Maya Franz - Freelance Editor
Editor
Experience 1+ years
“Music is at the heart of everything I do—I love it so so so so much, and it’s my biggest creative inspiration.”
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
As a freelance video editor and art director, I work with a mix of musicians, brands, and filmmakers, helping bring their creative visions to life. My focus is on crafting visually compelling animations particularly for music visualisers, promotional content, and storytelling-driven projects. I am still early in my editing career and have so so much to learn, this page (Edit Girls) has guided me to inspirational women in the scene.
Music is at the heart of everything I do—I love it so so so so much, and it’s my biggest creative inspiration. I sometimes even edit blind letting the music drive where I cut. I thrive on translating sound into visuals, whether it’s crafting hypnotic loops for a music visualiser, editing high-energy concert visuals or creating social media content that enhances an artist’s brand. My dream is to work more with musicians and artists who trust me to experiment creatively, shaping visuals that feel like an extension of their sound.
My clients are a mix of local Sydney/Australian artists and brands, but I’m also open to collaborating remotely with people worldwide. I’d love to build a more steady client base and eventually work full-time as a freelance creative, allowing me to balance work with my love for nature and travel.
What does an average day look like in your post-production working world?
I start my day with a big walk through the Australian bush. At some point, I stop to look at the ocean—something about its vastness always stirs something in me... I find it hard to comprehend much like visual art. That mystery fuels my creativity. By the time I sit down to work, my mind feels clear, ready to immerse myself in the edit. The first step is always organising my files, making sure footage, audio and graphics are sorted. Once everything is in place, I begin assembling the rough cut, focusing on pacing, storytelling and rhythm—especially if I’m cutting to music, which is often the case.. I use to play the drums so rhythm is very important to me.
I love shaping visuals around sound, letting beats dictate cuts and movements. Midday, I take a break stepping away from screens to refresh my eyes and mind before diving into finer details in the afternoon, maybe read a book or journal. This is when I refine transitions, experiment with effects, and start advanced colour grading.
If a project calls for motion graphics or VFX, I jump into After Effects, overlays, or more experimental elements I LOVE AFTER EFFECTS. Sound design comes last, where I balance dialogue, music, and effects to enhance the emotional impact. By the evening, I render test exports, checking for any inconsistencies before sending drafts for client review. Depending on my energy, I might wind down by experimenting with new techniques or watching music videos for inspiration.
Every day is different which I thrive off but the core remains the same—getting lost in the process, letting visuals and sound shape each other and chasing that feeling of creating something that resonates.
How did your career in post-production begin?
My career in post-production began with a deep love for music and visual storytelling. Growing up, I was always drawn to the way sound and imagery worked together—whether it was music videos, concert visuals or the pacing of a film edit. I studied Media Arts and Production at university in Sydney, where I honed my technical skills in video editing, motion graphics, and colour grading. During that time, I started taking on small freelance projects, cutting music videos for friends, editing short films, and experimenting with visualisers inspired by the music I loved.
After graduating, I worked in various roles—social media management, hospitality, and even surf lifesaving—while slowly building my freelance career under barkifuwantfilm. I found that I thrived in the creative freedom of post-production spending hours fine-tuning cuts, syncing visuals to beats, and crafting edits that felt immersive. As I took on more projects, I realised this was the work I wanted to do full-time.
Now, I primarily work with musicians, brands, and filmmakers, helping them bring their visions to life through editing, colour grading and motion design. My love for music still drives everything I do—I’m always chasing that perfect blend of sound and visuals that makes an edit feel alive. I am still very young with a lot to learn and will attempt to work for a post house next year.
What has been your career highlight?
A major career highlight for me was being acknowledged and reached out to by one of my VFX idols. Even though the interaction was short and brief, it was a moment that made me feel truly seen. Having someone whose work I deeply admire recognise my own felt surreal—like a confirmation that I was on the right path. In an industry where it’s easy to second-guess yourself especially as a gay woman, that small moment gave me a huge creative push. It reminded me that the work I put out into the world is being noticed, and that I’m capable of reaching the level of the artists who inspire me.
Who are your role models in post?
My role models in post-production are a mix of modern trailblazers and industry legends. I’m especially inspired by women pushing boundaries in the field, like Mah Ferraz and Emonee LaRussa, who are redefining motion graphics and VFX with their bold, experimental styles. Their work proves that post-production isn’t just technical—it’s an art form, a space for innovation and storytelling that goes beyond traditional editing.
At the same time, I have a deep respect for the OGs like Margaret Booth, one of the first-ever film editors, whose pioneering work shaped the entire industry. Seeing how women have always played a crucial role in post despite the field being historically male-dominated keeps me motivated to carve out my own space and push my creative limits.
What advice do you have for others wanting to start a career in post?
My biggest advice for anyone wanting to start a career in post-production is just start. Don’t wait until you have the perfect gear or the right connections—just make what you want to make, experiment and put your work out there. People will recognise passion and creativity no matter what tools you use. Some of the most inspiring edits and visuals come from working with limitations, forcing you to think outside the box. Whether it’s cutting together music videos, making visualisers, or experimenting with VFX, the more you create, the more you’ll refine your style. Keep learning, stay curious, and trust that consistency will open doors. I LOVE ART.
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