Meet Ruben Sebban | Film and TV Editor

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

Hi Ruben, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I love my career as a film and TV editor, and honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am today without taking risks. The biggest one? Leaving a steady job as a sports editor in the Netherlands to move to the U.S., where I knew absolutely no one, to start over as a student at the American Film Institute (AFI). That leap of faith paid off when I won the ACE Eddie Student Award, which opened the door to my first job after graduating.

Throughout my career, I’ve tried to say yes to projects that genuinely interest and challenge me, even when they push me outside my comfort zone. Early on, I focused mostly on films, but when I was asked to edit my first documentary series for Netflix, Cat People, I took the risk even though it was unfamiliar territory. That gamble led to an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Picture Editing. The following year, I worked on The Fall of the House of Usher for Netflix, which became the number one show on the platform. Now I’m currently working on Mike Flanagan’s newest series.

For me, taking risks isn’t just about career advancement—it’s about growth. Each new challenge exposes me to different genres, storytelling styles, and incredible collaborators who inspire me to become a better editor. I’ve been very fortunate, and I think that fortune favors the bold.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an editor, my job is to find the heart of every story. With every scene, I’m asking myself: What’s the perspective here? What’s the angle? Who is the main character in this moment, and what’s the most important beat we’re building toward? How can we elevate it with sound design and music? But more than anything, I’m searching for honesty in the footage—those genuine moments that feel true and grounded, never over-the-top. I want the audience to connect emotionally, to see themselves in the story, while never losing sight of the bigger picture we’re telling.

That approach—finding truth in the edit—is what I believe sets me apart. It’s taken me a long journey to find my voice and my style, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from some of the best editors in the industry. Early in my career, I had the privilege of working with exceptional editors like Don Cambern (Easy Rider and Romancing the Stone), Lynzee Klingman (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and—yes—Matilda), and Tom Cross (Whiplash and La La Land). More recently I’ve worked on projects with Jonathan Alberts (Black Bird and All of Us Strangers) and Brett Bachman (Mandy and Pig), among many others. Each of them shaped how I think about storytelling, pacing, and the craft itself. They taught me that editing isn’t just technical—it’s emotional, intuitive, and deeply collaborative.

Was it easy getting here? Not at all. There were plenty of projects that didn’t turn out the way I hoped, moments where I questioned my choices or felt stuck creatively. But I never gave up. I learned that every project—even the difficult ones—teaches you something. You get better with each cut, each challenge, each collaboration. Over time, things even themselves out. The key is staying curious, staying humble, and always being willing to grow.

What I want people to know about my work is that my brand has always been rooted in the story and the truthfulness of it. I’m not interested in flashy editing for the sake of it. I care about creating something that resonates, that moves people, that feels real. Whether I’m working on a documentary series like Cat People, a horror show like The Fall of the House of Usher, or whatever comes next, my goal is always the same: to honor the story and bring out its most authentic, powerful moments. That’s what excites me every single day I sit down in the edit bay.

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.
LA has so much to offer, and I love showing people the mix of outdoor beauty, great food, and culture that makes this city special. Here’s how I’d plan a week:

I’d definitely start with some hiking—Franklin Canyon Park is one of my favorites for a peaceful escape that feels worlds away from the city, and the trails in the Malibu canyons are stunning, especially in the morning light. After a good hike, we’d grab brunch at Aroma Cafe, where the food is always solid and the vibe reminds me of my home in Amsterdam.

For dinners and drinks, I’d take them to some of my favorite spots: Mess Hall in Los Feliz for their creative comfort food, or Black Market Liquor Bar in Studio City for craft cocktails and a great neighborhood feel. Another day, we’d do a bike ride along the beach—there’s nothing like cruising the coast with the ocean breeze—and then hit up a beachside spot like Whiskey Red’s at the marina for drinks with a view, or Paradise Cove Beach Cafe in Malibu for that classic California beach experience.

I’m also a big believer in soaking up LA’s cultural side, so we’d spend an afternoon at LACMA or the Natural History Museum. Both are incredible, and they remind you that LA isn’t just about entertainment—it’s got real depth and history.

If we had time for a day trip, I’d either head up to Big Bear for some mountain air and a change of scenery, or down to Palm Springs, great food, and that desert magic. Both are perfect escapes when you need a break from the city but don’t want to go too far.

Honestly, the best thing about LA is that you can design your own adventure every single day. There’s always something new to discover.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this to my five-year-old daughter, Matilda (yes, after the Roald Dahl novel), who is always a ray of sunshine and honestly the best thing that has ever happened to me. She’s changed my perspective on everything, including how I approach my career.

Working in film and television can be all-consuming. The hours are long, the deadlines are tight, and it’s easy to get swept up in the momentum of back-to-back projects. I think sometimes in this business, people forget who we’re doing it all for. Yes, I love storytelling and the craft of editing, but at the end of the day, what matters most is the life I’m building outside of the edit bay.

Matilda reminds me every day that there’s a real necessity to find a healthy work-life balance. It’s not always easy—this industry doesn’t always make it easy—but I’m learning that success isn’t just about taking big career steps. It’s also about creating space for the people who matter most, for the moments that make life meaningful. She’s taught me that being present for my family is just as important as being present for my work, and that balance has actually made me a better editor and a happier person.

So this shoutout is for her, and for every parent in this industry trying to juggle it all. We’re not just creating content—we’re creating lives worth living.

Website: https://www.rubensebban.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruben-sebban-55b2121a

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruben.sebban/

Image Credits
Ander Hoffman, Greg Wolf, Katya Sebban, Vidjay Beerepoot