Alyssa Oh - Editor
Editor
Experience 7+ years
“When you work on projects that are special to you, whether that’s through editing, hobbies or side projects, that passion will shine through the work.”
Meet Alyssa Oh, a California based editor at MakeMake who’s cut music videos and commercials for some of the greats, including Ariana Grande, Apple, Olivia Rodrigo and Netflix. Originally anticipating a career in sports broadcasting Alyssa has built a career and support system from starting in the industry knowing no one making ‘work’ feel more like ‘a good hang’. Enjoy Alyssa’s story!
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
I’m an editor at MakeMake Editorial. I primarily work on commercials, music videos, and short-form content, and I’ve collaborated with many brands, including Apple, Airbnb, Netflix, Cadillac, and the NFL. I’ve also had the opportunity to edit music videos for artists such as Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion, Olivia Rodrigo, Harry Styles, and Travis Scott.
What does an average day look like in your post-production working world?
Each day is different, which is one of the things I love most about being an editor. That said, every day starts with coffee and a little chat with whoever is in the office.
Every project starts by watching all of the footage. If music hasn’t already been chosen, I’ll listen to a shuffle of songs that I think might fit as I’m going through dailies. I’ll pull selects, usually doing a few rounds and organizing everything in a way that makes sense. Then I start shaping the edit. I’ll explore a few versions with the director that we share with the agency or artist, and eventually create a final piece that goes to air.
How did your career in post-production begin?
Originally, I was aiming for a career in sports broadcasting. During my initial job hunt, I interviewed at two places – one was with The Maury Show (iykyk) and the other was with MakeMake, known then as Rock Paper Scissors Editorial. I ended up taking the PA position with MakeMake, and that began my journey in post-production, eventually leading me to become an editor.
What has been your career highlight?
A highlight in my career has been the support system I’ve found in the people around me. When I first started, I didn’t know anyone in the post-world, and over the years I’ve been able to cultivate a solid community of editors, directors, producers, and other creatives. It makes this job feel less like work and more just like a good hang.
Who are your role models in post?
My role models over the years are an accumulation of the people who have mentored me in one way or another. There is also a long list of people who I haven’t met but whose work I’ve admired, editors like Aika Miyake, Carla Luffe, Elise Butt, Sophia Lou – among others.
What advice do you have for others wanting to start a career in post?
It’s a conventional answer, but I think the sentiment is important: do what you love!
When you work on projects that are special to you, whether that’s through editing, hobbies or side projects, that passion will shine through the work. Also, work with people you enjoy spending time with, whose opinions you respect. Collaborating and workshopping ideas with people you trust and have fun with does wonders for the creative process.
Connect with Alyssa on Instagram