Welcome To Ask The Fonz
I can’t believe it. It’s all happening. Happy Launch Day. This business that I’ve been setting up for the past five months is officially live. And I’m extremely excited to share it with you.
But before I announce my plans, I’d like to formally introduce myself to you: Hello and welcome to Ask The Fonz. If we’ve never met, I’m Alfonso Carrion - a passionate Hollywood Editor that truly loves what I do for a living. Ever since I was 16, I knew I wanted to become a Hollywood Editor. I wish I could tell you there was one movie that made me fall in love with editing but there isn’t - it was a collection of experiences and an overwhelming satisfaction of bringing a Director’s vision to life that made me gravitate towards this art form.
That’s pretty deep right? Just kidding there is a movie, and a specific scene in that movie. I honestly didn’t want to share it with you (out of sheer embarrassment) that this is how I got into film editing so I gave you this “collection of experiences” answer in attempt at being intellectual ;) But when in reality it was the moment when…
Bumblebee/Sam Witwicky/Mikaela gets into a car chase with Barricade, a Decepticon (now you wish I was being intellectual) - Music hits, “Pretty Handsome Awkward” by The Used blasts through the speakers. Car goes through the dust cloud, fast cuts, everyone in the theater is cheering, Shia’s freaking out. Megan’s freaking out. I’m freaking out. Let’s just relive this moment together and watch it on YouTube shall we?
I wouldn’t have blamed you if you closed out of my blog right after that. But hey, you’re still here. I promise there’s an inspiring message behind this story and it’s this:
Film Editors have a lot of power over an audience.
Creating a moment for me like this to be inspired, which led me to pursue a career in editing, is outright unimaginable. Just imagine if I didn’t see this movie. Better yet, just imagine if I didn’t see this movie in a packed theater with all those people cheering when the car chase happens. This moment in my life wouldn’t have been the same for me.
You’re probably thinking, “Transformers? Really though. Transformers? Out of all the movies - Raging Bull, The Godfather, Jaws… Transformers made you want to become a film editor?” Yes because as soon as I walked out of that theater, I knew that specific moment did something to me. Probably something very similar to what audiences felt when they saw those films too… a moment. A moment of either fear, excitement, anticipation, or suspense. Something that made them feel. But for me, it was inspiration. An inspiration to be able to edit something so action-packed that it caused audiences to cheer and feel genuinely entertained. That’s why it was so special to me. Sure the movie is all for entertainment and no substance, but my teenage self can’t get over the fact that without this experience I wouldn’t have been able to find…
My passion.
My passion to tell stories in the most cinematic way. My passion to be in the trenches putting the pieces together and making a director’s vision come to life. My passion to inspire another artist, like that young 16 year-old Alfonso freaking out on how a collection of fast cuts timed with a suspenseful score brought him joy and inspiration. My passion to become a Hollywood Editor. I love it. I love every moment of it.
So that’s me - your not-so-everyday film editing enthusiast whose passion was unearthed from an entertaining action flick. Pleasure to meet you.
But let’s shift gears for a second (Transformers pun intended) because fun fact, YOU are the reason why I started this business in the first place. You are the reason why I spent 5 months building this business, creating content every week, and writing up Blogs like this. You are the reason why I will get over my fear of speaking in front of the camera and putting my whole face out there into the internet abyss. You are the reason why Ask The Fonz exists. This is about you.
This is about you feeling confident in taking the risk and breaking into Hollywood Editing. This is about you becoming a damn good Post-PA that your supervisors see true potential and an unnerving attitude. This is about you shining amongst all the other Assistant Editors out there that your Editor can’t stand the thought of not working with you gig after gig. This is about you becoming an artist that impacts our world with diverse stories and unique perspectives that help us grow into better people. This is about you taking what I teach and mentoring the next generation of young filmmakers. This is about you becoming a Hollywood Editor.
And this is where I step in. To help you achieve all of this - to help you in every way that I can. How? Through a ton YouTube content, blog posts to reinforce those webisodes, and an overwhelming supply of advice on social media. I’m here to show you what it takes to become a Hollywood Editor. And trust me, it’s not going to be easy. It will take a lot of work, patience, and personal growth to be in top 1%. But if you constantly keep up a great attitude, a motivated mindset, and a strong desire to make it in this industry, you WILL get that opportunity to prove yourself to the right people. You just have to ready.
Here’s my plan to prepare you:
Montage Monday - Share Hollywood Editing tips via Social Media posts.*
Tuesday Teaser - Tease upcoming featured YouTube Video via Social Media posts.*
Wednesday Webisode - Premiere featured YouTube Video of the week.
Thursday Thoughts - Reinforce Webisode topic via Blog Write-Up.
Fearless Friday - Share Hollywood Editing motivational quotes via Social Media posts.*
*All social media posts will be shared via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and LinkedIn under the handle @askthefonz. Go ahead and follow those social media channels.
If that’s not enough, I also offer 1-on-1 phone mentorship sessions Monday-Saturday to help you personally, and to cater to your specific situations/goals. If you’re reading this and you know that you have the passion for this, seriously consider talking to me. I genuinely believe I can help you and give you a step-by-step plan on how to get you there. This is all coming from my experience, the mentors I’ve learned from, and from the mistakes I’ve made. YOU can get my advice. About anything and everything editing. Schedule here if you’re interested.
Alright, well that’s me and my business.
I hope I can get a chance to speak with you - whether it’s through the social media posts, the comments section of my blog, or on my phone sessions. Happy Launch Day once again, I’m excited to share everything I know with you and welcome to Ask The Fonz.
Sincerely,
Alfonso Carrion Owner/Mentor of Ask The Fonz