> 1. Can you briefly define your job to me?
I'm an Avid non-linear film/video editor and After Effects compositor.
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> 2. How did you get started in the business?
I got started in high school working in the TV studio. I then went to college, dual majored in film/video and earned a Bachelors degree. Got work right out of college and never looked back. I've been an Avid editor professionally for 14 years.
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> 3. How do you tell someone over you that you couldn't accomplish an assigned task?
It almost never happens. I'm the last rung on the ladder as it were. After all the writing, pre-production, shooting, directing is done... it all falls in my lap and never quite as it was intended. As an editor there is little to no margin for error and the time frame is always tight. If I must work late, so be it.
That said, there are two things I'll say to address your question, as it's a good one, and I've seen this issue ruin countless people in this industry.
1-Honesty without hesitation: This industry is filled with very creative and good hearted people. If I screw something up or make a mistake... I say so. I admit my failing, explain how it happened 'without making any excuses' and then fix it as fast as possible. A film/video is a collaboration of many different departments and all make errors along the way. I'm no different and %99.9 of my errors can be fixed, unlike the errors made during shooting.
I've seen people be fired because they deflect and lie to try and not be held accountable for a mistake they made.
2-Know how to see the future: When I'm assigned a task, I immediately gauge what's being asked of me, how much time I think it will take and if I need help. If those 3 things do not match what's being presented to me I say so then... not later when it's too late. If I need more time... I say so. If I need a 3D graphic artist to accomplish a complex animation... I say so. If the workload is too heavy for the time allotted, I ask for a second editor to work with me. Even if all these things are denied me, I've made it clear before we start that I'm being handed an unfair deck. This helps as the project moves along, and often halfway through the project, what I asked for is finally granted when the client sees I was right. The ability to see the future comes with time and experience.
I've seen people be fired because they wither under unreasonable demands, try their best and fail as was easily predictable. Failing at the 11'th hour is not acceptable. Look ahead and don't let it happen.
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> 4. Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out?
Burn no bridges... it's all about who you know in the end. That sleepy lazy student next to you in class... he may be the one hiring you in 4 years to work on his major motion picture.
Good luck,
Todd
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