Q: Where are you currently employed?
I’m working for Little Monster Films, a production company founded by Academy Award-winning directors Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin. [2018 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, “Free Solo”]
Q: Current projects?
A NatGeo (National Geographic) documentary about skier and mountaineer Jim Morrison’s recent achievement on Everest’s north face, where he became the first to ski down the mountain’s hardest route.
Q: Describe your job.
In general, my role is to facilitate the editing process and ensure a seamless collaboration within the team. It comes with technical, organizational, creative, and communicative responsibilities. The technical aspect includes knowledge of various software, troubleshooting tech glitches, and comprehensive understanding of the workflows. The organizational component exists in every aspect of the job. It can refer to the setup and maintenance of the project, record-keeping of stock footage, naming and tracking visual effects shots, etc. It’s highly satisfying to see a clean and organized project. Depending on the project, creative responsibilities can include sound design, music editing, dailies assembly, and temp visual effects. Another very important part of the job is communication. I see the assistant editor as a bridge between production, editorial, and other post-production departments. Compiling and relaying information is crucial to the whole process.
Q: How did you first become interested in this line of work?
After grad school, I got my first opportunity to edit some short projects that I worked on with friends in 2021, and I really enjoyed the process. During this time, I was working full-time as a production manager, which required strong organizational and time-management skills. These skills also paid off in assistant editing work, and editing provided a more creative outlet that I really enjoyed.
Q: Who gave you your first break?
Aacharee “Ohm” Ungsriwong referred me, Ulysses Guidotti interviewed me, and Leslie Converse hired me as an assistant editor on the feature “White Noise.” I feel so fortunate and grateful that they offered me my big break right when I had decided to transition into editing.
Q: What was your first union job?
It was “White Noise,” directed by Noah Baumbach and edited by Matthew Hannam. It’s an adaptation of the 1985 novel by Don DeLillo. The film stars Adam Driver, Greta Gerwig, and Don Cheadle.
Q: What credits or projects are you proudest of, and why?
“Preparation for the Next Life” and “Familiar Touch” are probably the two projects I’m proudest of. “Preparation for the Next Life” is adapted from a novel and tells the story of a Uyghur woman trying to build a better life in New York. “Familiar Touch” follows an elderly woman as she transitions into assisted living and learns to navigate a new chapter of her life. Both films remind me why I wanted to work in film in the first place — to tell the stories of people who are often unseen and to give their experiences a voice.
Q: What was your biggest challenge in your job (or on a particular project) and how did you overcome/solve it?
Learning how to communicate more effectively is one of the main challenges. I’ve realized that miscommunication or under-communication can easily lead to unnecessary problems and delays during a project, while over-communication can become inefficient or even frustrating for others. Also, each project team has a different dynamic and preferences. Finding the right balance is really an art. I try to be more mindful and structured in my communication, and it’s an ongoing process. I also found it’s important to talk with team members throughout the project’s lifecycle and, later, gauge their feedback. It’s a continuous effort, as changes happen all the time.
Q: What was the most fun you’ve had at work?
On “Preparation for the Next Life,” one of my responsibilities was recording temp ADR and loop group voices. I had the chance to write background dialogues, which turned out to be a blast. For one scene, I created a supermarket promotion announcement over the store speakers, and it actually ended up staying in the final cut! It was so fun to leave my voice in the film literally, and the sound team made sure it didn’t sound terrible, either.
Q: Jobwise, what do you hope to be doing five years from now?
I hope to work on more projects with directors and screenwriters I truly respect and admire, like Chloe Zhao, Ang Lee, Greta Gerwig, and Phoebe WallerBridge, among others.
Q: What are your outside activities, hobbies, passions?
I enjoy being in nature, exploring new places, and finding delicious food, which makes hiking a perfect fit for me. It’s also the only “sport” activity that I have been doing regularly. This summer, I joined the New York Local 700 softball team, the Cutters. It was my first time playing a team sport, and I ended up loving it. Everyone on the team was incredibly encouraging and patient — they taught me everything about the game. By the end of the season, I was even scoring runs! Now I’m hooked and already planning to come back next year.
Q: Favorite movie(s)? Why?
I always struggle on this question. How do people decide their favorite movies? I have so many that I love.
If I had to make a list, my recent “favorites” would include “The Naked Gun” (2025) and “Wet Hot American Summer” (2001). I’ve been watching more comedies lately and appreciate their dry, witty humor and deadpan delivery (which is part of why I like Buster Keaton’s silent films). I especially enjoy how “The Naked Gun” parodies modern detective shows, which happen to be my most-watched TV genre. The other one I love is “What We Do in the Shadows” (2014), which cleverly spoofs vampire tropes around the 2010s.
Beyond comedy, I’m also drawn to social realist movies like “Secrets & Lies,” “Sorry We Missed You,” “Shoplifters,” and “The Bicycle Thief.” I admire how these films reveal broader social issues through the lens of a single family.
Q: Favorite TV program(s)? Why?
“Jeopardy!” is probably the only “live” program I still watch on TV. I enjoy seeing people play trivia or solve puzzles. I find that kind of quick thinking fascinating.
To return to the topic of detective shows from the previous question, I just realized how many detective shows I’ve watched over the years. Detective stories often explore different facets of society through the investigation process. They reveal social realities, moral dilemmas, and the personal circumstances that can lead people to cross ethical lines. I also appreciate the detectives’ distinctive personalities and how their perspectives shape each case. Some of my favorites include “Endeavour,” “Person of Interest,” the original “CSI,” and “Happy Valley.”
Q: Do you have an industry mentor?
Anne McCabe has been such an important mentor in my career. We’ve collaborated twice — on “Nightbitch” and “Preparation for the Next Life” — and working with her was truly invaluable. I’ve learned so much from her, not just about editing but also about how to lead with kindness and create a positive, collaborative environment. She’s such a generous mentor, always sharing her insights.
I also have a mentor through the Guild’s Women’s Steering Committee “Lift Up Women” Mentorship Program. Her name is Lizzie Fine, and it’s been wonderful connecting with her and learning from her experience in the industry. She’s given me valuable advice and encouragement, and I really appreciate having someone who understands both the creative and practical sides of the work. I recommend the program to our fellows out there.
Q: What advice would you offer to someone interested in pursuing your line of work?
My advice would be to stay open-minded and embrace change. Technology in our field is evolving constantly — and so are our reels! Instead of being afraid or overwhelmed, curiosity and a willingness to keep learning will always carry us a long way.
Q: Was there ever a circumstance when you had to rely on the Guild for help or assistance?
Yes, I often reach out to our field representative or the Guild office whenever I have questions about a contract or a specific job. They’ve always been very responsive and supportive, providing clear guidance whenever I need it. Knowing that the Guild is there to back us up gives me a lot more confidence and peace of mind in my work.
Q: Is there anything you’d like to say to your fellow Guild members, some words of encouragement?
When I was a teenager, I thought filmmaking was the coolest thing in the world because it could make dreams come true — and I still believe that today. What we do is truly special. Even when the work gets challenging, I remind myself that we’re part of something creative and meaningful. We really do have the coolest job!