Romany Rowell - Freelance Editor
Job title - Freelance Editor
Experience - 7+ years
“I think just getting thrown in the deep end was a huge way that I learnt and grew. I’ve always been self taught with the software, but so much of the thinking and creativity overlap between different creative disciplines.”
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
I'm a Freelance Editor, and only recently went freelance, which is really exciting! Previously I worked in-house at ad agencies and production companies; Byte/Dept, Unreasonable Studios and Pavilion Works. I mostly cut branded content, editorials, commercials and docs. I'm also getting work cutting more short films which excites me and a space I'm keen to explore! I've worked on a range of amazing projects, some longer form docu-style films as well as social films for multi-channel global campaigns. I've worked with some amazing clients such as Spotify, Google, eBay, ASOS, Apple, Vogue, Conde Nast.
What does an average day look like in your post production working world?
At the start of a project I always make sure to look at the script/treatment/storyboard (depending on the project) to understand the vision of the director or client. Once I've ingested the footage, I like to drop everything into a timeline, watch it all then organise my footage based on sections or scenes. Then I make selects and create an edit that is close to what was planned. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't but I think it's important to have it. Then I can start to bring my own ideas and creative eye to the film. I like to work quite intuitively but for me that is naturally methodical. Sometimes it can be overwhelming when you have a lot to go through, so pacing and being structured really helps me. I work fairly autonomously at the beginning then after I've shared the first draft, I like to be collaborative with the director with a lot of back and forth to shape the film.
How did your career in post production begin?
I came to be an editor in an unusual way as I originally studied Communication Design at Glasgow School of Art. During this time, I made a film with a friend about a local pub in Glasgow, and we submitted that instead of a written essay so I've always been drawn to film as a medium to talk about my ideas. After graduation, I was a Motion Designer for a few years, but always pushed to work on editing jobs as I was interested in telling stories about real people. My first day at my first agency job, I was brought on to a campaign shoot for a huge fashion brand, and given a camera to shoot and edit the BTS film. I think just getting thrown in the deep end was a huge way that I learnt and grew. I've always been self taught with the software, but so much of the thinking and creativity overlap between different creative disciplines. I think having a design eye in the cutting room is invaluable. I also can move between After Effects and Premiere Pro pretty seamlessly which helps with crafting the edit and graphics together.
What has been your career highlight?
My whole career has been filled with such varied work and I'm so grateful to have worked on some of the projects I have and with the talented people around me. Definitely a few films that stand out, was when I was at Pavilion Works, editing a Youtube series for House and Garden, profiling iconic designer Matilda Goad and also cutting an editorial piece for Vogue about creative collective Muslim Sisterhood. These both hit the spot in terms of the content and are more documentary in style which I love. I enjoy working on films that elevate people's voices and have a comment on society and culture.
Who are your role models in post?
My inspiration comes from everyone around me, I think just talking to people and absorbing from everyone involved in the projects. I did an internship straight after uni and I was inspired by one of the directors there and asked him to be my mentor, then a few months later he asked me to help him out editing a music video. Just talking to people is inspiring and can lead to new opportunities. In the industry there are many female editors that are role models. A few years ago I worked on a project as a social editor, editing cut downs from a film that was cut by Elise Butt. It was great to see how she worked, and continued to follow her career and found her work inspiring. I want to add how important the Edit Girls account is in profiling female editors, its such a great community and highlighting a wide range of editors at different stages in their careers. The first in-person event was so great, to get everyone in a room and hear some amazing career stories. It's wonderful to see! That's what's inspiring.
What advice do you have for others wanting to start a career in post?
In terms of advice, I would just start cutting! There's no right way to become an Editor, I think the traditional hierarchy of Edit Assist to Editor, is slowly changing. So you can find your own path. I don't think you have to go to film school or train as an editor to edit so don't let that put you off. Editing is more than just sitting behind a screen and making cuts. Talk to people, find your voice! It's a collaborative job, making films.
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