Andrew Webber, film editor

A CUT ABOVE

Andrew Webber always wanted to be a film editor – even before he knew what one was.

Citing his father as his biggest inspiration, some of Andrew’s early memories had a considerable impact on his future career, cutting TV shows and feature-length films which have been sold to streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. Andrew says that his father was “the first editor he ever knew,” and explains how his parent recording Andrew’s favourite TV shows appealed to his young mind.

Andrew says, “What he used to do is record a part and then pause the VHS, so the adverts or the presenter links were cut out. He would then un-pause the tape so when I would watch it back, it was as if it was a continuous show.

“I never knew actually how my dad did it but I knew there was a magic to his craft, and that is basically editing: cut out the bits that people are not interested in so that you are left with the story.”

From these roots, Andrew’s lifelong love of creating visual stories has taken him to some interesting, challenging, exciting places, and he feels lucky to have produced and directed programmes from all over the world.

Andrew at the BAFTAs

Andrew says, “Back in 2014, I produced a lifestyle documentary series in the beautiful country of Jamaica where the host, comedienne Angie Le Mar, was welcomed into the homes of A-list celebrities like reggae stars Shaggy and Marcia Griffiths, to name a few.

“Shaggy was as bit of a character: full of banter and a very dry wit. He showed us around his home, we had lunch and he even showed us his collection of awards that he has picked over the years. I had such a great time out there.”

Andrew says that he puts his passion into every project he works on, regardless of its subject or his role within the production. Some of Andrew’s most satisfying work involved making his first short film in 2014, Second Wind, which he co-wrote and co-produced with his friend, Joshua Bailey.

“Some would say it’s a passion project, but it was a passion project with legs and I felt so exhilarated by it. Being able to tell your story the way that you want to tell it is a beautiful feeling.”

Andrew also worked on the film The Wedding Party (2016), which starred another of the University of Wolverhampton’s esteemed alumni, Adesua Etomi-Wellington. This just goes to show that a great education often results in great success.

Following the lull of the pandemic, during which many contracts in the film industry were slashed and projects shelved, Andrew is once again very busy.

He says, “This year alone I have cut 4 episodes of one of Channel 4’s popular shows, A Place in the Sun. I’ve recently completed the edit of my forth feature film called Black Mail by director Obi Emelonye which is also very exciting. “On top of that, I have just concluded on a historical documentary series for ViacomCBS, entitled The Great Escape which charts one the most audacious prison escapes of the WWII. This will be broadcast on Channel 5 later this year, so get ready for that one.”

With such a range of big-name projects on Andrew’s résumé, you would be forgiven for assuming that his proudest moment was on the red carpet or at an awards show – but the truth is closer to home.

Andrew meeting Shaggy

He says, “My greatest achievement so far would have to be seeing my name on terrestrial TV for the first time, in a show that people recognise.

“When I first cut an episode of Come Dine with Me and it happened to broadcast on my daughter’s second birthday, I called my parents and said, ‘Watch Channel 4 now! My show is on.’ Nothing beats that feeling.

I tried to call my mother back but she was too busy calling the rest of my family, telling them that my name was on the TV. You have got to love her.”

Andrew’s on-screen influences are from 80s films such as Robocop, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Die Hard, and Aliens, but if he could work with anyone, it would be Spike Lee.

“Spike Lee’s films are powerful, and to craft one of them would be a dream come true. He has such a wealth of knowledge and the way that he captivates his audiences with intense performances is simply incredible.”

“Being able to tell your story the way that you want to tell it is a beautiful feeling”

At the 2015 Screen Nation Awards Andrew, on set

Andrew with Sola Sobowale

Having taken a successful route into the entertainment industry, Andrew has some words of wisdom for anyone who wants to work in film and TV. He says,

“Master a craft. Identify what your strongest skill is, and what you equally have a passion for. Get into the industry and establish yourself, then transition to where you want to be.” Andrew also recommends investing in the equipment that will prepare you for your career, suggesting that if you want to become an editor, you should create an edit suite in your home, while if you want to be a director of photography, you should buy lights and a solid camera – whether you “beg, borrow, or save.” Andrew with family

He adds, “Be a social butterfly. It’s no hidden truth that your skills will pay the bills, but it will be so beneficial if you can work a room and relentlessly promote yourself at a networking event. Trust me, the producers and the production managers will be calling you.

“And finally, never, ever, ever give up.”