Rayshaun DW - 2nd Assistant Editor
Job title - 2nd Assistant Editor
Experience - 5+ years
“I grew up watching classic Disney films on video and was always really inspired by the stories, characters and music”
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
I’m a 2nd Assistant Editor working in TV drama. My credits include; ‘Becoming Elizabeth,’ ‘Litvinenko’, ‘Hijack’ and ‘Knuckles’. I have also assisted on various independent features such as; ‘Stopmotion’ and ‘Hajjan’. Outside of work I’m a freelance editor and Digital Creative Lead for BWIPP (a network that aims to provide black women with access and opportunities in post production). Throughout my career, I have worked with many talented assistants and editors who have helped me develop my technical skills and understanding of industry practices.
What does an average day look like in your post production working world?
I have mainly worked across the dailies and fine cut stages of projects, primarily with a team of assistants. Each morning consists of downloading rushes, loading them into Avid and saving the previous shoot day’s paperwork onto our Nexis. Once dailies are in Avid, I sync the picture and sound, label the clips, check the sync and cross check dailies against the paperwork to ensure we have everything that was shot.Then I prepare scene bins based on the preference of each editor. Once scene bins are handed over, the dailies can be exported and uploaded online for distribution to the wider team. After the morning rush the rest of the day’s tasks have a more free flowing format. My duties have included; script sync, sourcing sfx/ music/stock footage, doing sfx work, temp vfx, exports, updating online paperwork and much more. On all my projects I strive to be diligent, communicate effectively and ask questions when I need help!
How did your career in post production begin?
I grew up watching classic Disney films on video and was always really inspired by the stories, characters and music. I spent my childhood writing poems/ stories, drawing and making personalised gifts. My family always encouraged my creative habits and my stepdad taught me how to edit on a software called ‘Nero 9’ which sparked my interest in editing. From then onwards, I filmed myself, family/ friends and used online footage to make videos. I consistently experimented with story, sfx, transitions and music. My desire to edit professionally grew throughout my education. I loved Media in high school and then went on to study Film & TV Production at university where I learnt Avid. After graduating I edited various projects for free (many haven’t seen the light of day!). Then after a long stint of retail and runner jobs I got on the Screen Skills Trainee Finder Scheme in 2020 where I had zooms with professionals, learnt freelance finances and finally felt like the industry was accessible to me. From this, I had the confidence to network online and was put in contact with an amazing assistant who landed me my first TV job!
What has been your career highlight?
My career highlight is the progression I’ve had over the past few years. I have become more technical, learnt the process of post production and have worked on really great projects with great people. I truly value the amount of hard work and dedication it takes to work in the industry and have enjoyed being part of the ‘behind the scenes’. I’ve also met various actors from my shows including none other than Idris Elba!
Who are your role models in post?
My role models in post are all the women I’ve worked with who have given invaluable advice, support and are on their own successful career journeys.
I want to offer my thanks to the following:
-Desirée Ivegbuna for being so kind and letting me shadow her when I was a runner.
-Ruth Antoine for answering my questions and sending my CV around.
-Jasmin John who got me my 1st TV job and continues to be a huge inspiration.
-Holly Bourdillon for being a fantastic assistant who always brought good vibes.
-Casey Wong for being super funny, chill and a ‘real one’.
What advice do you have for others wanting to start a career in post?
Learn, practice and be consistent. Film whatever you can and edit it or use online footage (Cinestudy is a good website for this). Utilize software trials, YouTube, filmmaking websites and listen to editing podcasts.
Networking is key! Be kind to everyone and surround yourself with like minded creatives who you can learn with and experienced professionals who you can learn from. This could be an in person event or reaching out to creatives online - the more you do it, the less daunting it will become.
Keep up to date with industry news, ever-changing technology and invest in your setup when you can. I edited with my laptop for years and things became much easier when I got a two monitor setup - highly recommend!
Also, don’t be discouraged if it takes you a little while to get your foot in the door. Always follow your passion with whatever you choose to do.
Finally, I’ll end by saying I have immense respect for everyone out there working hard in Film, TV, Commercials and all forms of UGC. I really love that ‘Edit Girls’ exists and I feel inspired every time I read someone else’s story.