Clara Monera Rivero - Editor
Job title - Editor
Experience - 5+ years
“I think we often have to deal with a lot of pressure because we take part in the final stages of a project and there’s a lot of eyes on us, so having people to talk about that can help you a lot.”
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
Hi! I’m a freelance editor from Barcelona. I usually work on commercials and content for social media, although I have also worked on music videos, short films, and documentaries. I have worked with a wide variety of brands such as Nike, Loewe, Adidas, Levis, Asics, Lacoste, RedBull, Estrella Damm… And I'm the editor of Sónar Music Festival and have also recently started in the world of teaching in a film school!
What does an average day look like in your post-production working world?
My day to day depends a lot on the type of project I am working on and what phase it’s in. I always try to get up as soon as possible to have a quiet breakfast while mentally organizing everything I have to do during the day. If I’m starting a new project the first thing I like to do is watch all the references/treatments/scripts that the client/director/producer has sent me, and the previous content that has been made by both the project director and the production company I am working with, and if the case, also the previous content of the client for whom we are working (photos, videos or simply checking their social media). This helps me create a mental image of them and what they expect from the project and what they want to show to the world.
Once I have entered the mood of the project I begin to organize the material and create rushes. When I have seen all the material, I like to start editing without thinking about it too much. I like to get carried away by the project, I don't like to take a thousand notes or write a lot before editing, although when things get complicated, I have to stop for a moment, reflect and look at the edit from a more distant perspective. When that happens, I do like to take notes and think things through.
The end of my day also has a lot to do with the project I'm in and the phase I'm in. If I have time, I like to stop when I start to get stuck, go for a walk, watch a movie, play video games, rest… and come back the next morning with things clear.
If time does not allow it, my day ends when I have done everything I had to do.
What has been your career highlight?
For me, the highlights of my career have been the moments in which they have offered me projects that I thought I would not be able to do or that were too big for me. Apart from the fact that it is comforting to see how they take you into account and value your work, it is gratifying to see how you achieve things that you thought you would not know how to carry forward, but you know that someone at some point has seen your work and has known (sometimes before you!) that you could do well and fit into his vision and his work.
I believe that these challenges and projects allow you not only to be able to trust yourself and your work more and more but also to realize that you never stop learning and you always have new things to offer.
How did your career in post-production begin?
The beginning of my career was when I finished university, I started working with my classmate, friend, and talented director Laura Vifer. She was also starting her career and allowed me to edit her first works. We soon realized that we worked very well together and thanks to this work we were both able to create a good portfolio and gain a bit of visibility that allowed us to access jobs and clients.
Currently, we both have our projects separately but we work together whenever we can. Although I've had my ups and downs like everyone else, I feel like my career has always flowed very well and I'm always very excited to see what I work on next. I have been very lucky to be able to work with wonderful people who have never hesitated to recommend me to other clients/coworkers.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your career;
I think a crucial moment in my career was when, after a long time working in advertising, I was allowed to work on a much longer "narrative" project. At first, I felt that all my senses to work on long projects were worn out, used to the rush and speed of advertising and social media, and above all, used to the language of advertising. I had to reconnect with the times, the sensitivity, and the mechanisms of the cinema and I think it helped me a lot to develop my sense of cinematographic language, which I have been able to use in my projects after this one, which has been both commercials and short films.
Women in post you admire?
I admire literally every woman that works in post and in the film/audiovisual industry haha. I’ve worked with many wonderful women since I started my career, and they have not only been great co-workers, but they have also been the ones who have given me the most valuable lessons and the ones who have supported me the most. I think the connection that is created between two women who understand each other's work is unmatched and I really appreciate that.
What advice do you have for other women wanting to start a career in post?
The first piece of advice I would like to give them is to have a support system (include in it as many women as you can) with whom they can talk and have references about what it is like to work in this profession. The world of post-production can sometimes feel very lonely and it is super important both to accept that and to try to feel like this for as little time as possible.
I think we often have to deal with a lot of pressure because we take part in the final stages of a project and there's a lot of eyes on us, so having people to talk about that can help you a lot. I also consider it important to try not to compare yourself too much with others and instead ask yourself how much are you progressing and learning.
And the most important thing: learn how to set boundaries and how to say no!