What do you think sets a great editor apart? Are there any techniques or principles you consistently adhere to in your work?

There are many different ways to be a great editor! Some people are really, really technically skilled, some people are great at interpreting exactly what a client wants, some are incredibly creative. I like to think I am a mixture. What I really had to train myself into as a working editor was the mantra of ‘it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be done’ – a finished version of something with some rough edges can always be refined at a later point.

You’ve created content for some incredible brands like Spotify and Cancer Research UK. Is there a standout project that has been particularly rewarding or challenging for you?

I loved the Cannes Lions x Spotify playlist of the summer social promo because it was very guerilla! I’d been given a loose idea and was working with a production team of camera ops, producers and motion graphics specialists to turn it around in 48 hours. We sort of made it up as we went along, there was very little client involvement, and everyone contributed their skills to make something really cool!

Isabel Barker, Cannes Lions x Spotify

You recently worked on a pitch film for Rexona. Could you share more details about the project and the creative process behind it?

With Pitch films you’re always on a time crunch and a lot of the role is interpreting what a producer has interpreted from a creative has interpreted from a client about what they want! You won’t always get it right – all you can do is try to stay open minded, be flexible and know that every company works differently: in some places you get a lot of creative control, and in others the team have a really specific idea of what they want.

Is there a particular type of project you enjoy the most, and why?

I thrive working to tight deadlines so really enjoy short form, fast turnaround content – pitch films, press junkets, social marketing, events & news.

Isabel Barker for Leica

How do you stay up to date with the latest editing software and industry trends?

This is my PSA to young editors: there is no shame in doing a course! I feel that the industry really champions the self-taught method, which is of course admirable, but not everyone learns in the same way. I am genuinely incapable of sitting through a series of video tutorials! If there is a new software or skillset I need to learn, I’ll find a course for it.
I’ve also taken to noting down any cool transitions or effects I see in ads or other videos, then looking them up when I have some downtime so that I can learn a method to do them quickly if they are required for an edit.

Collaboration is key in creative industries. How do you ensure smooth communication and alignment when working with clients and teams?

I started out in the industry as a producer and some habits die hard! I know for editing purists this can feel like outside the scope of their role, but much of the time I will take notes and summarize my next steps in an email to the team to make sure everyone’s expectations are aligned. I’ll often suggest the time for the next check in as well – which gives me a deadline I’m comfortable working towards.

Outside of editing, what inspires you creatively? Do you have any hobbies or activities that fuel your imagination and keep your ideas fresh?

Like many editors I’m sure I came to the industry with a love of film & TV which has remained my major passion!

If you could work on anything, what would be your dream project?

I’d love to get into film trailers! I feel my particular area of skill is choosing key moments in longform content which drive right to the heart of the story, and I’ve really enjoyed working on awards show cutdowns, press junkets and social marketing for film.

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