How would you explain your job to someone who doesn’t know VFX?

So there are two distinct locations and between them is a vast expanse of water, and to get from one location to the other, you need a bridge. That is exactly what an editor is in the world of visual effects. We serve as a bridge between the client and compositors, taking incoming media and ensuring it meets all technical requirements. Then we use that media to recreate a sequence as intended by the client - prepping them to match the technical specifications required by comp to work their magic.

The bridge also works both ways, meaning once the work is done on the comp side, the editorial department will quality check each shot to then pass it back to the client.

What does a day in the life look like?

To simplify what a day in editorial looks like, I will break it down into three steps; Plating, Troubleshooting, and QC.

Plating is the whole prepping process: going through hours of footage, first to ensure they meet technical specifications (taking sequences from a clients editorial team and recreating the cut on our end) and then exporting the segments of the cut that require VFX to our comp department. Part of the plating process also requires creation of LUT (temporary color grading), which is made available to comp for each shot.

Troubleshooting can range from fixing plating and color issues, render/export errors and so on.

QC is the most important part of a daily editorial routine, checking each shot for framing, color and other technical issues before submitting to the client.

What are some of your favorite projects? Why?

There are many I can talk about but one that stands out to me is the feature film Bros. This was my first time working in the ACES (Academy Color Encoding System) standard for VFX, which is a color-space that supports both high dynamic range and wide color gamut, and allows for a color accurate workflow and seamless interchange of motion picture across different stages of post production. I was able to learn a lot dealing with all the challenges and workarounds that had to go into making the project.

Bros. from Universal Pictures

What's something you wish people knew about what you do?

Being an editor is more than just prepping and moving media. It is important to always keep expectations for yourself very high. This industry is ever changing, and with the advancement of technology comes newer standards and formats. As editors, we are knowledgeable not just on where the industry is, but where it is going.

What is something that excites you about your career?

I think this might be the same for most, but I am always excited to sit at home or the movie theater and see the final results of projects I have been a part of.

Are you learning anything new?

I have been taking an online class for color grading for the past six months and just completed my Davinci Resolve certification. I have also been able to setup a mini grading suite at home where I will keep learning and polishing the craft of color grading.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I’m a lifelong martial artist, so I stay in the dojo most times when I have free time and I also like to go hiking with my family.

What's the best advice you've ever received?

My late father always constantly reminded me, “oneself is the only threat to their success”.