Meet Ashley Monti | Film/TV Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Monti and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
How did you come up with film and tv editing? I discovered editing while in high school. Back in 2003, I was living in Woodbridge, a suburb of Toronto, Canada. It had been a few years since I had relocated with my mother from Rome, Italy, and I was still finding my way in a new country. Being raised as a Roman child, I found the language, cultural differences, and the weather in Toronto to be more challenging than anticipated. (The winters are freezing!) I was in my senior year when my mother, a teacher at the school, discovered that the school was offering a new course, a course dedicated to the craft of filmmaking. After much encouragement I decided to enroll in the class. There was one particular assignment where the teacher asked us to split into groups and shoot a short film. One day, as I came home with the footage, I found myself spending hours upon hours editing in the dark basement of my mother’s house. I became fascinated by the meaning achieved when images are placed in a sequential order. And this is how I discovered visual storytelling. Afterwards, I pursued editing at York University where I majored in Film Production and went on to edit my classmates’ short films. I received my Masters in Directing from the American Film Institute in 2013 and subsequently started working as a freelance Editor and Assistant Editor. Most recently, I’ve been promoted to Editor at an LA based post production company called Cutting Room Floor Entertainment.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Having a strong work ethic and being persistent matters. I am very excited to have been promoted as Editor at my current company, Cutting Room Floor Entertainment. I have gotten to where I am professionally today thanks to the love and support of my family and friends. It definitely wasn’t easy. The way I’ve overcome some of the challenges has been through patience but most importantly having a loving and supportive partner that also works in the film industry. I think the most important lesson I’ve learned is to be persistent. There is always going to be hurdles, but it’s important to keep moving forward in the direction of one’s goals.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First thing would be to visit the Hollywood sign and Griffith Park. One can’t come to LA and skip on the local landmark. Park by The Greek Theatre and hike to the Observatory. Second on the list, but on the same day, is taking a trip to the Malibu beach. The drive down Topanga Canyon Blvd is one of my favorites. Enjoy a walk on the beach, take a dip in the water and try out surfing.

For some great authentic Italian pizza, I would then go to L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Hollywood. They have a gorgeous outdoor patio, and the pizzas are truly delicious.

For an evening apéritif, we would then enjoy an Aperol Spritz on the rooftop of Eataly at Century City Mall. Century City Mall is one of the most beautiful outdoor malls I have ever seen. There is a rooftop restaurant and bar called Terra. Layback and relax and take in the decor, fire pits, and welcoming atmosphere.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicated my shoutout to my mother for encouraging me to pursue a career in filmmaking. I would also like to dedicate my shoutout to Cutting Room Floor Entertainment. Excited for the projects that lay ahead working there!

Website: www.ashleymonti.com

Instagram: ashleymonti

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashmonti/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ashley.monti