Meet Trailblazer Deanna Nowell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deanna Nowell.

Deanna, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m originally from the Westside of Chicago, IL  and moved to Atlanta in 1993 to attend Clark Atlanta University. I majored in Mass Media Arts with a concentration in TV, Radio & Film. I knew that I liked the entertainment industry but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. It became clear to me while I was interning at WXIA 11 Alive during my sophomore year.

I shadowed some amazing and talented people but I found myself gravitating more toward the editors and the post-production process. After graduating from Clark Atlanta University in 1997, I got a job as a tape operator. Eventually, I became an assistant editor at a small post-production facility called Peachtree Post. That eventually got me an interview at Turner Studios as an assistant editor, which led to me becoming an editor. After spending ten years working at Turner, I took a leap of faith and became a freelance editor after.

Since I’ve always had a love for film, I edited film shorts and a couple of independent features in my spare time to gain my narrative experience. Then, Rob Hardy & Will Packer of Rainforest Films,  hired me to edit Three Can Play that Game which was my first studio film. That helped solidify a successful editing career in Atlanta where I didn’t have to move to New York or California. I’ve gotten the opportunity to do lots of things including: editing promos and reality shows, a TV special on the fraternity life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and I was even part of the team that helped launch the Aspire Network.

I’ve recently transitioned into episodic television editing, where I’ve worked on series including the hit OWN network series Ambitions, the upcoming Tyler Perry series Sistas for BET, and the SyFy series Superstition.

While it hasn’t been easy, the reward has been being able to do what I love.

Has it been a smooth road?
There have definitely been challenges over the years, ranging from: people underestimating me to being paid less than male coworkers who have the same or less experience. Plus I’ve had some difficult clients and countless sleepless nights in the edit suite. Also, juggling a family and career is never easy, especially when you work in entertainment. Trust that I’ve had many bouts dealing with ‘mom-guilt’.

For anyone trying to break into this business, I have some suggestions. Start out as an intern. Try and learn as much as you can and get someone from your field to mentor you. Also, surround yourself with likeminded people who help motivate you and support your career goals. You also must believe in yourself and your abilities. Don’t take it personally some opportunities fall apart or relationships with certain clients don’t work out. Everything happens (or doesn’t happen) for a reason. So use it as an opportunity to grow.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Right now I’m pretty focused growing my career as an episodic TV editor. I’ve worked on some great shows and met some talented directors. I enjoy the long storytelling in television. Also, I have been mentoring a few aspiring filmmakers. That means a lot because as I continue to grow in this business it feels good to help people and pay things forward.

We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
I believe that the television & film industry is attempting to change because I see more women in executive decision making roles within entertainment.

Most of the film and television editors I’ve encountered are still predominantly white men. In recent years, I have started to see more women appear on the scene. While there still seems to be only a small number of working Black women editors, I am glad that the post production world is evolving and becoming more inclusive overall. There is still a lot more work to do but I think by mentoring and inspiring the next generation of women, we will get to a breakthrough even sooner.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: dnowell_edits
• Twitter: deannatheeditor

Image Credit:
Deanna Nowell, Melissa Randle

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