Jennifer DeFilippo
Jennifer DeFilippo
Video Editor / Director
Los Angeles, CA
www.jenniferfilms.com
instagram @jennflip
vimeo
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“Hi! I’m a video editor who has a diverse background in editing everything from comedy shorts to fashion brands’ seasonal videos for their social channels. ”
I’m a curious person by nature, so I strive to work on a variety of projects that allow me to bring my background in film to the table.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
A lot of my skills have come out of necessity. As a creative in the video realm, there are so many moving parts that make a finished product. Early on, I knew that video editing (and sound!) was an area that would make or break a project. To be able to make what I wanted to make at the capacity for which I wanted to make them, I needed to edit the projects myself. So I learned and discovered that for me, it was a deeply satisfying part of the filmmaking process.
How do you stand out in your field?
I think what makes me stand out is that I have a natural curiosity that makes me open to working on a variety of projects, especially if it’s something that I’ve never done before. I also have a vast comedy background that finds its way into much of my work. Whether it’s offering an element of play or whimsy or the ability to play with timing in a way that’s sensitive and effective. With comedy, timing is everything, and that crosses all genres.
I also genuinely love what I do. I’ve always loved storytelling in just about every form. I was a cinephile from a young age (I was way too excited to have my own Blockbuster card in high school) and could often be found watching On The Waterfront or Wayne’s World on repeat. I believe Wayne’s World to be a near-perfect movie and I’ll have no problem reciting its greatness to you from beginning to end.
“I once thought I had mono for an entire year. It turned out I was just really bored.” -- Wayne Campbell
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Right now I’m working on a few projects in front of and behind the camera. I’m wrapping up a pilot with my co-producer that is a docuseries in the vein of "Anthony Bourdain’s: Parts Unknown" but with a focus on culture and dating hosted by myself and the very funny comedian Maggie Maye. I’m also currently acting in two shows, one for Disney+ and another for NBC.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My personal taste or style would be visually colorful and unobtrusive editing. Some of my biggest influences that represent this style would be Wong Kar Wai’s cinematography and storytelling pacing. David Lynch’s Twin Peaks (color, style, wild offbeat characters that we really care about) and many of Federico Fellini’s films starring his wife (and my favorite actress) Giulietta Masina.
Last year I directed, wrote, and edited a music video for singer/songwriter Liz Beebe. I gave myself certain limitations (mostly budgetary) that created a simple framing setup but with five different portrayals of historical female figures in highly stylized moving portraits. The color palette in the video is basically what I’d like to wallpaper my life with.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Yes! I’m very happy to be a multi-hyphenate. Along with being a video editor, I’m also an actor and director. I’d definitely love to have more time to focus on finishing up some personal projects like a short film that I wrote with the intention of directing and performing in. I’ve been acting and editing for over a decade, and I hope to start directing more in the coming years.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I’m definitely frustrated that there are only 24 hours in the day. I really would love more time to be able to work on everything equally. And what’s with the human body’s need for 8 hours of sleep? I also wish that creative careers had a clear linear path that way I’d know I’m definitely heading in the right direction. It’s truly a testament to being flexible but always ready, and trusting your instincts as you create your own way in a creative career.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would hire a cheering squad. Seriously. But not too crazy, more like the cheerleaders in Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” cause they’re just bright enough to not be overwhelming. Sometimes this career can be very solitary so it would be amazing to have people who just called throughout the day and said something like, “Whoa, dude. You’re doing a great job with that. Keep up the good work.”
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I wish I could have told myself, right when I graduated from college, that I’m resilient and capable. To not be afraid to be a multi-hyphenate because I was never going to be satisfied just waiting for opportunities to come to me. I think it would have helped me relax more and take more chances much sooner. Those kinds of choices really only come with confidence and for me, confidence is something that has grown over the years. I also would have loved to tell myself that pretty much no one knows what they’re doing, so just say yes and fumble your way through until you figure it out.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I’d talk to an expert to gain more insight into what it’s like to have a well-rounded career and personal life. I also wish I could ask Carrie Fisher for the original script to "Postcards from the Edge" and if she planned all of the amazing gags of showing just how everything in Hollywood could be a fabrication of real life.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I want to continue to create a diverse portfolio. I’ve really been enjoying editing shorter form projects for various brands and companies to help draw attention to their work. Video is such a powerful tool and can be used almost everywhere. I also would like to develop a relationship with a company and help create and direct the video content for their websites or social media platforms. I hope to also find myself working more with non-profit organizations to help get their message out and see more participation from the worldwide community.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal client would be someone who has a creative vision and enjoys collaborating. My favorite part of editing video projects is getting to work with great people who all bring their talents to the table which then results in a finished product that my imagination couldn’t possibly come up with on its own.
My ideal job would be creating and directing narrative shorts for companies like Rodarte or Dolce & Gabanna. My goal is to venture into commercials as a director. There are great opportunities for making miniature short films with solid budgets that are super creative. I want more of that in my life, please. Thank you.
My ideal collaboration would be with Rashida Jones or Reed Morano on just about anything. They both create such beautiful and diverse work that I would love to be able to collaborate with their cool minds. I’m also a big fan of Marielle Heller whose films over the last few years have been some of my favorites. Also, Ava DuVernay because she’s amazing and a guiding light for us all.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
It depends on the project! It's best to email me and I can create a quote based on the scope of the project.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Send me an email through my website at jenniferfilms.com. I can’t wait to work with you!
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
I watch movies! Give me all the movies!
This member profile was originally published in July 2020.