Visit from Oscar Winning Film Editor

On Monday, Oscar Winning Film Editor, Mark Sanger, visited Pipers Corner to speak to students in Year 12 and 13 about his work and career as part of the Sixth Form Enrichment programme.

Mark has worked in the film industry for over 20 years and has been involved in the production of major motion pictures including “Children of Men”, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, “The Mummy”, “Troy”, “The World is not Enough”, “Tomorrow Never Dies” and “Gravity”. He won his Academy Award for Best Achievement in Film Editing, along with fellow Film Editor Alfonso Cuarón, for his work on the 2013 film “Gravity” starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.

Mark told the girls that ever since the age of eight he had a desire to make films and he has been focussed on a career in movie making ever since. He talked of working his way into the industry taking up various roles including Special Effects Apprentice, Location Assistant, Floor Runner and Assistant Editor. He now works as an Editor and aims to become a Film Director.

Mark discussed the difficulties of accessing the profession with the girls and spoke about how you have to rely a lot on seeking out opportunities and be willing to take on jobs related to the role you might really want in order to gain the necessary experience.

It was a fascinating insight into the world of film making and the girls made the most of the opportunity to ask questions about the industry, Mark’s experiences and what advice he had for how best they could position themselves if they wanted to embark on a career in film themselves.