Job title: Editor
Industries: Film/TV
Jonathan Morris is an established editor who works primarily on Ken Loach's films, including Cannes Jury Prize winner (and Palme d'Or nominee) The Angel's Share, My Name is Joe, Sweet Sixteen, and most recently I, Daniel Blake.
Describe your job in your own words
My job is to edit the film the way I think it works best in direct consultation with the director.
How did you get into the industry?
I was fortunate in that my brother was working as an assistant editor and I became his trainee in the 1960s.
My best career decision was to join ATV (Anglia Television) as a staff assistant editor - taking a pay cut in the process. My luckiest break was being given the opportunity to work with Ken Loach.
I generally worked with and learned from good people. The best advice I was ever given was: 'If you don't know how to do something, then just ask.'
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Persevere. Be willing. Smile a lot. Ask questions.
The ability to get on with people, a desire to work hard and perseverance are the most important qualities to succeed in the film industry. The industry is more fragmented now. It's much harder for assistants to find work.
If I was starting again I would have liked to have had more experience of other aspects of filmmaking. I tend to keep up by constantly needing to work and learn from younger people. There are also some really good short courses available to keep up with new technologies.