Hello! I hope you are doing well. Thank you so much for reading the blog, I hope you are enjoying discovering the resources and are finding them helpful. I thought I would pop on here and tell you a little bit about myself and why I started writing this blog.
During Sixth Form I started wondering how I could begin a career in Film Editing after leaving school. But, I was very confused over how on earth you ‘break into the industry’ and had many questions. Where do Editors work? Should I go to film school? Do I need a Post Production degree? How do I find a job? What Film Editing software do I need to learn? These questions were swirling around my head and at the time I couldn’t find any clear answers. The Film and TV Industry felt very far away in a small impenetrable bubble. Not only in a bubble, but far from view, over a hedge, across a large field the size of a football pitch and in a different country. You get the gist.
I began researching the answers to my questions and at the time I couldn’t find much information online. Perhaps you are in the same situation? Then, I finally found the wonderful resource which is Eddie Hamilton’s (Editor of Kingsman: The Secret Service, Mission: Impossible - Fallout and X-Men: First Class) advice page on his website and suddenly it started to click. I had finally found clear action steps I could follow to get my first job in the industry. I finished Sixth Form, followed his guidance and began working as a Post Production Runner in London.
Whilst running, I couldn’t help thinking to myself, wow I am actually in a building with real life Editors who work on real TV Shows! Wow. I loved my job and thoroughly enjoyed meeting new clients, chatting to them whilst preparing breakfasts in the Runner kitchen, learning new skills and taking every opportunity to learn and be a sponge. If you would like to learn more about being a Post Production Runner, check out this webinar hosted by Imogen Marks and I about our experiences and tips for Runners. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to sit in with the Editors and it was there that I was first introduced to Avid Media Composer. I continued cutting drama short films on the side, attending filmmaking and networking events, meeting new people and discovering more about the industry.
Now, a couple of years later, I have made the jump into freelancing and I'm very grateful to have had the opportunity to gain my first TV credit as a Trainee Assistant Editor on Roadkill, a 4-part drama series for BBC1 starring Hugh Laurie. I loved being part of the editorial team and cannot wait to continue my training to become an Assistant Editor in TV Drama. I am still pinching myself and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has given up their time over the years to help me along my way. Thank you!
If I could go back now and tell 18 year old Eleanor who had just finished Sixth Form that this would happen she would be so shocked. Falling off her chair, saying "are you joking?!"
I know how difficult it can be to find the information you want to know about breaking into post production and so, I would love to share some of the resources I have found so far to hopefully help another 18 year old Eleanor who would love to get started but has absolutely no clue what to do. I also use my blog as my own resource library to go back to in the future when I want to learn about something and so we’re all in it together!
If you want guaranteed time with an industry professional to receive feedback, training and industry insight tailored to you, I'm now offering one-to-one online tutoring sessions! From career pathways to assistant editing, I'd be happy to be your guide. Find out more info here... don't struggle on your own!
Have you checked out the NEW, YES NEW… AH EXCITING ‘The Industry’ or the ‘Resources' pages yet?! There you’ll find collections of essential industry resources you can use to start your career. Head to the bottom of this page to find more blog posts about Assistant Editing, Post Production Running, Interviews and Film Editing.