Have you ever watched a commercial or movie and thought to yourself, “I wonder what happened behind the scenes to bring this project to life?” If so, then there is a simple two word answer to that question: Deanna Nowell.
As an award-winning documentary, television and feature film editor, as well as the founder and CEO of The Edit Factor, Nowell has established herself as one of the rising stars in the Hollywood post-production world. Having cast her creative shadow on projects like: “Inside the NBA” (TNT), “Movie & Makeover” (TBS), “Cheating the Stillness: The World of Julia Peterkin” (Lightfoot Films) and the Sony/Screen Gem Studio Film, Three Can Play That Game, Nowell has rightfully earned her seat at the table with the industry’s top minds. Rolling out sat down with the captivating Nowell to gain some insight on her craft. –djr
Give us the background on your company? How did it start, and what are your services?
My company started so I could edit things that I’d like to see on television. I wanted to do fun video production. I did promo work at Turner Studios for a long time and I just wanted to do something different. Now The Edit Factor, which is my company, works on promos, feature length programs, and with independent filmmakers. What happens is people usually bring me their footage and I help them put together a creative vision. We have a consultation and I make it happen. I’m the last part of their storytelling.
Are there any tricks to your trade that you can share?
Pacing. You have to remember that there is so much that you can add to a project. You can add suspense, you can create emotion, or a sense of sadness. I can add slow music to a scene; pick a shot where there is a push in on the face, or cut away to fun stuff like laughter. The idea is to set up a scene, and set up the feel that the director, producer, and writer were trying to convey. I love collaborating with them on things they don’t think about … it’s art.
Are there any clients that you love working with in particular?
Rob Hardy and Will Packer. They are incredible guys who are true innovators. They know what they like and don’t like, and that decisiveness is great. They also allow me creative freedom … I love working with them. They are, to me, just scratching the surface of what they will become.
**We were so impressed by the work of Nowell that we decided to share with you a list of some of her current projects**
Current Projects:
The Steve Harvey Project (Centric Network)
https://www.centrictv.com/shows/the-steve-harvey-project/
As Written (featuring Eric Benet and Chrisette Michele) (Centric Network)
https://www.centrictv.com/search/results/?query=as+written
She will be honored March 11th, 2011 by the Black Women Film Network
“Untold Stories Awards”
Www.blackwomenfilm.org
To learn more about Nowell, visit her company at www.theeditfactor.com.
