Meet Kenny Duclos | First Assistant Editor | Musician | Music Producer | Audio Engineer

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

Hi Kenny, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I have no work life balance. I’m trying to be better about it, but I’m addicted to the grind. I work 50-60 hour weeks on my Monday-Friday job as a First Assistant Editor on a feature film, I am constantly taking on side projects editing, editing, mixing, composing, and sometimes coloring short films. I also work for a non-profit as a Producer / Editor. My background is in audio engineering / music production and film, so I try to double dip whenever I can.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a feature film First Assistant Editor, I work and collaborate directly with the Editor and Director to bring the film to life. The day to day is creative but also very technical. I manage the cutting room, handle VFX and oversee temp music and sound design. In a time crunch, I’ve even found myself foley recording footsteps up and down the cutting room hallway. However, it’s been a long process getting to this position, with many long hours spent as a Production Assistant and then Assistant Editor, oscillating between big budget films and indies, and taking various side projects along the way to perfect my craft. I had to accept that I wasn’t going to be great overnight, instead I needed to just persevere and take it day by day. All my experience has taught me to respect the creative process and understand that patience is key.

I’ve always had a passion for music, having spent years playing in bands and producing songs both personally and professionally for an audio branding agency. My music background has deeply effected my editing process and enables me to see things from different perspectives. My goal is always to make the audience feel something, but that doesn’t end with just visuals on the screen. I want to help tell good stories in the smartest way possible. I want people to walk away from a film I’ve worked on with their minds racing. Important moments in film can be made or broken sonically and overall, films can have a profound impact through their scores and sound design. I pull from my audio knowledge while I’m editing all the time and am constantly thinking of how to push the envelope in new ways to evoke an emotional response.

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’m an outdoorsy guy through and through so I’d drive straight out of Los Angeles to the San Bernardino Mountains, either to camp or snowboard depending on the season. 10,000 feet up, no cell service and stunning views for miles. Can’t ask for anything more.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Deciding not to follow the status quo can be a scary path to take, but I’m grateful that my family and friends have always supported and encouraged me to go after my passions first. After high school I opted to pursue music and other creative interests before heading back to school for audio engineering and film, which led me to the career I have today. It can be tough explaining the entertainment industry to those who aren’t in it, but my inner circle has never made me feel like I was failing, even when I personally might have felt like I was.

Also have to shout out the almighty Hans Zimmer who once said, “If there’s a rule, break it.” I absolutely stand by that in my creative decision making and my life.

Website: https://www.kdfilmandmusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenny.duclos/

Image Credits
Photos by Samuel Luna III