Why Post-production?

Published on March 22nd 2011
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I have been asked why I am interested in going to Emerson for post-production because I had always been the “aspiring actress” and until recently never showed interest in editing.
I have chosen post-production for several reasons.
One main reason is, unlike in acting, it is much easier to have a career with post-production.  It is a field I can rely on having stable work.  There will always be films, t.v. shows, commercials, ad’s, home videos, etc. that people will want to have edited, finished, and/or have special effects added to it.

My second reason would be the salary. According to Janelle Ashley Neilson, a freelance editor for “Girls Nextdoor” and “Dog Whisperer”, the current union scale for an editor is $2,575.88 a week, based on a 56 hour /5 day workweek. 6th days on a union show are time and a half and 7th days are double time. Low budget, non-union films and shows often pay less. Often times, directors or producers will also look for editors for very low pay/no pay and compensation is based either on credit/travel expenses or deferred payment. Every editor has to negotiate their own rate, so the ballpark could be anywhere between zero-20 grand a week or more. Some editors also negotiate profit “points” in films, which mean that depending on how well the film does at the box office, the editor will receive the negotiated compensation/percentage of profit.

My third reason would be to expand my career and collaborate with other artists in the industry. Many times editors go on to be producers or directors as well, if that is something an editor is interested in doing. I would also like to use those opportunities to cast myself in my own project or possibly be cast in a friends project… Or just be cast in something period.

Lastly, but not least, my major reason for wanting to go to school for post-production is because I can take what I see in my imagination and bring it to life.  I have the power to virtually make anything happen. This makes me very happy. To be able to bring your dreams and visions to life is something we all wish we could do…and with post-production I can do just that.