EDITING
Onstage at the Castro Theater before the screening of Defender at the world premiere at San Francisco International Film Festival with Jim Choi and Jeff Adachi
Editing is my passion for it's where I believe stories, particularly documentaries, get shaped and told. There's nothing like crafting a polished and moving film from the lump of clay that is hours of raw footage. I completely agree with master editor Walter Murch's take that the most important element of editing is emotion and so while developing character and story I'm always looking for those movements that move me (and the audience). As a former musician, I also love the interplay of image and music - how each, if used judiciously in just the right moment, can elevate the other in creating unforgettable cinematic memories.
Nikiko Masumoto working on the Masumoto Family Farm in CHANGING SEASON (photo Alan Sanchez)
I've worked at all stages of a cut from the front end organizing footage and assembly for a final edit, all the way through the final cut. I also enjoy offering feedback and advising filmmakers on cuts, because I know from my own experience that after weeks/months of staring at the same footage, one loses perspective and sometimes an objective editorial eye can be helpful. I've done this for everything from sample cuts and fully cut features.
I previously used Final Cut 7 and have since moved on to Premiere Pro. See a list of my Editing credits below. For samples of my work please check out my Portfolio.
Editing DOGTOWN REDEMPTION in Final Cut
Documentary Feature
Ricochet (in post-production)
Every Step A Prayer (in post-production)
Defender
Moving Truth (in post-production)
Changing Season: on the Masumoto Family Farm
Dogtown Redemption (Additional Editing)
Anthony Brown and Mark Izu jam in DON"T LOSE YOUR SOUL
Documentary Short
Insight Garden Project
The People's Hospital
The Ride
Liminal Space/Crossings
Touching the Untouchable
A Simple Life : Martin Yan
Don’t Lose Your Soul (with Jim Choi)
The Time That Land Forgot
Food For Life (with Jim Choi)
0-Viewpoint (with Jim Choi)
Red Thread/The Making of Lure: Documentary Short/Installation Piece - (with Jim Choi)
Narrative Short
Double Features
Cross Fader & ShadowBoxing (with Andie Webb)
Nonprofit
Transformative Educational Leadership
CAAMFeast Awards Reel 2016
My Place
Kulungile
Center for Asian American Media Anniversary Gala
Asian Chefs at Glide Memorial Church
Community Education Services (with Jim Choi)
Crowdfunding
Walrus
For Profit
China Live
China Chocolate
Music Video
Truth Is I'm A Liar (Roger Perry music video)
Speak for the Trees (Earth Guardians Music Video)
CAAMFest Directions in Sound (Live Concert Series: featuring Love X Stereo, Glen Check, Rocky Rivera, Cynthia Lin, & Rock n' Roll Stereo)
Author
Teach Breathe Learn (trailer)
Art Installation
The Making of 0-Viewpoint
The Making of Lure (with Jim Choi)