Meet Byron Smith | Film and Television Editor

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

Hi Byron, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I grew up in a tiny town in Missouri, where movies sparked my imagination and opened up a world of possibilities. Moving to Los Angeles felt like the natural choice because I always dreamed of becoming an editor.

Life in a small town often meant long stretches of boredom, so I invented games to pass the time. But everything changed the moment my parents took me to the movies. The cinema made the world feel vast and alive. I was mesmerized by the big screen, absorbing every detail of the visuals and sound design.

To me, editing was the most powerful role in filmmaking—where stories truly came together. My parents worried it wasn’t a stable career, but I was determined to pursue it. I didn’t know a single person in LA when I arrived to attend the American Film Institute’s graduate program. Still, I was eager to embrace the unknown.

Leaving my hometown, I knew I wouldn’t look back—I was too excited to explore the world and chase my dreams wherever they led me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I grew up in the Midwest, where storytelling was woven into daily life. My father was a natural storyteller who always captivated his friends and colleagues with colorful tales and jokes. Many of his co-workers were storytellers too, trading jokes and anecdotes in lively exchanges. Listening to them, I unknowingly apprenticed in the art of storytelling, learning how to craft narratives with vivid detail and humor.

Over time, I transformed those lessons into filmmaking, focusing on pacing, rhythm, and tone to enhance the context and impact of stories.

After years in Hollywood, I realized storytelling has always been essential to human connection—teaching lessons, preserving history, and keeping memories alive. It even seems like a way to keep our minds sharp and resilient, a tool to stave off the decline of memory and cognition.

My business succeeds best when it is about emotional depth and the nuance skill of storytelling. There is a lot of discussion about artificial intelligence. A.I. is trained upon material from the past. I am looking to create something new. The world changes and humans innovate what is the new, but A.I. is always using what has been done in the past. Today the technology doesn’t replace the film editor. Yes, we’re in a storytelling business but we’re in a data business but our most important asset is our methods and form of storytelling which in our pieces is in data form and we must protect our intellectual property but it can only repackage what has already been done. It’s called artificial intelligence, it’s not called artificial human or artificial experience. There is an enormous amount of A.I. music and story being produced but very little stands out and none of it moves me deeply or touches my heart. If it did, that would be a different effect, It may be advancing our technology but it’s not advancing humanity.

You need to be smart enough to create your own opportunities, don’t wait for them to come to you.

You will always have problems. You will always have some sort of conflict. You must learn to enjoy life while you are still solving them. Having a little success and experience certainly helps you balance your work and life. Starting out was hard for me, I spent some long nights and I still have to make tough decisions that may prioritize work sometimes. It got easier when I became much more efficient than I used to be that helps me get more rest while I’m on the job.

I used to need to work for long hours but then with my many years of experience I’m able to anticipate and find a solid result sooner. I can also read a client’s priorities and get into a director’s subconscious sooner. Then I find myself working in step from the start. That allows me to recover and remain fresh. I learned how to manage my time wisely. I also learned how to spend my personal time more wisely.

I wasn’t always great at time management, others might be more fortunate than I was but I’ve come a long way. There was a time when I started doing yoga that made a great impact on my personal time. Yoga helped me learn to make the uncomfortable, comfortable. There is beauty in everything we experience. You need to adjust your perception. I have come to live in a mindset of “amor fati,” which means to love your fate. You can either cry in the storm or dance in the rain. It makes me calmer when I’m stuck in traffic on the 405.

The secret of happiness is freedom, the secret of freedom is courage. In life you need to take action if you want to experience freedom. Positive thoughts help me start my day on the right foot. Marcus Aurelius said, “Don’t be overheard complaining, not even to yourself.” Complaining is the simplest and most ineffective thing to do. We really are made of our own thoughts and what we think. You have the power to have no opinion, things are not asking to be judged by you. It sounds like a cliche but it is true for me. It wasn’t always easy but it creates a healthy mindset for a productive day at work. Then at the end of the day sometimes I will reflect on all the good things that happened to me that day which reminds me of all the things I am fortunate to have. It’s a mindset that creates a great atmosphere for being happy. I’m not so worried about winning an award or chasing work success.

