KAYLA LACOUR

VIDEO EDITOR

About

As a seasoned video editor, I am deeply passionate about the art of storytelling and excel at shaping raw footage into impactful visual narratives.

Over my 7-year career, I have been involved in every step of production. This gives me an advantage to guide and refine footage into compelling videos. I possess the technical terms to communicate with pre-production, production and post-production teams, ensuring that the final product aligns with our established objectives.

I began my career in video journalism at WIRED.com. In this dynamic environment I immersed myself into every facet of production. Learning and improving with each step on each project. Four years ago, I transitioned into corporate storytelling as a freelance video editor and producer. This is where I toned my storytelling muscles. Having worked with a range of clients, I am able to adapt quickly to a brand and its guidelines in order to communicate their story to their audience.

Video editing is not just something I do; it is a process I love. And I will bring that dedication, along with creativity, to each project I touch.

Portfolio

When editing this video, I found myself really tuning in to the natural rhythm of each speaker's voice. It became my guide for making and pacing cuts. Playing with the timing between cuts in this way not only boosted the overall pace but also created an engaging viewing experience.

This video is also guided by the speakers’ speech patterns. It's exciting to revisit it and see that the core of my editing style remains, as my skills and attention to detail have evolved.

The consistent eyeline creates predictability, allowing the words to shine. The second camera captures the messy filmmaking process and pulls the viewer into the room. The vulnerability of this video is 360°, the speaker and the filmmaking process. Looking back, I would use this angle less to increase its impact.

Ending the video with a personal CTA is a final effective way to engage viewers. This video was all about allowing the speaker and their words to shine and in that build a personable connection with the viewer.

When collaborating with corporate clients, time is essential. Objectives are established across teams before filming begins. I create a script from transcribed interviews with the established objectives in mind. The script can be reviewed by stakeholders to ensure we are all on the same page before the labors of editing begins.

To optimize my workflow, I identify the most compelling B-roll shots and organize them based on the themes outlined in the script. I work from a meticulously organized asset library, ensuring easy access to the footage.

Even when editing a straightforward video, I look for ways to make it engaging. The two podcast guests were in the same frame. Instead of having that image side by side with the host, I decided to separate them. It gave autonomy to each speaker, which allowed the viewer to focus on each individual when they spoke. And because the guests are both angled towards the host, it keeps the viewers gaze focused inward.

My key to editing course videos is communication and organization. Our team established a workflow that ensure each screen capture matched the script, and any changes made during filming were noted and communicated to the editor.

To keep things visually engaging, I cut to the speaker during important points and add movement to images where it felt appropriate. On average, I could wrap up a course with 8-10 modules in just 2-3 days, depending on the performance of our talent.

April 2019 - Present

As a Freelance Video Editor and Producer, I partner with clients in various industries to ensure their video needs were met in accordance with the determined concept. I edit technical videos, instructional videos, creative videos podcasts using the Adobe Creative Suite. I also identify lights, lens and audio equipment necessary to fulfill a setup that reflects the theme of each piece.

November 2015 - November 2018

As a Video Producer at Wired, I produced 50+ videos that highlighted and analyzed the varying topics covered across Wired.com and contributed editorial insight to ensure each video upheld the WIRED styles and guidelines. I created and executed shot lists as well as quickly judged and captured unplanned B-roll that added to the visual storytelling. I crafted interview questions and adapted to subjects’ answers in accordance with established story concept.

Contact

lacour.kay@gmail.com