Never Say Never: The Avi Youabian Story

Just chilling in the Min with Bieber and check out the credits!

2 nights ago we had the privilege of meeting with one of Liz's former students and close friend Avi Youabian. Avi went to USC Film and is now a successful editor in LA. He has edited everything from blockbuster 3-D movies to Academy Award winners to his own bar-mitzvah video cut with footage of him jet-skiing. His resumé includes The West Bank Story (Oscar for best short film), Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, and TV episodes of FlashForward, 90210, and Cold Case.
As diligent interns we of course had a screening of the Justin Bieber movie and gained a newfound appreciation for the Biebs. Liz even claims she is now a Belieber. In truth, though, the film was a work of editing talent, though, because in a documentary you have to make the footage you are given seem compelling and make it tell a story even if it isn't, even when it is Justin Bieber eating doughnuts out of a trashcan (yes that happens).

When meeting with Avi, we learned all about his journey to where he is now and as is now becoming a pattern with the people we meet, we learned about the incredible work ethic he has. Every step of the way he always took initiative to give every project he worked on paid or unpaid, credited or uncredited more than his all and in return he gained a reputation as a top-notch editor. We learned more about the politics behind the scenes of movie-making both for big and small films, and that sometimes what may seem like a misfortune may be a blessing in disguise.

Avi also gave us a lot of helpful information as to how the editor and director can collaborate and what not to do. A main point was to get as much coverage as possible, meaning shoot from every angle, every time. When debating whether or not to do one more take, do it. You won't regret it later. Digital space is cheap and you'd rather have more material to work with than less.
Finally Avi regaled us with stories of his beginnings and working late into the night on a project only to be offered a job on the spot after a director noticed his diligence. These things pay off and out here people find jobs in the most unexpected ways.
Watch out for Avi, he has only just begun.