Where are you currently employed?

Disney/Lucasfilm.

Current projects?

I’m wrapping up the second season of “Ahsoka,” a Star Wars streaming show.

Describe your job.

This is the hardest question of the bunch. An assistant editor’s job is quite elusive. To those outside the industry, my job is to support the lead editor from the start of the show through the project’s finish and delivery. If I am doing my job correctly, the editor should be able to focus on cutting the show and other day-to-day creative decisions (and not worry about the project’s minutiae).

To those inside the industry, we know an assistant can wear many hats. Some days I’m more of a supervisor, and some days I’m more of a producer. Some days I help the edit, and some days I’m I.T. Some days I’m digging through a monstrous sound library to find the perfect sound for a metal “clang.” But every day, I try my best to give the editor the assurance they need that the show is running smoothly (even when sometimes it isn’t!).

How did you first become interested in this line of work?

At the University of Southern California, I had the opportunity to work in most parts of the production chain and found post-production the most enjoyable. I took a few picture editing classes and never looked back.  There’s something really special about sitting with the material and determining which parts of the puzzle will make the best-flowing, beautiful piece.

Who gave you your first break?

So many people have helped me along the way, and I hope to do the same for others the rest of my career. For my first break, a recruiter in San Francisco hired me for Masterclass, the online streaming platform where celebrity professionals teach through video.  That was my first job as an assistant editor, and I was thrown into the fire immediately: multiple deliverables, multiple producers, multiple video classes, all at once.

What was your first union job?

I was an assistant editor on the two-part finale of “Timeless,” an episodic time-travel drama on NBC. It was incredibly surreal to walk onto the Sony lot for the first time as a union member working on my first television show.  I can’t tell you how many mistakes I made on that show, and without the other assistants and my editor, William W. Rubenstein, I never would have progressed in this industry.

What credits or projects are you proudest of, and why?

One project I’m especially proud to have been part of was “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.” For me, it was the first show of its size where I had multiple opportunities to shine and assist at the highest level. Thanks specifically to Joel Negron and Justin Yates.

What was the biggest challenge in your job (or on a particular project) and how did you overcome/solve it?

I once worked on a feature that had no full-time post supervisor.  It stretched the rest of the post team thin to meet our deadlines.  During the show, we never quite solved that problem,  but ever since, I’ve made it abundantly clear on every show how paramount a post supervisor is. I’m usually in touch with post supes every couple of hours (even if they get annoyed with me!).

What was the most fun you’ve had at work?

There’s nothing like seeing the show you’re working on up on the big screen for the first time. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a test screening, a playback for a director, or the actual premiere. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing all the hard work my team and I put in and all the pieces of a production come together on the big screen.

Jobwise, what do you hope to be doing five years from now?

I hope to be cutting shows that resonate with me and, more importantly, to be working with good people.  This is a tough business, and it gets tougher if the people you’re working with aren’t pleasant to be around. I love being able to count on the people I’m working with — to share a laugh or an inspiring conversation and help make our show the best it can be.

What are your outside activities, hobbies, passions?

I have two dogs, a German shepherd and a border collie. When I’m not working, I’m usually spending time with them on trails, at parks, or at the beach.  I also love to rock climb (which I do with my wife, as well)! It’s a serious passion of mine that keeps me active after all the sitting we do.

Favorite movie(s)? Why?

“Shanghai Noon.” Absolutely love Owen Wilson in any buddy comedy. And Jackie Chan is a master of his craft.

Favorite TV program(s)?  Why?

“Friday Night Lights.” Peter Berg did a fantastic job at the height of long-form drama television: well-written characters and a relatable plot for me at that time in my life.

Do you have an industry mentor?

My mentors are the people I’ve worked with (or continue to work for) who help guide me through the industry. Justin Yates and James D. Wilcox, ACE,  continue to inspire me and offer advice whenever I need it. They’re both titans in this industry and have shaped me to be the worker I am today.

What advice would you offer to someone interested in pursuing your line of work?

When I go back to USC and share some of my industry knowledge with students, I always say you have to love making movies more than anything because this industry isn’t the glitz and glam you see from the outside.  Like any other industry, you need to work hard to get far.  Right now, specifically, it’s a tough time in the industry, and what keeps me going is the pure art of a finished project. It can take your breath away. Above all, you have to love what you do so that small hindrances and setbacks will only temporarily bump you off the road to success.

Was there ever a circumstance when you had to rely on the Guild for help or assistance?

On more than one occasion, multiple colleagues and I contacted the Guild about work conditions, and it proved to be incredibly useful.  We’ve all been on shows that test our patience and our personal schedules, but when you hit multiple golden hours and there’s no finish line in sight, it helps to have an organization that has your best interest in mind.

Is there anything you’d like to say to your fellow Guild members, some words of encouragement?

Have pride in the work you do, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Some of the smartest assistants I have ever worked for or trained ask as many questions as they need to make sure they understand the task at hand. They (or you!) may be the one who has to answer when someone comes knocking. No matter how large the job or assignment, take pride in knowing you did it to the best of your ability.