Meet The Team - Abby

What kind of editing most inspires you? Is there a particular film/project?

I love trying new things, but so far I’ve found myself most drawn to short-form work that involves some aspect of storytelling, whether that’s centred around people, places, fashion, or music. Translating a story into moving image is such a rewarding experience, and one that I often find at times quite moving.

What got you interested in editing?

I was very lucky at university to be surrounded by an amazing film department and incredible technicians. The technicians were really the highlight of my university experience because of all the knowledge and skills they shared through their work. I admire technicians a great deal, maybe one day I can be one myself.

Although I wasn’t studying film at university, I spent most of my time in the film department. At first, it felt like an intimidating world of technical confusion, but once I started showing a genuine interest, I discovered a real passion for it. I learned analogue filmmaking and used a Steenbeck to splice film strips together. I was also able to rent out a Bolex. A couple of my student shorts, which I shot on Bolex, made it into festivals, which was a great introduction to the industry. Through all of this, I developed a passion for both the craft and the storytelling possibilities of film.

After graduating, I  stepped into the world of 2020, which was not a particularly pleasant time. I found a job at Straight 8, a Super 8 film competition. It was wonderful to have access to their archives. I edited social media videos, promotional festival edits and director’s interviews and was able to watch years’ worth of festival entries. Alex at Straight 8 taught me how to edit on his canal boat, which was both a lot of fun and the moment I first decided I wanted to become an editor.

One of the things I love most about editing is the variety of projects you get to work on. Every month brings something completely different. Experimental film and short documentaries hold a special place in my heart, but I also love working on fashion films, especially when it’s for a brand you connect with and admire. Music and dance films are a completely different experience again, and I’d love to explore that world more deeply. I also have a real love for analogue filmmaking, so anything shot on film is especially exciting to me.

Who/what inspires your work outside of the world of moving image?

Obviously, my friends and family are a huge source of inspiration. So are people in general, and London, the world around me at the moment. Going to the cinema always inspires me, music and Jonas Mekas.

How do you know when an edit is finished?

I think a good finished edit is one that flows naturally and never loses your attention, something that moves smoothly and feels intuitive. It comes down to instinct, common sense, and personal taste.

My foundation course tutor was amazing and he said a lot of beautiful things that have stayed with me. He spoke about how every creative decision matters, every choice of placement, movement, or colour says something about you. At the time, I was painting and I had painted a small blue square in the corner of a piece of paper. He gave it so much meaning and interpreted it with such care that it made me realise how important it is to be conscious of every creative decision you make, to trust those instincts and to understand that even the smallest choices can carry meaning.

A project feels successful to me when I’m happy with the rhythm and with all the small decisions that shaped it. More importantly, I value other people’s opinions and responses, so if something resonates with others and they can connect with or understand it, that finalises things