In the AFI Conservatory MFA program, Editing Fellows are always focused on storytelling while receiving expert-level training in the technical side of the editing process. Guided by experienced and award-winning Faculty, Editing Fellows collaborate in rotating teams with Fellows from the other disciplines, cutting three cycle films in their first year of film school while also working as an assistant editor on another three projects.
In Year Two of the graduate-level program, Editing Fellows edit one thesis film and assist on another. Through the two-year hands-on training, Fellows develop creative partnerships with their colleagues, refine their storytelling skills, find their voice as artists and master the technical aspects of editing. Upon completing the AFI Conservatory MFA program, Editing Fellows also have a new demo reel to share with the industry. View AFI Conservatory Learning Outcomes and Admissions Requirements.
Editing Fellows work on 8 films in 2 years.
MFA Film School Learn from Icons in the Industry
Ranked the #1 film school in America, the AFI Conservatory MFA filmmaking program brings your favorite master storytellers to our Los Angeles campus to deliver inspiring guest lectures and enlightening seminars where they share their personal experiences and answer your questions about the filmmaking process.
“My editorial philosophy is every frame matters.”
Recent Projects by AFI Conservatory Editing Alumni
A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW – Taylor Joy Mason (AFI Class of 2012) and S. Robyn Wilson (AFI Class of 2012)
DARK WINDS – Brian Wessel (AFI Class of 2009)
DON’T WORRY DARLING – Affonso Gonçalves (AFI Class of 1993)
THE FABELMANS – Sarah Broshar (AFI Class of 2005)
HALLELUJAH – Camilla Bartoli (Class of 2020)
PENS & PENCILS – Lily Judge (AFI Class of 2020)
RESERVATION DOGS – Varun Viswanath (AFI Class of 2012)
SIGNIFICANT OTHER – David Kashevaroff (AFI Class of 2004)
WATCHER – Michael Block (AFI Class of 2014)
WE WERE MEANT TO – Luodawei Xiao (AFI Class of 2020)
AFI Conservatory named to 2024 list of the Best Film Schools in the U.S. and Canada.
“I think what sets AFI apart is the kind of level of professionalism that you’re required to operate at. When you look at the progression that I made at the beginning of the year and where I am professionally at the end of the first year, the difference is vast.”
–Oliver Harwood
AFI Editing Class of 2013