Zoë Mountain - Film Editor
Editor at Nomad
Experience 5+ years
“Take notes with grace, nothing is personal! Approaching revisions with curiosity and enthusiasm is key to building your relationship with the client, and ultimately, the craft!”
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
I’m an editor at Nomad Editing Co., an award winning editing and post house. I like to work on all different kinds of projects - commercials, docs, scripted shorts, dance films…but I’m mostly known for my work on music videos with artists such as Demi Lovato, The Kid Laroi, Babyface, Tinashe & Michaela Jae Rodriguez.
What does an average day look like in your post production working world?
Depending on the job, I will spend a full day or two organizing/syncing the footage, watching everything and marking my selects. I use transparent videos to label scenes and shots in my string out, and color coded markers for my selects. I like to get on a call with the director to discuss their vision for the video, things they like and don’t like about the footage, so I can tune in the edit to their taste. Once it’s time to start cutting, I like to start with the moments and shots that I know have to make their way to the edit. In a music video, this might mean starting at the chorus, or the bridge, but this helps me get past the empty canvas stage. From there it’s a mix of flow, and struggle. Sometimes the perfect shot will fall into place, and sometimes you have to try 20 different things before something feels right. Learning how to manage my focus with short breaks, the perfect amount of caffeine, and rest has been key for staying productive. After the first cut, it’s all about adapting. Take notes with grace, nothing is personal! Approaching revisions with curiosity and enthusiasm is key to building your relationship with the client, and ultimately, the craft!
How did your career in post production begin?
In my mid twenties, I started editing in iMovie because I wanted to spice up the little dance videos I made of myself on my lunch breaks at work. I became obsessed with editing and spent 5 years teaching myself through YouTube tutorials and A LOT of practice. I learned how to shoot so I would have things to edit. I got a lot of my first gigs within the dance and queer communities, doing party promos, and dance films. All this while working 40 hours/week at my “regular” job 🥴
What has been your career highlight?
I was really proud of myself when I got the offer to sign with Nomad. I’m really eager to do more commercial work and I couldn’t be happier about landing with a company that has done so much iconic work and an extremely talented roster.
Who are your role models in post?
I was mentored by Chaz Smedley. He changed my life, taught me the skills to be able to succeed as a professional, and is a prolific editor to say the least. I love Fouad Gaber. Watching the Chaka Khan Sugar video is still one of my biggest sources of inspiration. Mah Ferraz & Emi Aubry are both so ridiculously good, and also the main characters in my sapphic editor’s fairytale. Hank Corwin and Jill Bilcock are probably my favorite film editors. It makes sense since their styles translate so well to short form and music videos.
What advice do you have for others wanting to start a career in post?
This is geared toward people who have my background - no college, no background in film, no connections. Remove any barriers you have between you and working. Whether it’s in your mind, or in the physical world, the key to your success is buried somewhere under thousands of hours of work. So don’t worry about being bad, just be hungry, and start editing!
Connect with Zoë on Instagram.