Andrew Holmes Approaches Editing Like Music, Creating Rhythm and Mood

Andrew> Through My Eyes 

‘Through My Eyes’ began as a passion project, a creative collaboration between German filmmaker Leve Kühl and myself. Our goal was simple: to tell Amira’s story with honesty, depth, and raw emotion to create an authentic, immersive experience for the audience. Finding the right balance between grit and beauty was one of the most rewarding parts of the process. As an editor, I’m always on the lookout for projects that challenge me, both technically and narratively, and I’m grateful this campaign offered that. Now, the film has become the next global campaign for the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and was released on Human Rights Day.

Sport is Calling | Brendan 

Sport is Calling is definitely one of the standout projects I’ve worked on this year. Director Christopher Nelius and I poured a huge amount of time, effort, and passion into this series. We spent days meticulously combing through archival photos and videos, and it was such a rewarding experience to bring these true stories to life. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about digging into history and making it resonate with today’s audience.

Grand Seiko

The inspiration for the film came from director Chris Rudz. The concept of “alive in time” was reflected in the visual language, reminding us that every moment is precious. We wanted the audience to feel deeply connected to nature, something you don’t just see, but feel. By weaving together atmospheric soundscapes, seamless transitions, and carefully paced emotional builds, we created an immersive experience that grounds the film in realism and context. The best films don’t just tell a story—they move you.

Ochsner Sport - Your Mountain 

This was my first collaboration with director Tobias Bonfanti, and it was such a unique experience. Our goal was to connect the viewer to the mountains both on a micro and macro level. The mountains are such a powerful symbol of both awe and exploration, and it was exciting to find ways to immerse the audience in that sense of wonder. 

Mandarin Oriental

This was such a fun project, filmed and edited in Singapore to promote the relaunch of the iconic Mandarin Oriental. Director Kyra Bartley and I had a blast experimenting in the edit suite. We were lucky to have both stills and footage, which allowed us to create a really dynamic mixed-media feel for the spot. We played around with photo bursts and experimented with rhythm and shape to bring the energy of the relaunch to life. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Kyra for years, and I can honestly say she’s one of the most driven and passionate directors I know — a true talent and someone I love collaborating with.

Andrew> The pieces that stand out to me the most are the ones that pushed me to expand both my creative and technical boundaries as an editor. Each project required a unique storytelling approach — whether it was finding the right rhythm to match the emotional beats of a scene, crafting seamless transitions for visual continuity, or experimenting with unconventional techniques to elevate the narrative. 

I thrive in environments where both precision and creativity are key, and I’m always looking for new ways to bring fresh perspectives to the screen. These works highlight my ability to balance the technical craft of editing with the artistry of telling emotionally resonant stories, demonstrating my commitment to delivering exceptional results.

Andrew> For me, structuring a compelling visual narrative is always the priority, yet my approach to style is deeply shaped by my background as a musician. Music and sound design are integral to my editing process — they help me explore rhythm, pacing, shape, emotion, and mood. I truly believe the beats of a story can be mapped through sound, creating a framework that not only supports but enhances the visuals. 

That said, my style isn’t fixed; it adapts to the unique needs of each project. Whether I’m working on a high-energy documentary or a quieter narrative piece, I draw from a range of tools to serve the story. Sometimes with narrative work I rely purely on visuals and dialogue, letting their natural flow guide the pacing and tone, while other times I let music or soundscapes shape the structure. 

Ultimately, my goal is to create a visual narrative that stands strong on its own, yet is enriched by the interplay of visuals, music and sound. My "style" isn’t about a signature approach — it’s about finding the best way to tell each story in a way that feels authentic and resonates deeply with the audience.

Andrew> Leve and I had previously worked together on a film project called ‘Highlife’, so we had a solid understanding of each other’s strengths and how we could support each other. Our shared focus has always been on creating films that are both cinematic and deeply emotional.

We wanted to offer audiences something truly unique — an immersive, authentic experience that brought a real-world story to life in a way that felt both cinematic and profoundly moving. Finding that balance between grit and beauty was one of the most rewarding parts of the process.

One of the highlights for me was the amount of time we had to craft the film. Having several months to experiment and explore different ideas in the edit suite gave us the freedom to refine and discover new approaches. That time to test, adapt, and evolve the narrative is what really made this film special.

Working with someone as passionate and committed as Leve made this project unforgettable. It wasn’t just about editing a film — it was about honouring Amira’s journey and ensuring her voice was represented with the dignity and impact it truly deserved.

What made this project even more meaningful was the creative freedom we had throughout the process. As an editor, it’s rare to have that kind of autonomy, especially when a film has such an important cause at its core. This freedom allowed us to experiment with the structure, take our time, and make sure every moment stayed true to Amira’s experience.

One of the main challenges was finding the balance between preserving the raw authenticity of Amira’s story and creating a cinematic experience that would resonate deeply with audiences. Her story is profoundly emotional, so it was important to approach it with sensitivity, while also ensuring the pacing felt just right — not too rushed or drawn out. Sifting through hours of incredible but raw footage was another challenge. With such a powerful story, it was tempting to include everything, but the real task was knowing when to let go of certain moments. Keeping the narrative focused and emotionally impactful required careful decision-making, but that’s what ultimately made the film so powerful. This project wasn’t just about assembling a narrative, it was about creating an experience.

Andrew> As a film editor, I’m always looking for new opportunities to collaborate with directors and artists I haven’t worked with before. I thrive on challenges and love the excitement of fresh creative possibilities.

I’m also excited about how AI-driven editing tools will continue to evolve and enhance my workflow. As these tools become more advanced, they take on the tedious tasks, giving me more space to focus on rhythm, pacing, and the creative artistry of storytelling. In the end, it’s all about crafting dynamic, compelling edits that bring stories to life — and that’s what keeps me inspired every day.

Andrew> One of the projects I’m most excited to share in 2025 is a documentary I’ve been cutting for the past four months. It dives into the Sydney to Hobart yacht race — not just as a brutal test of endurance on one of the world’s most dangerous oceans, but as a deeper story about sailing, fatherhood, and the bonds forged through shared challenge.

The process has been a rewarding experience, balancing the intensity of the race with the quieter, emotional moments that reveal their motivations and connections. I can’t wait for audiences to experience this compelling blend of adventure and heart.

Andrew> For anyone looking to break into the ever-evolving world of film editing, my biggest advice is to focus on mastering your craft. Get comfortable with the tools, study storytelling, and keep refining your instincts. Once you get your foot in the door, listen — really listen — to feedback from peers and industry professionals. Learning to take criticism and communicate effectively is just as important as technical skill because editing is ultimately a collaborative process.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to take risks and push creative boundaries. Passion is everything, but so is balance — step away from the edit suite when you can. Travel, explore, and soak in new experiences. The best edits don’t just come from technical expertise; they come from a deep well of life experience and perspective.

Andrew> I see the next six months bringing even more advancements in AI and machine learning, continuing to reshape post-production. AI-driven tools — like automated rough cuts, intelligent scene detection, and enhanced color grading suggestions — are becoming sharper and more accessible. These innovations are taking over time-consuming tasks, freeing us up to focus on what really matters: storytelling.

I also expect remote collaboration to keep expanding. With cloud-based editing platforms and virtual workflows now the norm, it’s easier than ever to collaborate with teams across the world. This shift is not only creating more opportunities for global partnerships but also pushing us to adapt to new technologies and ways of working together. It’s an exciting time to be in post-production, and I’m looking forward to seeing how these changes continue to shape the craft.