We recently connected with Jingxi Zhu and have shared our conversation below.
Jingxi, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
Since my early childhood, I have been immersed in the world of storytelling, crafting plays and novels that have brought me joy and fulfillment. The creative spark within me often led me to collaborate with my cousins and classmates, enlisting their help to bring my imaginative narratives to life. I found my niche in comedies, delighting in the ability to evoke laughter and amusement in others.
One particular memory stands out vividly in my mind, like a beacon guiding me throughout my life. During my sophomore year in high school, I embarked on a thrilling endeavor to create a time travel drama inspired by the Four Great Classical Novels. The mere thought of presenting this unique production on the grand stage of our school’s art festival filled me with both excitement and nervous anticipation.
That pivotal moment in my life became a lighthouse of guidance, illuminating the path to my purpose. It cemented my resolve to always express my feelings and share my stories with the world. The joy of connecting with others through my creations, evoking emotions, and sparking imagination has since become the driving force behind my artistic pursuits.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
In the captivating world of cinema, I have found my true calling as a film editor. Throughout my career, my passion for storytelling has been recognized and celebrated, with many of the short films I’ve edited earning accolades at various International Film Festivals. Notably, in 2019, one of my edited films reached the coveted finals at The American Pavilion during the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Additionally, “To Kern,” a short film adapted from Alexander Pushkin’s poem, earned the esteemed bronze award at the LA Short Awards and claimed victory at the Madrid International Film Festival in 2020.
As an editor, I revel in the privilege of being among the first to witness a film’s raw footage transform into a compelling narrative. This artistic process has become a profound source of joy and inspiration in my life. My career path has led me to my current role as a local 700 union assistant editor, collaborating with a trailer agency on top-tier projects, including the global campaigns for iconic films like “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse.” Each moment spent shaping stories and weaving emotions through the art of editing reaffirms my unwavering dedication to this craft. The boundless potential for creativity and the impact of visual storytelling on audiences continue to fuel my passion and drive me towards excellence.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an editor, to me, lies in the profound connections we build with the characters from the footage. Spending extensive time with the raw footage allows us to develop a closeness with the characters, making them feel like friends or even family. This emotional bond enables us to make the right editing choices, breathing life into the characters and creating an immersive experience for the audience. Connecting with the characters before I even start working on a project has become a crucial step for me. I invest time in understanding the script deeply, fostering a genuine care for the characters’ journeys.
One of the moments I truly cherish is watching the dailies for the first time. It is the closest experience I can have to that of most audiences when they eventually view the film. During this process, I take detailed notes about how each take makes me feel. This practice proves immensely beneficial, particularly when faced with difficult editing decisions after multiple viewings. The insights gleaned from these notes guide me in selecting the best shots and crafting a narrative that resonates emotionally.
The ability to connect with characters at a personal level has deeply affected me and transformed how I approach my craft as an editor. By nurturing this connection, I not only enhance the storytelling process but also infuse authenticity and life into every frame. The joy of sharing these intimately crafted stories with audiences and witnessing the impact they have on viewers is the ultimate reward for my dedication to the art of editing.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
As a creative, especially in the role of an editor within the film industry, there is an aspect of my journey that non-creatives may struggle to comprehend fully. It centers on the deep emotional connection I form with the characters and the story I am tasked with crafting. Editing transcends technical expertise; it involves immersing myself in the narrative, understanding the characters intimately, and presenting their experiences in a way that resonates with audiences.
This process of emotional investment is akin to sculpting a masterpiece from raw material. Spending extensive time with the footage, carefully analyzing every take, and delving into the heart of the story allows me to breathe life into the characters and offer a unique perspective for viewers to embrace the world created by the filmmakers. By recognizing the artistry and dedication behind editing, non-creatives can gain a newfound appreciation for the magic that storytellers weave on the screen, enhancing their understanding and enjoyment of the films they watch.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jujunumba1.godaddysites.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jujunumba1_piclife/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jingxi-zhu-editing/