Portrait taken on Hasselblad by Jacob Rosenberg
How does one get started as a Film Editor?
In a recent talk with some young student filmmakers at University of California, they wanted to know the answer….
Starting out, you have to make something for yourself given the tools you have at hand. You have to have a calling card, even if that’s a 30 second short film.
Start out small. It doesn’t have to be a 5 minute short film – that’s a huge undertaking at first. Make a 30 second film or commercial to see if you can wrap your narrative brain around the task at hand.
What’s a 30 second commercial?
It’s a story. It has a beginning, middle & end. It has to have a message & emotionally strike the viewer, to convince them of something.
Also, consume as much as you can along the way. Films, music, books, art…looking out a window. Build up your internal library of information, inspiration & knowledge, fill yourself. That will come out during your creative process.
The beautiful UC Riverside Palm Desert campus where I enjoyed speaking with the filmmakers of the future
Takeaways from the panel I took part in, in very good company with Zack Solomon, Lili Rodriguez, Leo Zahn & Vinnie Sassone include:
? Sometimes your worst action can be inaction. Do what you desire & learn by trial and error along the way.
? Collaboration is key.
? Likeability as a person trumps technical knowledge when it comes to getting jobs.
? Learn not to take rejection personally. It happens frequently in this industry. Sometimes the timing for something may just not be right.
? Make your film stand out by telling the story in a way that only YOU are capable of.
? In the beginning, it is okay to take low or non-paying jobs IF it’s a project you care about & believe in. Use it to build your reel.
? Start from where you are with what & who you have available to you.
You may also enjoy:
How to Survive & Thrive in Hollywood & Beyond:
My Presentation at Full Sail University
Until next time…
