Audrey Leach - Editor
Editor
Experience 5+ years
“If you don’t have anything for a reel yet, it might be a good idea to produce some content of your own and edit it in a distinct style and share it so that people can see what kind of work you specifically do and will want to hire you for it.”
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
After working as a Staff Editor for LEROI in Brooklyn (sister company of Senior Post) till 2022, I became a Freelance Editor and have been ever since. Recently, I've cut short films & documentaries, music videos, branded content, and many podcasts. Some of my favorite clients I've gotten a chance to work for are Spotify, Lemme, Voices for Gaza, Audible, Sabrina Carpenter, Madison Beer & Nessa Barrett.
What does an average day look like in your post-production working world?
The way my day looks depends entirely on how many jobs I'm juggling at one time. And naturally, as a freelancer, I'm always on the hunt for the next gig. So typically I'll spend about an hour at the beginning of the day catching up on emails and applying to gigs. After that, I'll dive into whatever projects I've got for the day. Usually it's a bit of podcast editing, and then either a short film, documentary, branded content, or music video. I try to begin my day with the most difficult edit, or what I think will be most time-consuming, and then do easier tasks later on.
How did your career in post-production begin?
My career in Post Production began when one of my professors from NYU, Post Supervisor Paul Levin, called me the summer after graduation because he needed a Post PA on the 2021 film 'Breaking News in Yuba County,' and 'Respect' (2021) directly after that.
What has been your career highlight?
I co-produced, directed, and edited a feature documentary all about high school show choir (think Glee) called Full Out: Inside Ohio Show Choir.
Who are your role models in post?
Some of the editors that have inspired me are Sandra Adair, Dede Allen, Joanna Naugle and Jane Moran.
What advice do you have for others wanting to start a career in post?
I feel like with the popularity of remote setups, one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself if you're starting today is cold messaging editors and asking them for a call to learn about their careers, as well as building yourself a website and reel that those people can refer to to see your work. Since people in Post Production aren't meeting in the wild very often anymore, you really need to create an awareness online (and in person, of course) that you are an Editor or AE who is actively looking for work.
Also, joining Slack groups & in-person Editor meet ups are always valuable! If you don't have anything for a reel yet, it might be a good idea to produce some content of your own and edit it in a distinct style and share it so that people can see what kind of work you specifically do and will want to hire you for it.
Connect with Audrey on Instagram