The CCE runs events that are geared to match mentees with mentors. These events can be virtual or in-person and can often take the form of ‘micro meetings’ either one-on-one or in small groups. An opportunity for contact information to be exchanged is offered if permission is granted. Typically these events run 2-3 times per year. To learn about upcoming events, keep an eye on our social media channels.
The CCE’s in-person Editcon events (in major cities coinciding with EditCon) include dedicated socializing time after the panels. This is a great time to approach an editor whose work has been featured, or to introduce yourself to someone who was in the audience.
La composante virtuelle de l’EditCon inclut également du temps de réseautage sur la plateforme Gather. Quand vous ouvrez une session, vous créez un avatar avec lequel vous pouvez explorer une salle virtuelle. Quand vous vous approchez d’un·e autre participant·e ou d’un groupe, vous pouvez entendre la conversation et vous y joindre. On peut croire que le réseautage virtuel est moins efficace que les rencontres en personne, mais il offre plusieurs avantages, notamment celui d’entrer en relation avec des monteur·euses de partout au pays, peu importe la ville où on habite. L’étiquette y est différente par rapport au réseautage en personne, car on peut y bouger plus librement, écouter les conversations et se joindre à celles qui nous intéressent le plus. Il y est aussi plus facile d’intégrer et de quitter une conversation de groupe.
Film festivals are a great way to connect with the work being done by Canadian editors. Often, editors are in the audience at premieres. Even if they are not, reaching out to an editor after attending their film premiere shows that you took time to appreciate their work. It’s not easy for smaller independent films to find an audience. If you make the effort to come in person, it will be appreciated. Film festivals often host parties, which can be a good place to network as well. Informally, you can often find the filmmakers lingering in the lobby after a screening. The CCE sometimes offers free or discounted tickets to film festivals or local events in different cities. Subscribe to the CCE newsletter to stay up-to-date.
The Canadian Academy, DGC, and CCE organize annual awards ceremonies which require juries. Participating in a jury is a great way to connect with other editors. Not only are you often exposed to many editors’ work, through viewing entries, but you also have the advantage of meeting your co-jurors. You may feel you are aligned creatively with another juror, and this would be a great starting place to build a relationship.
While not the most effective way to network, there is a benefit to sending personalized (not bulk) emails to specific editors whose work interests you. Make sure to watch their work in advance and offer a comment or two about it. It will show that you are serious and have done research before reaching out and asking to have a meeting. It doesn’t hurt to be complimentary as well. Editors often feel that they are not spotlighted, so pointing out a particular scene that you thought was well-edited can go a long way to getting a reply.
Do not be discouraged if you hear that an editor is busy and would like you to ask them again in a month or two. The busiest portion of a film or TV series is not the best time to be speaking with a potential mentor. They’ll likely be preoccupied with work. It’s better to wait until they have the mental energy and space – the conversation will be much better.
In order to locate editor’s email addresses, check the following resources:
Une des meilleures façons de trouver un·e mentor·e en montage c’est de travailler sur un projet avec un·e monteur·euse. Beaucoup de monteur·euses ont été mentoré·es alors qu’ils et elles étaient assistant·es. Bien sûr, vous êtes peut-être à la recherche de quelqu’un qui vous aidera à faire vos premiers pas dans l’industrie, alors cette option s’adresse davantage aux personnes qui ont déjà un peu d’expérience dans le domaine. Si vous débutez dans l’industrie, songez à trouver une position d’assistant·es-monteur·euses sur une production à petit budget. Vous devrez peut-être travailler à moindre salaire ou envisager de considérer cette opportunité comme un stage. Votre contribution à des projets modestes sera grandement appréciée. Si vous décidez d’échanger votre temps contre de l’expérience, assurez-vous que l’arrangement soit réciproque. La production devrait fournir des avantages du point de vue de l’acquisition de connaissances et d’expérience pratique, tout en bénéficiant de vos efforts. Vous devriez convenir d’un engagement comportant un nombre d’heures défini, cette question ne devrait pas demeurer floue.
Use your existing network: You may be surprised that someone you already know or whom you have worked with before is one link away from an editor you’d like to meet. Ask your colleagues, classmates, or instructors if they might be able to help connect you.
Once you’ve paired up with a mentor, The CCE has created a handy self-guided mentorship kit!
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