Kate McFerren - Editor
Job title - Editor
Experience - 7+ years
“I have simple advice - Meet people. Network. And DO. With or without real clients, or the right tools. Just start creating and building a portfolio.”
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
I am a full-time editor at a marketing agency as well as a freelance editor on my own and a editor/director with a small side brand called KatDog Studio. At the agency I work on international clients from Wendy's to Intel. I've probably worked in at least one major brand in each industry market. In my freelance, I primarily work with musicians and band managers to create music videos.
What does an average day look like in your post production working world?
Working as an internal editor at a marketing agency is project based. I'm assigned a project, get with the creative team who are making the scripts, assets, gathering or directing our team on what footage to shoot, then I get to begin the actual editing process. I organize a folder structure and Premiere folders to pull in all assets. From an editing standpoint, I follow a script, if provided, or do my best to put together what I think is best from whatever direction the team has supplied. I shoot edits out and they provide feedback via email or Frame.io. We also have the option of doing live edits, online or in-office. Depending on asks, we might loop in a motion graphic artist from our team. Once approved, I prepare the footage and audio for color and mix. Then I lay all the approved color and mix back into the edit. Once the edit is completely finish, we close out the project in order to archive it from the server. On an average day, I'm at some point in that process with one or more projects. While in my freelance world, the editing is similar (just with more raw footage & proxy workflows), but I also develop the creative concept for the project, produce, and direct it with a business partner before I start editing.
How did your career in post production begin?
After a love of editing began in high school, and cultivating it through college, I landed an internship at a marketing agency with an internal video team.
What has been your career highlight?
The first time I directed a piece for a well-known musician/band. I've been able to work with musicians such as The Devil Wears Prada and Anson Seabra.
Who are your role models in post?
Sally Menke who frequently worked with Tarantino. Tom Eagles who works Taika Waititi, and Paul Machliss who edits for Edgar Wright (my favorite director). I also really appreciate the commercial creations of Salomon Ligthelm. He may edit himself and works with many editors.
What advice do you have for others wanting to start a career in post?
I have simple advice - Meet people. Network. And DO. With or without real clients, or the right tools. Just start creating and building a portfolio.