Bari Winter - Editor
Job title - Editor
Experience - 15+ years
“Even if you are employed on a show or movie, keep up with your networking so when you are ready for your next gig, you already have a network ready to help you. ”
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
I have been editing short films and a low budget feature recently. The short films also have me digging into my assistant editor skills to help them get them through online, color, music and sound mixing. I edit with Avid Media Composer and Adobe Premiere Pro.
What does an average day look like in your post production working world?
All my current projects have been work from home. Most of my projects I edit using Avid Media Composer. The feature I edited recently was on Premiere Pro. The editing process is similar even though I'm using different NLEs. When I'm in dailies, I watch all the footage and take notes. Then I start with a rough cut of the scenes. The next day I look at what I have cut with fresh eyes and make any changes. I add in music and sound effects as needed. Once I have a cut together, I send the editors cut to the director. Then they begin the notes process either through email or on Frame iO. Once the director is happy, we lock the film and then the turnover process begins.
How did your career in post production begin?
When I was 16 years old, I went to Usdan, a performing arts camp in New York on Long Island. They had a new video program I thought would be fun. I loved it and thought this could be great to do for a career. For college, I went to The School of Visual Arts and majored in film. We learned all aspects and in my 3rd year I decided to focus on editing. After moving to Los Angeles, my career really began to take off in reality television, and then I moved to scripted television several years later.
What has been your career highlight?
I've had many career highlights. The one that stands out the most to me is earning co-editor credits on Cobra Kai seasons 4 and 5. And recently, I went to a cast and crew/friends and family screening of The Favor, a short film I edited recently. This project was all remote and I finally met the director, DP, crew and producers in person. It was a great feeling to have everyone see our collective work on the big screen. The Favor has been selected for several film festivals. It premieres at the Bridgeport Film Festival in CT 8th-10th Sept 2023. I edited Tiny Joy in the spring of 2023, and it has been accepted to 3 film festivals.
Who are your role models in post?
Zack Arnold, ACE is a big role model and mentor for me. I worked as his co-editor and assistant editor on Cobra Kai seasons 4 and 5. He is focused on putting out a good show but also making time for himself and his family. I'd like to be able to have that kind of balance in my career. Zack also has a program called Optimize Yourself that I took at the beginning of the pandemic. I learned so much about myself, my goals, and how to achieve them through the program.
What advice do you have for others wanting to start a career in post?
Number One, have patience. Your career goals may not happen according to your timeline. I would also say to be kind, work hard, stand up for yourself, and network effectively and consistently. Even if you are employed on a show or movie, keep up with your networking so when you are ready for your next gig, you already have a network ready to help you. And because you stayed in touch with your network, when you hear about a job, you’ll know who’s available and who might be a good fit for the position. Paying it forward is rewarding. Also, make sure you have time for yourself. I hike on the weekends and I make that a priority. Last, make time for family and friends because you need that support system in this demanding career.