Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Schaelling.
Hi Jenna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Back in high school, I made YouTube videos in my bedroom, shooting on a camcorder and editing them on Windows Movie Maker and eventually iMovie. I had so much fun telling stories of weird things that happened to me, giving movie reviews, and uploading the occasional juggling video. When it came time to start college, I picked Media Arts Studies as my major because it seemed like the best way to turn my awesome hobby into a sustainable profession. It was this time where I really dove into the art of filmmaking and realized that editing is where I truly thrive. While studying, I worked at BYU Broadcasting, where I was introduced to the professional side of my craft. It was a wonderful environment where I embraced different editing techniques and gained insight from my peers.
I never planned on attending grad school, but I had a mentor who encouraged me to apply. And so I did! I got accepted into the Film Editing program at the American Film Institute in Hollywood. Getting accepted gave me the courage to do what I needed, and move to LA to start my career. The last two years at AFI have been life-changing. I’ve met outstanding filmmakers, learned crucial storytelling techniques, and grown as an artist.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There’s definitely been ups and downs. The biggest struggle so far was my first year living in LA. I moved here a few months after finishing my Bachelor’s, so I didn’t have much time to adjust to everything before starting my grad program. I grew up in a military family, moving every few years, so I thought the adjustment would be a piece of cake. This was so far from the truth! I was overwhelmed by everything. I wasn’t sure of myself, I was meeting so many new people, and I had never lived on my own in a huge city before. All of these new things gave me a big dose of anxiety and depression. Thankfully, I’ve been able to work through a lot of it through therapy, but it was a long road to get there.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in narrative film editing. Essentially, this means I take all the footage and cool shots that the director and crew have shot on set, and make it into the movie. I manipulate sound, image and performance to create a compelling story. I’m most known for and what I’m most proud of is my short documentary SKATERHOOD, which I edited as part of my undergrad program at BYU. I did the bulk of the editing in 2020, right when Covid started, so I learned to adapt to the circumstances. There were many long days spent editing, so it’s quite rewarding to see it pay off in a wonderful film.
What sets me apart from others is my ability to adapt to different genres and styles of filmmaking. I’m able to study what makes certain films different and apply those ideas to the film I’m working on. I’ll put in the work and do what it takes to make the best film possible.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
You have to define what success means to you, or else you’re going to constantly compare yourself to other people’s accomplishments. For me, success is finding joy in the daily grind, the daily process, and not on a one-time accomplishment. I want to find happiness in what I find rewarding, not what other people say is rewarding. I love compliments and praise from peers, but they don’t sustain my daily motivation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jennaschaelling.wixsite.com/my-site
- Instagram: @jennajs
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennaschaelling/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/470034858
Image Credits
Allison McArthur
