Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Neroes.
Stephanie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve loved watching television for as far back as I can remember. So much so that when I was in the third grade, our teacher had us answer a few questions and I still have that paper. One of the questions was “what do you want to be when you grow up?” and my answer – “I want to be an actor.” Of course, this is not knowing or understanding what all was involved in the process of producing from beginning to end.
That dream continued through high school when I and my aunt were background actors on a series filming locally in Dallas. Dallas is where I was born and raised. As I was saying, we were extras on this show, and up until this point, I had auditioned here and there but nothing came through. On this day, however, we were taken from holding to the set. Once they were done placing everyone, they didn’t need me so they had me stand behind the camera and wait. That’s when I knew I wanted to work behind the camera.
I did not attend film school but there was a video arts program at the college which was perfect because my foundation was art. I loved drawing and painting and had been doing that all my life. So, I took a video production class at which point I discovered editing. I was good at it and I really really liked it.
During my senior year and onward, I started working on productions that came through town as either an office pa or set pa.
Now…how I got to LA…
The second unit of a big-budget feature shot on location just outside of Dallas. I was hired as an office pa/runner. The UPM liked me so much that she said that if I relocated to LA she’d get me hired onto the first unit. That’s all she had to say cuz I packed up my things and uhauled it across the country. Next thing I know, I’m a set pa on a project that is blowing up cars in downtown Los Angeles. It was CRAZY!!
After a couple of years working as a production assistant, I was ready to move into post so I landed a job at a reality tv production company as a night dubber. I moved up from there to assistant editor. Not too long after, I put my post-career on hold and traveled to Daytona Beach to play women’s tackle football. I returned six months later, got my job back, and moved up to editor.
I’ve been editing since. In 2015, however, I was ready to make the move into scripted. So, I wrote, produced, directed, and edited my first short. I then realized how much I liked directing. So, I did it again in 2019. Even though I continue to edit, if I were presented with an opportunity to direct someone else’s work, I’d probably do it.
Finally, earlier this year, I edited my first scripted show. It happened to be one of my favorites – Atypical. It was literally a dream job. I’ve since cut an NBC pilot and am currently on CW’s new series All American: Homecoming which will air February 21, I believe.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being in this business is anything but smooth. Or, I should say, I have yet to meet anyone for whom it was smooth. The first major thing is stability. You learn very early on if this business is something you can handle. There were many many times where I had no idea where my next check was coming from but I knew this was where I belonged so I stuck it out. I couch-surfed for a while so I was lucky to have that support. I don’t know that I would’ve lasted if I hadn’t.
There as a point very early on in my career where I stood up for myself as I felt that I wasn’t offered a respectable rate. It was the very company where I landed my first post job. Let’s just say that I wasn’t invited back for a good ten years. Initially, that was tough because I didn’t really have any connections outside of that company but I weathered it and here I am.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
By now you know that I’m a picture editor. I’ve recently made the jump from reality to scripted. What I’m most known for is being part of the editorial team that cut Surviving R. Kelly and I must say that SRK is what I’m most proud of so far. I don’t know that anything skillfully sets me apart at least I can’t think of anything right now other than I have a very calming nature. BUT you’d be very hard-pressed to find any other editor, let alone female filmmaker, who has played women’s tackle football.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I would just simply reach out to the person whose work inspires you most. You never know, they may just respond. People are unpredictable that way.
As for networking, being that I wanted to make the switch, I had to be creative especially with what happened in 2020 with covid. I logged onto LinkedIn and Instagram and just messaged people. I messaged studio post execs, directors, producers, other editors, etc. Fortunately, everyone was stuck at home so they were very open to “meeting” me over zoom or talking over the phone. I still message all of those people to this day. So, that’s something one can try.
One other thing that could possibly help, if you meet the requirements, join organizations because they have mixers. Organizations such as the Television Academy, Women In Film, etc.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.stephanieneroes.com
- Instagram: @stephanie_neroes
- Twitter: @SpliceFilm4Life
