Jillian Corsie - Editor
Job title - Editor
Experience - 10+ years
“Take the time to carefully consider what type of editing you want to specialize in and actively pursue it. It can be challenging to change roles within the industry, so it’s important to make an informed decision.”
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
As a freelance editor based in Los Angeles, I specialize in both commercial and documentary editing, honing my skills over a decade of experience in the advertising industry. I love collaborating with creative clients to find innovative solutions and am always looking for ways to step outside the box. I’ve worked with various production companies and agencies on a variety of work, from national commercials to feature documentaries. While my expertise lies in commercial editing, I find the diversity of documentary storytelling to be equally fulfilling and it keeps my storytelling skills sharp! The trend of incorporating a documentary style in branded content is on the rise, and it’s exciting to contribute to this merging of worlds. I look forward to seeing how the industry continues to evolve.
What does an average day look like in your post production working world?
No two days are the same in my work, as there are so many different stages to an edit, but a cup of coffee and a workout are always a part of my routine. When starting a new project, I begin by reviewing the footage, making my selections, and creating a rough cut of the script. I always like to present two versions of a spot: one that follows the script and one that pushes the boundaries a bit more. We typically end up finding a balance between the two. Some days are spent addressing feedback from the previous day, while others are dedicated to virtual editing sessions. If I’m cutting a doc I always like to tackle the most challenging scenes early in the day when my mind is at its most creative.
How did your career in post production begin?
I discovered my passion for editing as a kid, using imovie to recreate Britney Spears music videos that my friends and I filmed. After college, I moved to New York City and balanced unpaid internships at post-houses with working in restaurants to make ends meet. Eventually, I landed a job as a front desk temp at a post-production house called Fluid (now known as Bandit). I worked my way up from reception, to vault manager, and finally to assistant editor. I loved the dynamic people I worked with and the adrenaline of working in advertising - and still do!
What has been your career highlight?
It's difficult to pinpoint a single career highlight as there have been many memorable moments throughout my career. However, what stands out the most is the people I've had the opportunity to work with. Some of my career highlights include working with Kirsten Rutherford, ECD at TBWA/Chiat/Day, who has inspired me again and again and pushed me to want to be a better editor. Andrew Huang is one of the most collaborative and innovative commercial directors I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with (and hope to work with again!). I also learned a great deal from working on a documentary with Sabaah Folayan, who challenged me to think differently and pushed me to take a new approach to editing. Ultimately, it's the people I've had the chance to work with that have made this job so fulfilling.
Who are your role models in post?
I am grateful for the opportunity to have assisted some highly skilled editors in my career, but two stand out in particular. Zeke O’Donnell, an editor at Bandit Edit, taught me so much about editing and being creative. Not only is he a skilled editor, but also proficient in After Effects and a talented director and shooter. His constant drive to create and his ability to remain composed under pressure are traits that have greatly influenced my own career. I also assisted Damien Clayton at Rock Paper Scissors for an extended period of time and learned a ton from him. He’s tough, but I loved watching how he works with clients and his creative approach to editing. I got really good at moving quickly and keeping organized under his guidance.
What advice do you have for others wanting to start a career in post?
Take the time to carefully consider what type of editing you want to specialize in and actively pursue it. It can be challenging to change roles within the industry, so it's important to make an informed decision. Take your time and don't rush, there is so much to learn - not only in terms of becoming a better editor, but also about the industry as a whole. Assist experienced editors who you can learn from and take on side projects to gain experience and try new things. Invest in learning software like After Effects and familiarize yourself with the different roles and responsibilities in post-production. Keep cutting and experimenting to improve your craft. Always be making!
Right now I’m really proud of a film I directed and edited called TOOTH, which will be premiering at the Slamdance Film Festival this year. My extensive experience in editorial allowed me to seamlessly integrate practical effects with 2D and 3D animation in the post-production process. I was fortunate to work with an incredibly talented team of artists and the final product is a testament to the magic that can be created in post-production. It is this ability to bring a film to life in the editing room that ultimately led me to pursue a career in this field.
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