We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aaron Dsouza a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Aaron, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I believe my resilience comes from a combination of a strong sense of purpose, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. I’m driven by the belief that challenges are opportunities for growth. When faced with obstacles, I focus on what I can control, adapt to new circumstances, and remain open to feedback. This mindset, along with the ability to stay calm and solution-oriented under pressure, helps me bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My journey as a film editor started with a deep love for storytelling. I’ve always been fascinated by how a narrative comes together, and I realized early on that editing is where the magic truly happens. The ability to shape a story, control its pace, and evoke emotions through the power of editing drew me to this profession.
Right now, my focus is on finding projects that challenge me creatively and allow me to contribute to compelling narratives. I’m particularly interested in stories that resonate on a deeper level, whether they’re character-driven dramas or thought-provoking documentaries. Ultimately, my goal is to continue growing as an editor and to be part of projects that leave a lasting impact on audiences.
My short film “Caroline” was recently nominated for the Yugo BAFTA Student Awards in the Live Action category. It was a moment of pure joy and pride when I got to know the news and moments like these are why I strive to do better every single day and motivate me to continue in the profession.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey as a film editor, three qualities and skills stand out as the most impactful:
Attention to Detail: Editing requires a meticulous eye for detail. Whether it’s ensuring continuity, perfecting timing, or catching subtle nuances in a performance, this skill has been crucial in crafting seamless and engaging narratives. It’s the small things—like the precise cut on a beat or the subtle shift in a reaction shot—that can elevate a scene from good to great.
Storytelling Ability: At its core, editing is about storytelling. Understanding narrative structure, character development, and pacing has been fundamental in my work. Being able to see the bigger picture while also fine-tuning the details allows me to shape the story in a way that resonates with audiences. This skill has been particularly impactful when working on projects that require a strong emotional or thematic thread.
Collaboration and Communication: Film editing is a collaborative process, and strong communication skills have been essential in my career. Being able to clearly articulate ideas, listen to feedback, and work closely with directors and other team members has allowed me to contribute effectively to the overall vision of a project. Building strong working relationships has not only made the process smoother but also more creatively fulfilling.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I rely on a few strategies to regain focus and keep moving forward. Here’s what works for me:
Break It Down: When a project feels overwhelming, I break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. Instead of focusing on the entire workload, I prioritize one step at a time. This helps reduce the feeling of being swamped and allows me to make steady progress.
Take a Step Back: Sometimes, stepping away from the project, even if just for a short time, can provide clarity. Whether it’s a quick walk, a few minutes of deep breathing, or just getting a fresh perspective, this pause helps me return with a clearer mind and renewed energy.
Organize and Prioritize: I find that organizing my tasks and setting clear priorities can make a big difference. I’ll list everything that needs to be done, prioritize the most critical tasks, and set realistic deadlines. This structure helps me feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aarondsouzaeditor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aarondsouza.gg/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-dsouza-92bb3417b/
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