Jessica Mutascio - Editor
Editor
Experience 10+ years
“Over the years I’ve learned if you can show someone their ideas first, they are much more open to experimenting once they’ve seen you’re on board with their vision - it’s all about establishing trust early!”
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
I’m an offline editor with over ten years of experience, currently represented by Exile in the US and The Editors in Australia. I predominantly work on commercials and branded content, some of my recent clients include: Airbnb, Lincoln, Bank of America, Ford & Google. I’ve also been cutting lots of short films to expand my narrative portfolio, with the goal of eventually branching out into films and episodic television. My dream job would be to work on a dark comedy series like ‘Beef’ or ‘Baby Reindeer.’
What does an average day look like in your post production working world?
With schedules becoming tighter these days, the beginning of a project is crucial to select and organize all of the dailies. The more I can familiarize myself with what’s there, the faster I’ll be able to problem solve later when there’s time pressure. I’ll also read the directors’ treatments and speak to them early in the process so I can understand their vision and keep it in mind as I begin to cut. Over the years I've learned if you can show someone their ideas first, they are much more open to experimenting once they’ve seen you’re on board with their vision - it’s all about establishing trust early!
After jamming with the director, it’s time to switch gears and work with an agency and/or client. It can be tricky to balance many different viewpoints - which often have nothing to do with the actual editing! - all while trying to tell a great story. Sometimes it requires being strong and sticking up for your point of view, and other times it’s finding compromises to keep other parts of the story in tact. There’s definitely an art to knowing how and when to do both, and it’s a challenge I’ve really come to love over the years.
Even after a cut is approved, my job isn’t finished! I’ll follow the offline through additional post (color, VFX and audio) to make sure everything is aligning creatively. I’ll also check-in with directors to see if they'd like a Director’s Cut; this is such a great way to build creative relationships, especially when you’re starting out.
How did your career in post production begin?
Funnily enough, my career started with a wardrobe malfunction on the way to my first official job interview for an assistant position. The button holding my dress sleeve together popped off, leaving me frantically trying to stitch it back on as I rushed to the office (shout out to the very nice cobbler at Central Train Station in Sydney for giving me a needle and thread!).
Despite the drama, I nailed the interview and got my first assistant gig at commercial post-house. I soon realized I had no idea what the job actually entailed - apparently I once asked someone what an ‘ADL’ was - but after a few months of throwing myself in the deep end, I absolutely fell in love with the craft and haven’t looked back since.
What has been your career highlight?
As thrilling as it is to win awards or work on big flashy jobs, my most memorable career moments have been the times an assistant approached me to say I've inspired or helped them to pursue a career in editing. Having been fortunate to receive lots of encouragement from some incredible editors early in my career, any opportunity to mentor and support others feels really special to me.
Who are your role models in post?
Joe Morris, the first editor I ever assisted, is one of my greatest teachers, advocates, and friends to this day. Bernard Garry, Peter Whitmore & Peter Barton (the editors and founders of 'The Editors') are also huge inspirations to me, and I will be forever grateful to them for launching my career. Other artists I greatly admire are Alexandre de Franceschi, Lily Davis, Jim Helton, Jill Billcock, Thelma Schoonmaker & Sally Menke.
What advice do you have for others wanting to start a career in post?
The best advice I can give anyone starting out is to be curious and get involved. If you want to edit, edit everything you can get your hands on! Even if it’s not exactly what you want to be cutting, you will always learn something and it will help you build confidence and discover your voice. Additionally, retain a group of trusted confidants to share your edits with who will give you honest feedback. Whether it's another editor, your partner, or even sometimes a total stranger; learning when to take on feedback versus when to trust your gut is something you will only develop through experience.
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