Film Editor Auckland, New Zealand

Please introduce yourself and describe your career. What do you do for a living?

My name is Margot Francis and I am a Film Editor.  I edit Feature Films and Documentaries as well as TV series, documentaries, short independent films - a bit of everything.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Gosh I didn’t have any major ambition.  My Dad thought I’d be a good nurse but I didn’t think I was good or interested in the Sciences and Maths - although I did like working with people.

What did you study? How much schooling do you think is required to get into your role? What could you have skipped?

At  highschool I enjoyed English and History. I didn’t go to university as planned. I fell into Film editing after spending time as an Exchange student in the US in highschool where I did some experimental video making and that opened up the possibility of a career in the visual arts - something I had no idea of before.

It is a creative job and can’t be taught fully in school.  I do think some Film schools are worthwhile and provide a basis for getting a job. But mostly it is on the job training. So while I was waiting for University to begin I got an entry level job in the local TV station.

Was your path hard or smooth getting to where you are in your career? (Can you briefly describe what it was like on your journey so far?)

I don’t think my path was “hard” getting to where I am now after decades in the job. 

I fell into an editing position at the local TV station and it clicked with me.  It was a very

full on job requiring long hours. It was quite pressured meeting TV deadlines every day and week but very satisfying. I progressed working in NZ for a couple of years then moved to New York City and started from scratch there. I got my Green Card through a NYC Production company.  I had a lot of opportunities there just working really hard, meeting some key people who I connected with. Editing is a very   personal job working mostly with the Director and Producer so you have to have the same sensibility.  I worked as a freelancer cutting short films For Saturday Night Live  which opened up a lot of doors into Feature Films and television. I worked in New York for 16 years before returning to NZ with my first son.

I have been working in NZ now for many years on TV, Movies,  Documentary Feature Films. Lots of everything.

Walk us through your typical work day—when do you start, end, and do all day? (Where do you work from?)

I have always been a freelance film editor which means I work  for myself in very many different editing rooms in Auckland.  As a freelance I work from job to job which is a little precarious financially, with no holiday or sick pay etc.

My usual day begins early. If it is a TV drama series I would first screen the Rushes ( footage that was filmed the day before).  After looking at the footage I would begin editing and assembling the scenes that have been shot. For some scenes there will be hours of material to look at for just a 2 minute finished scene. I usually work a 10 hour day with a  short break for lunch.  Depending on the project overtime in the weekend is sometimes needed.  The scenes all have to be cut ready for the Director to see as soon as he/she finished filming - there are usually pretty  strict deadline everyday/week

What are some questions someone should really ask themselves if they want to get into your industry / career path?

I think they really have to want to be in the Film /TV Industry because it is quite demanding and takes up a lot of the day. I think you have to jump in and try whatever aspect appeals to you as its definitely a job you learn on the job.

Margot won an Emmy for her work in Voices of Sarafina,
a documentary film about the anti-apartheid musical stage play.

What do you enjoy most about your career? (What do you enjoy least?)

I love making stories about people whatever form that takes.  When you are editing a documentary for example you are very intimately involved in shaping the story about a person or subject which is a big responsibility and can be very demanding intellectually etc  but so much fun and so satisfying when it’s done well! Working with great people is probably what I enjoy most:  the director, producer, one’s Assistant Editor( which is a crucial person for the editor) the Production crew as well.

What I enjoy least are the hours you have to work sometimes. Not having enough time to do the job properly - most good editors tend to be perfectionists.

What tools/resources do you frequently use? (Books, podcasts, mentors, wellness habits, software, etc.)

There are editing workshops that are really useful. Talking to mentors or colleagues when a question comes up is really useful. The Film Editing Guild (DEGANZ) is a really good resource.

Recent films edited by Margot

What is something you do when things get difficult? How do you handle stress/ challenges?

I try to talk to the Director or Producer as soon as possible. Most stress is usually caused by demanding deadlines or misunderstanding what the Director was asking for.

Trying to look after oneself when really stressed. Going home early and not staying that extra hour to finish something off as it usually takes twice as long to do anything when you’re tired. Much better to come in a little earlier in the morning.  Making sure you get out of your chair and the editing room for a break every hour or so.


What advice would you give to someone who is trying to figure out what they want to do (for work) in general?  I’m a big believer in trying something you think you might like - even if you are unsure. In some jobs you just can’t foresee how you will react, you just have to try it and do it…. And it might just click. Don’t be precious about what to do,  some of my big breaks have come by doing a small funny little project and meeting someone that you just connect  with - and things open up in ways I couldn’t have foreseen.


Do you have any mentors or key pieces of career advice that helped you get to where you are today?

I didn’t have any one mentor but I got a lot of encouragement seeing senior editors working

And thinking “oh yes I could have a career in that too.. there is a career pathway”

What excites you about the future OR what's up next for you in the near future? (Could be career-related, life-related, or even a future career pivot / path 

I just want to keep on working on good projects with good people. That still excites me after so many years of editing. I still love the work.

Where can readers find/connect with you if they have questions? OR How can we support you? 

You can contact me in the The Data Book NZ, DEGANZ (Directors and Editors Guild of Aotearoa, NZ)  or NZONSCREEN.