Ep. 09 - Starting a Career in Hollywood as a Foreigner with editor Sasha Dylan Bell

Sasha Dylan Bell moved from Australia to LA a couple of years ago and through a lot of hard work and perseverance was able achieve his goal of editing feature films and scripted TV shows in Hollywood.  He’s joining me today to share advice not only on how to prepare for making such a big move to the US from another country, but also the things one can do after landing in LA that can help build a network in order to obtain editing opportunities.He'll also share his thoughts on the importance of building confidence, seeking creativity outside the cutting room, and how to manage the emotional rollercoaster we often go through when trying to find editing work. ​In addition to hundreds of series episodes & short form projects, Bell has edited the feature drama Face To Face, directed by Michael Rymer (American Horror Story). Currently he is editing on the drama series David Makes Man, by oscar-winning creator, Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight).Find out more about Sasha's work at https://www.sashadylanbell.com and https://sashadylanbellphoto.comIn episode 9, Sasha and I touch on the following topics:Growing up in Australia and working as a music video directorMaking the move to editing feature films in AustraliaHow Sasha got to travel to LA to work on Australian productionsLearning how to be better at networkingSasha’s approach to networking and belief in building genuine relationshipsHow Sasha got the editing gig on his second featureFinding consistent work in LAWhy it’s important to not talk only about work at networking eventsWhat makes a good editor and how producers chose to hire for that positionWhy Sasha hired me to be his assistant on a feature filmHaving a successful career in Australia, but left with a desire to work in filmThe moment Sasha decided to move to LAMaking the plan to move from Australia to LAFrom getting visas to shipping his belongings…how Sasha made the move from Melbourne to LASasha’s advice for anyone moving from abroad to LALanding in LA and trying to find an apartment, buy a car, etc when coming from another countryFinding out Sasha’s editing experience in Australia didn’t count for Union membership in LAWorking on small projects to eventually get bigger opportunitiesTips on how to get better at networking and talking to peopleSasha’s experience getting into the UnionGoing through a rollercoaster of emotions when trying to find editing workGoing through dry spells of workHow everyone in the post production industry starts at the bottomThe importance of building confidenceSasha’s stages of editing work after landing in LASasha realizing how he needed to make more personal connectionsHow relationships take time to developSasha’s experience on David Makes Man and how he got the gigInterviewing to be an editor on David Makes ManCheck out our free content and other resources! >>> SUBSCRIBE and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! >>>Original Music: "Apollo's Haze" and "Do You Want" by JesusdapnkFacebook: www.fb.com/jesusdapnkSoundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/jesusdapnkInstagram: @jesusdapnk