You’ve had an impressive career editing and grading content for some of the biggest names in British television. Can you tell us about a particular project that was both challenging and rewarding for you?

To celebrate Shakespeare, I was asked to grade a short film of each of the bard’s surviving 38 plays for the Globe theatre. These had been filmed all around the world with some of the world’s greatest actors. Each play had a distinct look and feel, and of course time was a pressure too.

Your expertise spans across TV commercials, promos, documentaries, Feature Films and even children’s content. How do you approach the creative process differently for each type of project, and do you have a favourite genre to work on?

I like variety, and it is a challenge to switch gear from working on maybe a 1hr doc and then to concentrate the same attention to just 2 and a half seconds for a film shot, but you soon adapt.

Robin Doelly for BaByliss

With your skill set not limited to just visual editing, but also other areas, what’s been the most difficult challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?

Often, it’s my last job – ha! I worked on the Argylle feature film for a couple of years; firstly, in pre-production and then in final post. It was a real challenge fitting Fusion Studio into a Nuke workflow. A big feature film can have some very rigid QC and deliverables – and without the great team of expert people there, I couldn’t have done it.

If you could edit or colour any iconic film or a TV show from the past, which one would you choose and why? How do you think your personal style would have influenced the final product?

I do love old movies and once had the opportunity to work on restoring some old Monty Python sketches for a big show, which was a nice project to be involved in. I guess the aim is to try and not influence the product with your personal style – but it is hard to hold back.

Premiere, AFX, Davinci Resolve, Media Composer, Baselight – you’re a master of many tools. Which software do you find yourself gravitating towards the most, and is there one that you think every aspiring editor should master?

For sure Black Magic’s Davinci is my go-to tool and I rarely work without it. It is an amazing bundle of tools, made even more amazing by just how cost-effective it is, coupled with the fact that they keep pushing the boundaries and releasing new tools and updates on a regular basis. Anyone starting out can explore all the different disciplines in the postproduction workflow using this one software. What’s not to like!

Robin Doelly for Jack Daniel’s

The media industry faced unprecedented challenges over the last few years, with many projects put on hold or cancelled. How did you navigate this quieter period, and did it change your approach to work or creativity?

I’d love to tell you that I had been smart, but I think that it was just luck. I would say that I try to make the best of every opportunity that comes my way.

What’s a piece of advice you received early in your career that has stuck with you, and is there any advice you would give your younger self if you could?

Relax .. it’s only telly – ha!

Editing can be a solitary profession, yet collaboration is key. How do you maintain effective communication with directors, producers, and other team members, especially when working remotely?

It can be difficult, sometimes I have done screen sharing sessions with a director – which can really get you through a problem area, but many times I still like an old fashion voice call.

Outside of the editing suite, what are your passions or hobbies that help you unwind and stay creatively inspired?

Work fills a lot of my time but children and home life keep me level headed, music still inspires me, and having a dog now is a great way to force yourself to take a break in the day and get some perspective to return back to a problem.

Finally, looking ahead, what are your goals for the future? Are there any particular types of projects or collaborations you’re eager to explore?

It feels a while since I did a music video and maybe it would be nice to do the whole post for a small feature again some day.

Click here to see Robin’s showreel, and please contact a member of our team if you would like to work with him.