Michelle McGilvray - Editor
Job title - Editor
Experience - 10+ years
“We are drawn to this industry because it’s fun, exciting and different. Your work won’t be amazing from the get go but treat each project as a way to learn and hone your craft. Keep that creative spark alive by working on things that make you happy!”
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
Currently, I am cutting an animated feature film called 'Scarygirl' with Comic Dino Studio in Brisbane. It's my third animated feature film working with this team and I absolutely love it. Over the years I have worked on everything from TVC's, short films to animated features.
What does an average day look like in your post-production working world?
As I'm currently on an animated feature, my average day consists of cutting together scenes that the storyboard artists have prepared, I pace out the individual PNG files, add music, sfx and also do all the scratch tracks for the female characters to created one long animatic. The animatic provides the blueprint so the rest of the departments can do their bit, everything from layout to animation to comp to having a final animated film.
What has been your career highlight?
My career highlight has been winning the 'Best Editing in a Short Drama' at the ASE awards in 2019 for a horror short film called 'Reverse' directed by Josh Tanner.
How did your career in post-production begin?
My career in post-production began at a post house in Brisbane called Chop Shop Post. I actually got the gig there from working as a boom operator on an indy feature. I became good friends with the director and he asked me what my passion was, I had said editing and he asked if I wanted to edit assist as they were currently looking for someone. This feature film was being cut as Chop Shop Post, seeing as I was there working on this feature I helped around the post house and once my work on the feature had come to an end, I stayed on helping with clients, cutting TVC's all while also trying to juggle my uni film degree. I predominately cut TVC's early in my career before moving into long-form. Eventually, I moved from Chop Shop Post to Cutting Edge and now I am freelance.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your career;
The biggest pivotal moment in my career was deciding to go freelance. It shifted my focus to picking projects I was excited and passionate about working on rather than just turning up to work day by day and doing what was required. I felt creatively free and it has done wonders for my mental health.
Women in post you admire?
I have always admired Australian Editor Jill Bilcock. As for women I work with, I always admire the ones that are willing to give me the time of day, share their knowledge and lift me up.
What advice do you have for other women wanting to start a career in post?
We are drawn to this industry because it's fun, exciting and different. Your work won't be amazing from the get go but treat each project as a way to learn and hone your craft. Keep that creative spark alive by working on things that make you happy!