Liz Deegan - Editor
Editor
Experience 15+ years
“Don’t focus too much on outcomes and try to be grateful and excited for each new experience (even the bad ones). Find your allies and support each other on the journey.”
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
I’ve been a commercials and branded content editor for most of my career, but have always dabbled in longer form projects. More recently I've been lucky enough to edit a number of documentary features and really love switching between the two worlds as they involve very different approaches to editing and storytelling.
What does an average day look like in your post-production working world?
When a project first comes in, I review any references from the director, storyboards, or creative brief, make sure I have multiple drinks and snacks, and sit down to watch the rushes. I often listen to music that helps set the tone, energy, or pace I’m aiming to achieve. As I’m selecting, I also throw anything that particularly interests or moves me into a super selects sequence, which often becomes the basis for my initial edit.
Next, I check in with the director to make sure we are aligned, and then start building a rough structure, trying not to worry too much about making it perfect (this is always a struggle). There’s nothing like being a perfectionist too early in the process to get you stuck! Having said that I also begin working on sound design early on, it brings the edit to life not only for me but for the viewer when it’s time to share.
A favourite piece of work of mine is a short film featuring Paralympic gold medallist Carina Edlinger. Carina is a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, which sees her flying down mountains at over 80 km/h on skis with just 1.5% vision. Using the edit and a strong focus on sound design to convey how she navigates the slopes and world through sound was really fun to cut and her personal story and work advocating for equality for disabled women and people everywhere was majorly inspiring.
How did your career in post production begin?
I became interested in editing at uni studying media production. No matter what part of the process I was learning about, I was always drawn to the edit room, it’s where the magic happens! I was lucky enough to get some work experience at my local TV station in Newcastle (Australia) and eventually got a part-time job. I started in the tape room and over the next 4-5 years worked my way up in various roles, eventually becoming an editor in their small post facility. I then decided to go to film school for a year to gain more narrative cutting experience. This really helped me meet and work with people who later became key collaborators when I started freelancing in Sydney, building out my reel enough to make the move to NYC a year or so later.
What has been your career highlight?
A career highlight for me would be joining Whitehouse Post in New York. I had been freelancing for many years with a goal of eventually joining an editorial, so to finally achieve that was very exciting. Also the same year I won an editing Emmy for a piece I cut for the New York Times. I worked with a brilliant director and editor Ora DeKornfeld, so we share the award.
Who are your role models in post?
Someone I admire and have been lucky enough to learn from, particularly in feature editing, is the brilliant documentary director and editor, Lily Frances Henderson. Her work is so thought provoking and she is a master of 'show, don’t tell' storytelling. Also, incredibly talented editors like Elise Butt, Lizzy Graham, Elena De Palma and Flaura Atkinson inspire me regularly, both with their work and just by being awesome women in the industry who are generous with their time and knowledge.
What advice do you have for others wanting to start a career in post?
I think it comes down to taking every opportunity that comes your way, just say yes and keep busy! Everything you do will lead you to the next person, place or piece of work which will propel you forward. Don’t focus too much on outcomes and try to be grateful and excited for each new experience (even the bad ones). Find your allies and support each other on the journey.
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