Erika Smith - Video Editing Coach + Post Production Coordinator
Job title - Editing Coach
Experience - 10+ years
“Don’t stop believing in yourself. Remember you have a voice and it’s meant for the world to see. Definitely need tough skin in this industry, there will be times where it will be challenging. Understand this, don’t quit! Keep learning, growing, applying your skills, and remember your “why”.”
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
I had a business called Visions By Kali, LLC where I was a freelance Videographer and Editor helping entrepreneurs and small businesses owners with bringing awareness to their businesses by creating content. I helped with various content such as promotional/commercials, ads, event highlights, youtube videos, dance videos, reels, web series, and short form content.
What does an average day look like in your post production working world?
An average day would be having pre-production meetings with clients and creating the treatment for the video. After filming, I’ll go over the extra materials needed for the video. I’ll import all materials needed for the videos. I begin to review and organize the files and folders. I review the treatment again to make sure that I have everything needed to complete the project. Then the fun begins! Editing time, where I take all the footage and materials and bring the treatment aka the vision to life. During this editing process, I assembled the footage and removed clips off the timeline that were not needed. I think about these following questions; Does it move the story forward?, If I remove this footage will it make a difference?, and Does this provide enough information for the audience to understand? That helps me eliminate the fluff as I create the story. Once that happens, it usually becomes easier and it transforms to having its own voice and rhythm. While assembling the footage, I begin to think about the music. I usually don’t apply music, transitions, effects, plugins, graphics, etc. until the footage is finally assembled and the first rough cut was sent to the client. I always do a build up. Majority of the time the client wants to see the first rough cut without all the glitz and glam. The second rough cut is when I add all the bells and whistles. The process of going back and forth with the client for rough cuts can take time. Finding your voice during the process of editing is very important. Once the client approves, sending the finalized video is always a great feeling of accomplishment.
How did your career in post production begin?
I was a videographer first and a couple years later I realized that videography and editing go together. During that time at University of West Georgia, I didn’t have anyone to teach me editing. I learned videography in high school. In 2010, it was my mission to figure out how to edit. I asked a few people at my college to help me out, but no one either didn’t have the time or they didn’t know themselves. I had a chance to talk to a girl who said the best way to learn is to play around with the editing software. The first editing software I learned was Adobe Premiere C6. She was right, I started playing around with footage and discovered that YouTube was the best teacher. I continued to learn and grow during my self taught experience.
What has been your career highlight?
I produced and edited an all female music artists cypher for Blossom Digital. During this time, Blossom Digital was looking to add more content to their network. I love music and production, so I decided to spearhead this project. This was one of the first projects under the company and I was so excited to be the Producer and Editor for this major project. Blossom Digital's mission was to create content for BIPOC women by BIPOC women. The cypher was a hit! I received great feedback from the production team, artists, and viewers.
Who are your role models in post?
Role models in post starts with the music industry. I love music and especially music videos. Production & editorial companies such as Motion Family, Robot Films, and Electric Theatre Collective. The creativity, storytelling, motion graphics, and visual effects are amazing! In television and film, Fred Raskin, Joi McMillon, Shannon Baker Davis, Stewart Schill, and David Kashevaroff. To work on major television shows and movies; and pieced everything together effortlessly. I’m always in awe! These editors in post are so talented and have their own unique stamp in the industry. For that, I thank them for continuing to make their mark and inspiring others who want to get into post production.
What advice do you have for others wanting to start a career in post?
Don’t stop believing in yourself. Remember you have a voice and it's meant for the world to see. Definitely need tough skin in this industry, there will be times where it will be challenging. Understand this, don’t quit! Keep learning, growing, applying your skills, and remember your “why”. Start creating now! Don’t wait until you get a job in post. Use the resources around you, start gaining hands-on experience. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. Find a mentor in the industry or someone who is in post for guidance. Find an environment that encourages your growth and success. Most importantly, stay true to yourself, focus on your goals, and be consistent in enhancing and learning new editing skills. In advance, cheers to a successful post production career!
In 2021, Erika started a new business called The Reel Edit which is a training and consulting company that offers video editing resources for Editors, Creatives and Entrepreneurs to enhance their business and creativity. She created the Editors Collective that is a community to build, share, and connect with other Editors. She helps Editors find job opportunities and provide tools to enhance their craft. Connect creatives and entrepreneurs to an Editor to fulfill their content needs. Provide resources for Creatives & Entrepreneurs to master the basics of video editing. As the business continues to grow, her goals are to advocate and raise awareness for Editors, mentorship for new and seasoned Editors, and providing educational tools for video editing.