Geri Docherty - Editor
Job title - Editor
Experience - 5+ years
“Find film friends who will want to make cool shit with you and reach out to directors you like. Some people won’t respond and that’s okay, that will change. Just get your name out there.”
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
I’m a freelance film/video editor who’s recently moved from Melbourne to London where I’ve signed with the incredibly talented UK post house, The Quarry. I like to edit everything - commercials, music videos, fashion films, short films and short documentaries. There isn’t really anything that I don’t like editing. My dream is to edit a feature film, but I’m not in any rush. I know it will happen when the time is right.
What does an average day look like in your post production working world?
An average day in the edit suite depends on what stage of the edit process I am in but no matter what, I always need to start my day off right - some movement (need to prep for a long day at the desk) journalling (this helps with clearing out thoughts and getting myself into a good headspace) and coffee. (no explanation needed) Each stage of the edit process is fun in its own way but there is something really special about the first day of a new project, it’s a new beginning and there is a lot of thinking and dreaming involved. Once my assist has prepped the project for me, I’ll start making selects. If I'm not working with recorded sound, I’ll listen to an album that inspires me and vibe to it, which often helps me get in the mood. If I’m watching scenes, I’ll get myself some snacks while I pick apart and collect my favourite moments. After that, I build my first cut. This part is equally as fun, but with it comes a bit of nerves. (Which I think is actually healthy and important) There are so many ways an edit can go, it’s such an intuitive thing and I cut with my feelings so it’s just playing, experimenting and trusting the process. Once I’m happy, I’ll show my director. I’ll usually preface where my head is at and explain what I think is or isn’t working. Collaboration is key and when two or more creative minds merge, the magic happens. In-person sessions are always the most fun, raw and messy. One minute you’re on a roll with the edit, the next you’re having meaningful chats. Connection in the edit room is the best.
How did your career in post production begin?
I’ve been creating little worlds ever since I was a kid and I think my career is simply an extension of that. I was a Rollercoaster Tycoon kid, a Sims kid, an Animal Crossing kid, I basically played every game where you got to build worlds from scratch. I used to video my friends in high school, then spend time messing with the speed and the sound of the footage (and whatever other simple effects you could do in iMovie) to create stories from nothing. At film school, we explored different roles within the industry and editing was something that very quickly felt like home to me. The edit process will always be a collaboration but I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a bit of a control freak and I love having a final say in what the films I work on will look like to whoever watches them. It has always been the most fun and rewarding part for me so I stuck with it and it wasn’t long until I made it my entire personality. After I graduated, I was lucky to be surrounded by film school friends who were just as eager to make cool stuff as I was. I had friends who wanted to be directors, cinematographers, sound designers and colourists so that’s how we made our film crews. I started cutting friends’ music videos for free while working casual jobs and had to be patient and put a lot of faith in myself and the process that one day I’ll be able to make a living out of editing. Slowly and surely, the jobs got bigger and better. I still have a lot to learn and I’m still building my folio to be the best it can be but so far it’s been working out so I’m really happy with where it’s all taking me.
What has been your career highlight?
One of my career highlights was editing a 40-minute live performance of Troye Sivan, all of which was shot on 16mm. I’ve been a bit of a Troye fan for years and all of his music videos have such an incredible aesthetic. (Hello the new Gordan von Steiner clip) I used to dream about working on music videos like Emma Westernberg’s ‘Lucky Strike’ when I was fresh out of film school, so being asked to edit something for Troye was super special, I knew I would be getting stunning footage to cut with. We had such a good crew and I unashamedly fangirled throughout the process.
Working on short films and documentaries is always such a rewarding experience because you put so much time and energy into it and get so attached. Last year, I cut a 20-minute documentary called ‘Eden Alone Surpasses Thee’ directed by Tom Chapman, a director based in Launceston, Tasmania. It was one of the most beautiful films I’ve worked on and this year it won Best Short Documentary at the Australian International Documentary Conference.
Who are your role models in post?
There are so many amazing female & gender diverse editors within the industry who’ve inspired me and my craft. There are some obvious names like Thelma Schoonmaker, Sally Menke, Dede Allen & Jill Bilcock. (There’s an incredible documentary about Jill called ‘Dancing The Invisible’ that everyone must watch) These women are icons not only because they are great editors but because they paved the way for editors like me. There are also editors like Mah Ferraz (who is also signed with the Quarry) who is someone I’ve been following on instagram forever. She is such a boss and unbelievably good at what she does. When I first saw her work, I thought - “I want to be like her in a few years.”
What advice do you have for others wanting to start a career in post?
Find film friends who will want to make cool shit with you and reach out to directors you like. Some people won’t respond and that’s okay, that will change. Just get your name out there. Start building a portfolio that you’re proud of and aligns with who you are and the types of films you want to edit. Start branding yourself as an editor and curating an online presence. (This can be scary at first but instagram will be your best friend.) Find out what makes your voice and craft unique and lean into that. Most importantly though, put trust in yourself and the process because it takes a little while to get the ball rolling.