Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexander Scarfe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alexander, appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Earning a full-time living from creative work can be a challenging process that requires a combination of talent, hard work, and strategic planning. One common path to achieving this goal is to start by developing a strong portfolio of work that showcases your skills and creative vision. Fortunately, I was able to forge these things while studying at the AFI Conservatory. Although I had previously attended film school at Columbia College Chicago and felt that experience had given me a structure as an artist, my time at AFI united those building blocks into how I work now.

Initially, I took any job I could find, always saying yes regardless of the pay. I believed that cultivating connections was key to getting more high-paying work, and while I was partially right, I soon found that saying yes to every job had a breaking point. I became overwhelmed with low-paying work, and it began to take a toll on other aspects of my life. Realizing that this was not the right path, I started to rethink how I branded myself and focused on finding work that would allow me to grow.

I decided to switch my main focus to assistant editing and develop more industry-based connections. Eventually, I landed a full-time job at a small post house that proved to be a great stepping stone. During my year with them, I learned a lot and soon received an offer from a large studio to be an assistant editor on some exciting projects they were working on. My fellow coworkers whom I had worked with previously had referred me.

Working with different companies and professionals allowed me to showcase my skills and build relationships that could help me find more work. As I gained experience and built my network of contacts, I found opportunities that allowed me to take on larger projects and work with higher-profile clients.

In conclusion, making a full-time living from creative work demands hard work, talent, and strategic planning. By remaining committed to honing your skills, building your personal brand, connecting with other creative professionals, and exploring different job roles within your industry, you can significantly enhance your chances of realizing your ambitions and creating a thriving career in the creative field.

Alexander, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Alexander Scarfe. I am an award-winning editor and experienced post-production professional based in Los Angeles, California. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, I graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2018 with a BA in Cinema Art and Science, then pursued my Masters of Fine Arts in Post Production Editing at the prestigious American Film Institute Conservatory in 2020. During my time at AFI, The short film I edited, “Apart, Together,” won the 2021 GSA BAFTA for Best Live Action Short and has been showcased at various renowned film festivals such as Sundance Windrider Summit, Vancouver International Film Festival, and HBO Presents UrbanWorld 2021. “Faro”, a short also edited by me, was selected as an official selection at the 2021 Festival De Cannes. Post-grad, I worked with various well established brands and studios such as Netflix, Woodford Reserve, Walmart, Paramount, and Apple. I was the Lead Assistant Editor on season 1 of Yo! MTV Raps, a Paramount+ series. I recently started working with Riot Games as an assistant editor on their esports video content team,

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Provide greater access to film education and training: This can involve offering affordable or free training opportunities to aspiring filmmakers, such as workshops, mentorship programs, and access to educational resources.

Increase funding for film production: Governments and other institutions can provide more financial support to filmmakers by offering grants, subsidies, and other forms of financial assistance to help them develop their skills and produce their films.

Create more opportunities for filmmakers to showcase their work: Society can support filmmakers by offering more venues for them to screen their films, such as film festivals, independent theaters, and other public spaces.

Foster a culture that values film as an art form: Society can promote a culture that values film by celebrating and recognizing the contributions of filmmakers. This can include honoring their work through awards, public recognition, and other forms of support and encouragement.

Support intellectual property rights: Society can help protect the intellectual property rights of filmmakers by enforcing copyright laws and other legal protections. This can help ensure that filmmakers are fairly compensated for their work and can continue to create and innovate in the film industry.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For many artists and creatives, including myself, the most rewarding aspect of our work is the ability to express ourselves and share our vision with others. Personally, I derive great satisfaction from the act of creation itself, as well as the joy and fulfillment that comes from seeing my work resonate with an audience. As an artist, I often find that the act of creating is therapeutic and a way to process my emotions and experiences. Moreover, being self-employed and able to pursue a career path that aligns with my passions and values gives me a sense of freedom and flexibility that is difficult to find in other professions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.scarfe-a-diem.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-scarfe/
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8381070/

Image Credits
Riot Games