I do believe working hard makes good things happen but I differentiate things out of my control compared to things that are in my control — what I give my energy to, how I spend my free time, how I move on from failure, the boundaries I set, create my mindset for a positive attitude and the happiness that follows. If I’m worried about things that are out of my control they can tear me down. From many crushing hours without a break I’ve learned the mind gives up and surrenders before your body. If you have the ability to change a situation, do so. If it isn’t, shift your viewpoint. It’s like being worried about A.I. when I really want to stay focused on things I can control.

When I became a father, I noticed how many people were spending significant amounts of money on their young children. It got me thinking about what truly matters most in parenting. One day, I was talking to a close friend—a seasoned parent and war veteran. Our conversations were always insightful, but one piece of advice he shared stuck with me profoundly:

“The best thing you can spend on your kids is time.”

That simple truth became my mantra. Since then, I’ve poured my energy into being fully present for my son, and the bond we share today is a testament to that commitment. Our time together doesn’t just nurture our relationship—it shapes his character in profound ways. We share activities together in the mountains and on road trips where he started discovering passions like mountain biking, alpine sports and photography. Watching him grow, learn, and thrive is one of my greatest joys and motivations.

Fatherhood hasn’t just enriched my personal life; it’s shaped how I approach my work in film. My son’s curiosity and resilience inspire me to tell stories with depth and heart. Growing up in Los Angeles, he’s surrounded by a vibrant mix of people, experiences, and opportunities. He’s learned to navigate this dynamic city with confidence, embracing the diversity around him.

Through our shared experiences, he’s discovering his passions and potential. As a father, it’s humbling to know that my most significant impact on his life isn’t tied to money or material things—it’s the time, love, and presence I give him every day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Getty is a great experience in the heart of the city. It offers both outdoor gardens, architecture and a special artwork collection that can really brighten and refresh your mindset. But another outstanding museum many visitors may skip is the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. There is also Huntington Gardens always offering something no matter the season. If you are looking for a good coffee you’ll find a few good spots along the L.A. River in Frogtown.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In my industry it’s important to have supportive and genuine people in your life who keep you grounded, focused and evolving. My girlfriend has been very instrumental in fulfilling that role in my life. Her presence and wisdom is a blessing.

I never give up, but early in my career, I learned the importance of managing effort wisely. Fresh out of undergrad, I worked as a photographer and news editor, pouring myself into every story, no matter how trivial—like covering uneventful school board meetings. A veteran reporter advised me, “You’ve got to know when to hit a home run and when to hit a single.” That wisdom has stayed with me, helping me prioritize my energy and stay afloat in a demanding industry.

One of my first big lessons came when I presented my amateurish reel to a producer. I was ashamed of it, but to my surprise, I got the job. When I worked up the nerve to ask why, the producer said, “It was clear you could make something out of nothing.” That phrase has defined my career. I’ve earned a reputation for being the person directors and producers turn to when things go wrong—when the footage feels like a lost cause, and studios fear the worst. I find solutions, offering a unique ability to get more out of material than most editors.

Some directors have told me they love watching me work; others who’ve observed me patiently say I have a gift or even call me a bit of a savant. Like a poker player, I often feel I can see opportunities others miss. My approach is unconventional—I break scenes down methodically, searching for the story the director or writer originally envisioned, even if it didn’t come together as planned on set. It’s like treasure hunting, fitting square pegs into round holes, and convincing through actions, not words.

I’ve also developed a knack for working with music. Producers often comment on my ability to find the perfect piece to support a scene—something that complements the story without overpowering it. I strive for a natural rhythm and tone, bringing just the right temperature to make every moment feel authentic.

Ultimately, my success comes not from what I promise but from what I deliver.

Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1087821/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byronedits/

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

Image Credits
Kyle Traynor