Ally Gondeck - Editor
Editor
Experience 5+ years
“Don’t be afraid to break the mould. In an industry steeped in tradition, it’s crucial to carve your own path and drown out any other noise. Success doesn’t follow a set timeline, and you hold the power to shape your career however you like. Find your tribe and hold them close.”
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
As an editor at Nomad Edit Co. based in NY, my focus is on cutting commercials, along with short-form content and music videos. I have had the pleasure of collaborating with various brands including Amazon, Levis, New Balance, BMW, Sony, and Dell. Throughout my career, working alongside talented artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Renee Rapp, Megan Thee Stallion, and Camila Cabello has proven to be a rewarding experience.
What does an average day look like in your post-production working world?
An average Day In The Life™ is different every single day. My favorite phase of a project is the initial stages, where I dive into treatments and storyboards and start to visualize a final product. You can often find me blasting music while curating inspiration from the things I love in life. Creative/visual editing is a theme in my commercial work. In the early stages of a job I am figuring out what I need to do each day to keep my brain productive and creatively fed. It’s easy for me to get caught up in perfecting one small section, only to find it doesn’t flow within the context of the entire edit. Taking regular breaks to recalibrate the mind is essential in these moments. My go to involves drinking Celsius, but more often than not, I am taking dance breaks. (Forreal.)
I select everything myself, allowing me to make “Junk” stringouts of whips, flashes or anything that can be used as textural elements. You never know what shot combos present themselves while watching where one take ends and the following one begins. The process truly takes shape in my suite with clients, where I prioritize cultivating a collaborative atmosphere. Quickly reaching a stage where we can let our walls down in the room has been more fruitful than nailing a shot in an edit. Building trust and openness is crucial, as it allows focus on creativity and the sharing of ideas. Ensuring the confidence that we have explored the footage and arrived at the best possible end product together.
How did your career in post production begin?
Where all journeys begin, Middle School! I started making music videos of myself lip syncing Super Bass by Nicki Minaj with a Kodak Easy Share camera and Windows Movie Maker. Maybe one day I will share it with the world. I was lucky to have grown up in art schools allowing me to explore my passion for editing early on, thus shaping a clear path towards my career. I focused on film techniques and didn’t waste my time on subjects like math.
After school, I spent 2.5 years assisting, and while that remained my main focus and baseline of learning, I climbed the ranks quickly by hustling in my spare time. By forming relationships with editors and cultivating a strong network through social media, I was able to build my reel. I soon realized that on Instagram, connecting with someone who can help foster growth doesn’t require being in the “right place at the right time.” It’s possible to start establishing a name without even leaving the couch! (While editing of course).
What has been your career highlight?
One unforgettable highlight was being awarded my first major pop video. I remember running (walking) laps around the office and calling my mom—it was my first true "Oh wait, I can actually do this for real!" realization, and I knew at that moment I could thrive in an industry I’ve admired my whole life. That same excitement resurfaces every time I receive a new treatment, especially when it involves artists I admire. A recent highlight is watching one of my projects get a mayor indicted. That was really fun.
Who are your role models in post?
My role models are anyone who opened a door for me or gave me a push along the way. I’m so grateful to every editor or producer that let me sit and pick their brain or watch them work while I was still cutting my teeth. I strive to do the same for emerging talent as much as possible.
What advice do you have for others wanting to start a career in post?
Don’t be afraid to break the mould. In an industry steeped in tradition, it’s crucial to carve your own path and drown out any other noise. Success doesn’t follow a set timeline, and you hold the power to shape your career however you like. Find your tribe and hold them close. Stay in your own lane and surround yourself with people who uplift you with genuine intentions. Treat your collaborators with kindness and respect; everyone wants to feel valued. If you take care of your people, they will take care of you right back. And most importantly, always introduce yourself as an editor, no matter your current role. You never know what opportunities might arise!
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