Interview with Editor of “This is America” Reveals Secrets to Building Iconic Video

Get ready to be blown away by the political and technical wonder that is Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” video. With its intricate background choreography, striking imagery, and long takes, it’s no wonder this video went viral. And one of the brilliant minds behind it is Ernie Gilbert, the editor who worked with director Hiro Murai and star Childish Gambino on the FX show Atlanta. We had the chance to speak with Ernie about his experience editing “This Is America,” working with Hiro and Childish Gambino, and what the future holds for him as an editor.

Ernie’s role as an editor on “This Is America” was no easy feat, especially with such long takes. But he rose to the challenge and found that the best way to handle it was to watch all the takes and go with his gut. And with the support and collaboration of Hiro, they were able to find the perfect takes that really spoke to them.

But the video wasn’t just about long takes. The director, DP, and editor had to use classic filmmaking techniques and editing wizardry to take the audience through this hellish warehouse. And with about eight VFX shots, Ernie worked with two VFX artists to achieve them in a very short time.

Ernie’s workflow was made easier with the latest version of Adobe Premiere Pro CC, which he found to be incredibly fluid for his music video work. And with his upcoming projects, including a music video for One Republic and an HBO Comedy Special for Drew Michael, it’s clear that Ernie is one of the best working editors right now.

So there you have it, a glimpse into the mind of an editor who helped craft such a momentous event in filmmaking and culture. If you’re looking for more filmmaking interviews, be sure to check out our list of recommendations.