Interview Method: Email
Date Conducted: 9 Oct 2009
Quenna Gregorio
Freelance Video Editor
Sydney NSW
http://www.qraetor.com
Freelance Video Editor
Sydney NSW
http://www.qraetor.com
1) What made you decide to get into editing in the first place?
Studied media arts at uni. Creative editing appealed to me more than animation. Great to be able to manipulate footage and get really creative with programs. Editing to me is like a moving photoshop!
2) What do you find most rewarding about your career?
Seeing my work on commercial spaces, eg. TV, online and on the big screen in public events! And also seeing my name in the credit roll.
3) What do you find most challenging/difficult about it?
Dealing with difficult clients. Working to very tight deadlines.
4) Is it possible to be a freelance editor full-time? And what are the pro’s and cons of that kind of workflow?
Yes it is possible to work full-time, if you have the right clients, who have a constant workflow for you.
Pro’s – Having a variety of materials/clients who work in different industries keep editing interesting because you’re not stuck having the same content week-in, week-out.
Con’s – Financial stability and managing your schedule to meet multiple deadlines
5) How is the demand and competition for editors in the local industry?
I find that, as a freelance editor, I don’t compete with other freelancers, but rather the big production companies.
7) Over your career as an editor what changes (if any) have you witnessed
I haven’t noticed any major changes.
8) What are some things you wish you knew when you were starting out?
1. Don’t get discouraged by rejection. Even if 1 out of 10 companies hire you, chances are, if you do a good job and keep them happy, they will use you again
2. You may need to do freebies starting out, but these jobs usually lead to higher paying jobs
3. It’s better to keep your clients happy by doing a good job and meeting deadline, than over-booking and doing a rush job or not meeting your clients deadlines
9) What are some indispensable skills new graduates should have if interested in editing as a career?
You need to have a creative flair, a good eye and attention to detail. You also need to have a motivation and passion for editing. Always remember why you wanted to become an editor.
9) Any general advice for a student addicted to editing leaving uni?
Keep EVERYTHING you do, make a awesome showreel that will blow people away. Make sure your showreel reflects your style and therefore will get the clientele you are after. Also, call around and get your name out there.
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