Meet Erika Smith | The Editors Advocate

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

Hi Erika, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Before this business I had a business called Kali Production which changed to Visuals By Kali where I worked with business owners filming and editing their videos. I work with indy studios, corporate companies to working in the film industry working on tv shows and commercials. I’ve noticed that post production wasn’t getting the recognition it deserves. As a former Editor, that had to prove to others that I can do the work. I understand how post production was under-appreciated.

I decided to create my next business, The Reel Edit where I focus on post production in a different light. The Reel Edit is a training and consulting company that offers video editing resources for editors, creatives and entrepreneurs to enhance their business and creativity. My goals are to advocate and raise awareness for Editors, mentorship for new and seasoned Editors, and providing education tools for video editing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a creative, my goal is to continue to curate events and resources that is geared towards video/film editors. Continue to shed light on post production.

The Reel Edit currently has two entities that I’m most proud of.

First, Editors Collective which is a community of video/film editors where I provide internally job opportunities, workshops to enhance their crafts, group calls to chat about editor discussions and more, IG group chat to stay connected, and editor events to bring them to the forefront. Externally, connect creatives and entrepreneurs to an Editor to fulfill their content needs by creating a database.

Second, Reel Edit Academy is a virtual live program educating creatives, + entrepreneurs how to master the basics of video editing taught by professional Editors.

I also provide video editing digital products resources for editors, creatives and entrepreneurs.

Since 2014, I been focused on exploring the world of film production from all aspects. I started my first business in 2014 as a videographer and editor creating videos for clients. As my clientele grew, I started to exploring other behind the scenes roles such as Sound Engineer, Post Production Coordinator, Office Production Assistant, Assistant Production Coordinator, Production Coordinator, Set Production Assistant, and other roles.

Through all of this, it definitely wasn’t easy. I was an independent contractor and entrepreneur working hard to make ends meet. Getting clients and paying gigs wasn’t consistent so I have to think of ways to stretch my money. From working with clients and editing process by itself was a challenge. Sleepless nights. Working in the film industry, with long hours and sometimes overnight shoots. At the end of the day, I wouldn’t trade it at all. Working from indy to corporate to commercials/ tv sets, made me a well rounded individual and understanding what it takes to create a film or video.

That’s what led me back to focusing on post production. Everyone wants to talk about the Producer, Director, and Director of Photography, but I know post production is one of the hardest working departments that make sure these stories are ready for distribution. Without post production, there will be no movies, tv shows, and any videos created.

Lessons I’ve learned are; Don’t stop believing in yourself. Remember you have a voice and it’s meant for the world to see. Definitely need tough skin in this industry, there will be times where it will be challenging. Understand this, don’t quit! Keep learning, growing, applying your skills, and remember your “why”. Start creating now! Don’t wait until you get a job in post. Use the resources around you, start gaining hands-on experience. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. Find an environment that encourages your growth and success. Most importantly, stay true to yourself, focus on your goals, and be consistent in enhancing and learning new editing skills.

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.
I live in Atlanta, Georgia.

Monday
– Have lunch at Bar Taco
– Night out w/ dinner at Cheetahs

Tuesday
– Lunch at Virgil Gullah Kitchen
– Have fun at Activate Atlanta
– Dinner at Poor Calvins

Wednesday
– Go to Museums of Illusions
– Dinner at Bar of Thailand
– Night out at Rose and Rye Buckhead

Thursday
– Pop the Cork Wine Tour

Friday
– Lunch and have fun at Your 3rd Spot
– Night out and dinner at the Interlock off Howell Mill. We can choose go to Flight Club, Holiday Bar, Painted Duck, Westside Cultural Arts Center, and PuttShack.

Saturday
– Brunch Atlanta Breakfast Club
– Ponce City Market for dinner
– Night out on The Roof of Ponce City Market

Sunday
– Brunch at The Breakfast Bar
– Lunch and hang out at Atlantic Station

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I want to thank those who encourage me and used any of my services.

Personally want these people to say “Yes” and take a chance on me in the beginning of my career.

– University of West Georgia WUTV
– Clayton State University CSTV
– Roy Gibson
– Karlotta & Dre Washington
– Jibril Haynes
– Enjoli Dodson
– Loreal Hairston
– Shelly Nicole
– Tanya Woo

Thank you to those who took a chance on me in the film industry which help me excel in my career.

– Condra Magee
– Toi Green
– Tatiana Lee Warren
– Desiree Taylor

Thank you to everyone who used my services throughout years with my business. I really appreciate it!

Special shoutout to my Blossom crew where we created amazing content plus a sisterhood.

– Melani Carter
– Natina Hill
– Naheelah Best
– Rachel Valley
– Imani Winston
– Torrie Shepard
– Jasmine Jewet
– Kaila Gardner

Special shoutout to the Editors Collective community! You all took a chance to join and you all represent for all post production individuals who don’t get recognized for their hard work to the craft. I appreciate all 54 Editors in this community as we continue to shed light to post production.