Eilish Boyd - Assistant Editor/Vault Manager
Job title - Assistant editor/ Vault manager
Experience - 3+ years
“Try to avoid the mindset of being above a role that you think you might be overqualified for because even if you are, you’re just going to exceed expectations and people will see you as a reliable member of the team. Start where there is an opening and care about the work and people around you. ”
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
I am in a hybrid role as the vault manager and assistant editor at Bandit Edit. I oversee the vault on a daily basis and keep track of what elements are coming in and going out. We mostly work on commercials, but occasionally work on music videos, shorts, etc.
What does an average day look like in your post production working world?
As the vault manager, an average day consists of talking to everyone in some way shape or form — there can be a lot of moving parts. I’ve realized that’s true for every side of production + post :) In the vault, I like to keep detailed records of what we’re receiving and what’s going out on a daily basis. Everything related to the vault is tracked across multiple spreadsheets...It sounds like overkill, but it’s not because it gives me peace of mind. At the end of the day, I want to have an idea of where everything is even if it's not at my fingertips. The vault can be an overwhelming beast because it’s always shifting and changing, but I like taking care of it.
As an assistant editor, I’m trying to figure out what an average day looks like — I still consider myself a junior assistant. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet people who have bent over backwards to teach me about assisting during the remote work period. That's not easy. Right now my average day consists of communicating with editors about what they need me to do so they can jump into the project and do their job. It’s crazy to be in a situation where I can now call myself an assistant editor, still doesn’t seem real! Sometimes I feel like I don’t know what I’m doing which is silly because I do and I’m working on not second guessing those abilities. I have people in my corner who I know I can lean on if I have questions or feel like I’m in over my head. It’s a balancing act.
How did your career in post production begin?
My career in post-production began in college. I was originally studying to go into engineering because I like math, but failed a huge physics test, had a meltdown and asked my advisor to find me a new major. I took an intro to editing course and pursued it for the rest of college. When I moved to New York after graduation I got started in client services at a post-house (Cut + Run New York) and eventually was able to take on some vault responsibilities. I’m lucky to have gotten started where I did because I learned the value of expectations and taking pride in my work. I try to bring that everyday.
What has been your career highlight?
The beginning and middle of the pandemic was a bizarre time to be in the early stages of starting my career, but there were highlights. My responsibilities shifted during this time, and the silver lining was that I had some freedom in deciding where I focused my attention outside of client services. I really missed being with my coworkers and I knew people wanted that aspect of the work day back. I started to mess around with photoshop to make funny birthday/announcement cards and we would send them out to everyone via email. It was a weird, fun way to try to feel connected. As we got deeper into the pandemic, It was rewarding to see the progress I made in my designs... I’m cracking up thinking about the first photoshop card I made.
Who are your role models in post?
There are too many to list and I hate to be vague like this but I think my role models are every person I’ve had the chance to work with + work for in post. I can’t really imagine narrowing it down to a few people. I’ve learned something important from almost everyone I’ve crossed paths with in this industry. I think that's a good sign, right? Too many good role models is a good problem to have.
What advice do you have for others wanting to start a career in post?
Try to avoid the mindset of being above a role that you think you might be overqualified for because even if you are, you’re just going to exceed expectations and people will see you as a reliable member of the team. Start where there is an opening and care about the work and people around you.
Favourite piece of your work
My favorite piece of work that I got to be part of was for Pure Leaf The No Grants — this was one of the first projects I got to work on as an assistant for Heather Danosky who is an amazing editor and the coolest person I’ve ever met. She’s insanely talented, patient, creative and a boss. Steve Ortega (another amazing editor and extremely cool, patient person) was pretty much there for me the entire time answering all of my questions. And he still answers all of my questions :)
I’m currently working on other projects that I know will be my favorites in the future, but I know I can’t share them right now. I’m looking forward to eventually being in a position in my career where I can look back on everything I’ve worked on and reminisce on my favorites, but for now I am really enjoying it all still feeling new.