Producer & Post-production coordinator

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Name
Elahn Zetlin
Age
26 yrs
Job Title
Film/Video Editor. Producer Post-production coordinator.
Job Description
I facilitate the post-production of TV commercials, music videos, short films etc., by taking the film/video shot and cutting it together on a computer and adding titles, effects and music.
Hours (per week)
Usually about 50 hours per week. Mostly much, much more!
What was your first job?
My first job was working for a post-production company in Brisbane as an assistant editor/trainee. It was my job to assist the senior editor by typing titles for TV commercials, making dubs of tapes, cleaning the trash at the end of the day, making coffee for clients, kissing shoes..um..er..I mean...uh well...other stuff...!! Funnily enough, it was this company I went to have work experience at when I first left high school. After three days they asked me to leave because I was asking too many questions! They thought I was an arrogant know-it-all!
What inspired you to choose this particular career?
Most of my family are in the industry one way or another. My uncle is a cinematographer/director, my aunt and cousin are producers, my sister an actress, another relative of mine is a musician.... it goes on and on. But what really made me want to be in this field was when I was in high school and the Year 12 Film/TV students did a video and my eyes just sprung open. This was it! And I am glad because otherwise I might have been an accountant!
What qualifications are needed to work in this field?
Creativity, enthusiasm and a lot of energy - for those long hours and late nights!
What are the best aspects about your job?
Knowing I helped someone communicate an idea or story. Having to work with well-known actors and personalities is often interesting. You see all the out takes and realise that they are real people and what you see on TV/movies is a collaboration of a good director, producer, musician, editor and marketing campaign!
What are the worst aspects?
Client changes at the eleventh hour or at 2am! I once did a video edit and it had to be finished the following morning. We were still getting tapes that night before, so I had to work through the night. Unfortunately, I got food poisoning and the flu in the one night and was on the couch for at least three hours, working a few minutes here and there, before passing out! Luckily I got the video finished and slept the next two days.
How many years' experience do you have in this field?
Ten years - but only eight in a real paid job. I did my first video when I was sixteen years of age and made $250.
Are there many employment opportunities?
Yes, there are but you just have to keep calling directors to let them know that you exist. You then have to show them your work and then keep calling them and then show your work and then call them, and keep calling them and calling. Oh, did I tell you, you have to keep calling??
Other related careers
Editing, animation, cinematography, producing, acting, compositing/special effects, colour grading/correcting, music composition.

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Producer & Post-production coordinator

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