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Ads Quote by Thelma Schoonmaker

“I'd trained to be a diplomat but the state department said I was too liberal. I saw an ad in the New York Times ... a hack Californian editor came to New York to butcher some films and he needed an assistant. For some reason I read it that day and it changed my life. I went to work for him and he…” quote by Thelma Schoonmaker
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“I'd trained to be a diplomat but the state department said I was too liberal. I saw an ad in the New York Times ... a hack Californian editor came to New York to butcher some films and he needed an assistant. For some reason I read it that day and it changed my life. I went to work for him and he was horrible, butchering these masterpieces by Antonioni, Visconti, but I learned enough to know what he was doing wrong.”

Thelma Schoonmaker

About This Quote

Source Interview: Thelma Schoonmaker, The New York Times, 2015

She describes a pivotal career moment where a demanding editor taught her valuable lessons about film editing despite harsh methods.

In simple terms: A tough mentor taught her crucial editing skills.

Key Takeaway

Embrace challenging mentors to grow.

Themes

career mentorship film editing learning resilience

Mood

reflective determined inspired

Type

anecdotal career learning

When to use this quote

  • film school
  • first job
  • career transition
  • learning from criticism

Key Concepts

editing technique critical analysis professional development

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you turn harsh feedback into constructive growth?
  • What qualities make a mentor effective despite a tough demeanor?
A Different Perspective

The editor's harshness could stifle creativity if not balanced with support.

3.7 out of 5 (6 ratings)

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