Meet Madison Van Buren | Video Editor & Literary Jester

We had the good fortune of connecting with Madison Van Buren and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Madison, why did you pursue a creative career?
I wasn’t good at any sports growing up; I was a theatre kid. I’ve always been more interested in entertainment than the idea of being a productive member of society. When I was younger, the idea of being “average” really scared me – so I definitely gravitated toward creative endeavors to sort of prove my worth and solidify that I had some sort of calling.

I realize now that life is really malleable and nobody has just one calling. I think it’s less important to be extraordinary and more important to be truthful. I’m happy when I create something I like or that other people will like, whether that be a crazy edit or a funny piece of prose.

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’m currently an assistant editor working at Lost Planet Editorial. Shortly after moving to New York, I cold emailed Lost Planet and the rest is me working here now. In retrospect, getting the job is always easy compared to keeping the job.

Unlike freelancing, being in-house means you’re here day in and day out. Yes, that’s salary and security, but it’s also upholding the standards you were hired on. I’ve learned so much about troubleshooting and follow-through being in this position. Assistant editing has forced me to access a completely different part of my brain; it’s unlike anything an editor does. As an assistant, you’re organizing, breaking down footage, pulling stock/sound effects – you’re not making those executive creative decisions and you’re not exercising that creative muscle.

So, the goal isn’t being the best assistant ever. The endgame for me is editing music videos and films. In a lot of ways, I’m at the beginning of the pipeline. Aside from a full-time job, I try to freelance edit as much as I can to be building up my own reel. Doing your own thing is so important – probably the most important part of being a “creative.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely hate going to the same places; it gives me existential dread. So, the first thing I’m doing is finding a spa I’ve never been to and booking us a day pass. I love the experience of saunas, steam rooms, pools.

I would also probably hop on 1iota.com and see if there’s any free early access screenings or any late night shows we can be audience members for. If I could, I would be a professional seat-filler. I am very good at laughing and smiling; going to like a taping of The Tonight Show every day wouldn’t be half bad.

I know I started this with how much I hate going to the same places, but, there is one place I would take anyone who I wanted to impress. Everyone needs to go to Dayglow Coffee once in their life to try some insane coffee drinks. I used to hate the taste of coffee but they have some signature coffee concoctions that don’t even taste like coffee (in a good way).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Literally everyone. My really supportive parents, my best friend Ally, my other best friend Sevil, my Lost Planet coworkers, my dog Lexi who lived for like 18 years but is now dead. I guess even people who have made my life hard because it’s forced me to grow up. Also, thank you to the entire cast of Vanderpump Rules.

Website: https://www.madisonvanburen.com/

Instagram: @maddyvanburen

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-van-buren-271481106/

Image Credits
Ally Schnaidt