Meet Ling Chua

We recently connected with Ling Chua and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ling, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I get my work ethic from my mom and peers.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a commercial and film editor, proudly represented by the editorial house, Joint.

In the commercial realm, I specialize in real-time editing, often working under high-pressure conditions where quick, on-the-fly adjustments are essential.

Recently, I’ve also returned to editing short films, which offer a refreshing change of pace from the fast tempo of commercials. My commercial background equips me with the skills to solve challenges efficiently, regardless of the project type.

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?

Three key qualities that have had the most impact on my growth are curiosity, a willingness to learn, and adaptability. One of the most surprising aspects of the post-production industry has been the generosity of others in sharing their knowledge. It’s a field where you can learn from individuals with both more and less experience than you, making the learning process dynamic and collaborative.

Listening to podcasts about the theory and technical side of editing has significantly expanded my understanding. However, the most valuable lesson is that the only true way to deepen your knowledge of editing is through hands-on experience.

Lastly, one of the best pieces of advice I’ve received in this industry is simply to “feel the cut.” It’s a reminder that editing is as much an intuitive process as it is a technical one.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, one of the first things I do is talk to my team. Often, simply discussing the issue helps clarify the problem and sparks new ideas, which in turn fuels my inspiration and enhances my editing craft.

I also believe in the power of taking breaks. When you’re staring at the same footage over and over, it’s easy to get caught up in overthinking. Stepping away for a moment and returning with fresh eyes always brings a new perspective to the edit, helping me see things I might have missed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lingchua.com
• Instagram: @privatehaven
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ling-chua-/

Image Credits

Photos by Kim Blanck and Cheng Lee