Her multiple award-winning career and distinguished service with the Editors Guild, ACE and AMPAS, provided her with an excellent vantage point to contribute to this discussion of the desire for the betterment of the working lives of editors.

Andrew Seklir rounded out the panel and brought direct attention to the recently published Best Practices Guide for Post-Production. This is a guidebook produced by the American Cinema Editors aimed at improving the working lives of its members. Andrew is a multi-award winning and nominated editor. He is also a producer and director. While the Best Practices guide seems on the surface to be a “pie in the sky” wish list, I think it’s value for me was simply a reminder of how far we have come as a profession, and more importantly how far we have to go to achieve the respect and consideration of our employers, when it comes to working conditions. Whether cutting corporate videos or big budget motion pictures, as editors we have more in common than we differ in our professional lives.

Andrew, the other panelists and moderator Matt Feury (Avid, Director of Product Marketing) all contributed to a lively and enlightening discussion. For me one of the more important messages to come from all participants was, don’t be afraid to walk away from a bad situation. Go with your gut and always make your health and well-being a priority in service of a long and creatively satisfying career.