special. Even when the work gets challenging, I remind myself that we're part of something creative and meaningful. We really do have the coolest job! ■ Compiled by David Bruskin.