Siani Johnson - Editor
Job title - Editor
Experience - 5+ years
“My advice to anyone who wants to start a career in post is to just start. We all start somewhere and the sooner the better. Over time you will become a better editor and know your style.”
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
I’m an editor, working across non-union scripted and unscripted content. My clients range from independent films to organizations such as Unilever.
What does an average day look like in your post production working world?
I start my day by walking my dogs in the morning then making myself a cup of tea before I sit at my desk. I first check my schedule to see if I have any meetings and look at my emails. It depends on where I am at in an edit on how I start my post production workflow. If I am at the start of the project I will make a backup of the media, set up my project, and build my stringouts. I then watch all the footage and take notes on performance or any continuity errors. I then compare my notes to any shooting notes and directors notes and then make selects. It is super important to watch all your media that you get. Each clip is like a part of a puzzle. It’s a collaborative flow between the editor, director, and producer to put together that puzzle. We try different arrangements of scenes and clips until we feel we placed the clips in the right order. It might take a few times but once picture is locked it’s a magical feeling.
How did your career in post production begin?
My freshman year of high school we were assigned to do a short documentary film on a subject of our choice. I’m sure if I look back on that project I would be embarrassed but I had an absolute blast. I think I edited the project on iMovie since my dad’s computer had the program software. At the time I didn’t know that it was a career path or even something that I could do when I got older I just knew I absolutely loved the process of crafting a story through editing. As time went on I didn’t really follow a path of post production or film. I went to college as a pre-med chemistry major up until my Junior year of college. During that time I took another documentary film class which I am thankful for. I had two wonderful professors Dhera Strauss and Danny Kim. The course made me realise that I wanted to be an editor. So after I graduated I went to film school and received my MFA in film at Chatham University. Ever since then I’ve been freelancing as an editor. My first few projects were music videos with a great cinematographer, Reynaldo Montalvo in Atlanta. I then moved into doing scripted films and documentaries.
What has been your career highlight?
My career highlight so far has been working with Black Girls Film Camp (BGFC). BGFC is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides a FREE, national, and virtual 12-week experience where high school Black girls across the country pitch a story idea, and a final ten are selected to have their short film project produced by the program. Each teen is provided a budget, equipment, BGFC alumni coach, a creative coach, and content editor. I have served as a content editor for the past two years and I can not talk enough about how much the camp has impacted not only me but the teen’s who participate. It’s such an amazing experience to be surrounded by Black women who are in the film industry. I am so thankful to Dr. Jimmeka Anderson and Sierra Davis who are the co-founders of the organization on creating a safe space and learning environment for Black girls and women. It truly is beautiful to be a part of the BGFC family.
Who are your role models in post?
I have so many! I love Sally Menke and her style. I really look up to Stephanie Filo. She edits so many different mediums and is amazing in all of them. I also look up to Chassidy Jade who is also in BGFC as the post production advisor. She has been a great role model for me and is making waves with her post production company Edit Bae Post. She also runs a film festival in Memphis called Crown me Royal Film Fest.
What advice do you have for others wanting to start a career in post?
My advice to anyone who wants to start a career in post is to just start. We all start somewhere and the sooner the better. Over time you will become a better editor and know your style. When I started out a lot of the things I edited were things I filmed myself. If you have a phone or a DSLR use the footage you capture to edit. There’s also stock footage that you can find to practice on as well. If you like an editor's work feel free to reach out to them on their social media. Most times they are willing to talk with you and can offer you advice. You can also reach out to me as well if you have questions or are curious about post-production.
Tell us about your favourite pieces of work;
This is by far the hardest question! Each project I’ve worked on has been different and has brought pride but I think I have a top two. The first is my very first feature I cut, This Sucks. I had the honor of working with the director Cameron Mitchell who is an absolute rock star. This Sucks won the audience choice award at the Golden State Film Festival which I am super proud of. The second piece of work is a short documentary about TKO, a LGBTQIA+ organization in Selma, AL. Working beside Tourmaline who directed the film and the co-producers Mia Francois and Michael Cho was amazing. I learned so much from each of them and am thankful to have been a part of the team to tell TKO’s beautiful story.