Jalisa Brown - Assistant Editor
Job title - Editor
Experience - 7+ years
“Keep your attitude in check. What we do as editors and creatives is beautiful beyond words, nonetheless, it is hard work, therefore people want to work with nice, fun people. Although the project can be rough, that doesn’t mean that the people you work with should be too. ”
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
I am an Assistant Editor, striving toward my goal to be an Editor. My job consists of many things, but when people ask what I do, I explain that I take footage and assemble it in an effective way to create a beautiful story. I do this by assisting a team of creatives that range from the Editor to the Post Supervisor. Although I specialize in scripted content, I have created trailers, short-form content, and advertising pieces such as featurettes and behind-the-scenes. I work with a variety of clients, but it is usually scripted content. Currently, I am working on a documentary.
What does an average day look like in your post production working world?
On an average day I start with an intense cup of matcha. There is a morning meeting with the Post team which consists of the Editor, Post Sup, and AEs. We discuss what was completed the previous day and then the objective for that week and break up any tasks. My tasks for that day consists of ingesting media, sorting through dailies, and if we are further ahead in the process, I will assist in tackling any notes that the studio/client may have sent over. One of the main reasons I love my job is because it entertains my ADHD. No two days are really ever the same. Sometimes you go home after a long, but accomplished day and other times you spend the whole day putting out fires that hopefully aren't real fires.
How did your career in post production begin?
I started in college where I made friends who later became instrumental in lifting me and aiding me in my career track. I cannot stress enough how important it is to build intentional relationships with people in your industry from the moment you start your career. More often than not, the people that sit across from you in the classroom will be the same people you will sit next to at the award shows. These people will give you advice and help you get your first internship.
To illustrate this, my colleague and good friend KT Walker-Delphonse got me my first internship at Mofilms, which later led me to a position at American Indian Film Festival working with the late founder Michael Smith. This internship was pivotal in helping me to hone my skills as an Assistant Editor. After many years in San Francisco, I moved to Los Angeles, solidifying a full time career in my field.
What has been your career highlight?
In my career there have been many incredible moments. The two that come to mind are having the opportunity to meet Oscar Winners Jamie Ray Newman and Guy Nattiv of the short film “Skin” and, more recently, winning 3 Clio awards. It has also been wonderful working on an all women team who all happen to be neurodivergent. That has certainly made for fun conversations. Someone once said it’s important to take breaks from your work so that you can appreciate and really acknowledge all that you have accomplished and how far ahead in your journey that you have made it. Looking back on this past year for me personally has shown me that my journey to becoming an Editor is closer than I realized.
Who are your role models in post?
I'm a big supporter of women in the post world, as we were the first editors. For me, I look for storytelling in unique ways of how an editor adds to the story. Thelma Schoonmaker and Shannon Baker Davis' work are all examples of this. In addition, value the people that have stepped in my life and made wonderful lasting impressions. The people that answer the phone when I have questions, the people that still provide me a moment of growth in feedback, mentorship, etc. I value every single person that has ever taken the time to just walk with me in my journey. It is always humbling.
What advice do you have for others wanting to start a career in post?
Being in the industry for a decade I can say without a doubt the three golden points I keep are these:
Keep your attitude in check. What we do as editors and creatives is beautiful beyond words, nonetheless, it is hard work, therefore people want to work with nice, fun people. Although the project can be rough, that doesn’t mean that the people you work with should be too.
Don't hesitate. Women apply for opportunities when they are 100% sure they will get it, while their counterparts take risks and apply with less than 100% certainty. Just because you don't have every single criteria that someone is asking for, doesn't mean you don't belong in that room. If you aren't sure, ask two people. For me, it’s God and a trusted colleague who will tell you the truth. You can’t get to where you want to be without taking a chance on yourself. When a job gets posted or sent to you, respond right away. I responded to a job right away. I got feedback on my resume. A friend of mine fixed it within 30 mins. I sent it back to the Editor that posted about the job. The Editor was so impressed that they sent my resume over along with a recommendation. Why? Because of my persistence and determination.
Network. Tell everyone - and I mean everyone - what you do for a living. That grandma, the retail worker, your friend or uncle who has never cared about movies etc. Your job leads will always come from your network in the unlikeliest of places.
I have a few favorite pieces, the first being: The House of Gucci — Father, Son, and House of Gucci: The Making of a Saga of Fashion, Power and Betrayal. This piece is a favorite because it was the first project that I worked on that was broadcast on TV and my name was in the credits. This provided a definite screaming moment for me. Another favorite was the over 100 marketing pieces for the first Dune film. Working on them was an incredible experience. I was pushed both technically as well as in all aspects required of an Assistant Editor. I learned so much working on those marketing pieces and grew in my profession. Lastly, is my life. As an illustration, I have had my fair share of destitute moments that have included ramen noodles back to back, closed doors, unanswered emails and phone calls, not to mention self doubt, and crying. I am extremely grateful for God's vision and my determination and obedience to push and keep moving forward. It's the best piece of work that I could ever have the chance to cut and add to. There are a lot of hard, fun, and mouth dropping moments that are on the cutting room floor, but what you see today I am honored to share, and as an Assistant Editor, I look forward to the incoming footage, relationships, and surprises that lie ahead in my life and career.