David McKimmie | Head of Post-Production

David McKimmie brings over 25 years of post-production experience in the cutting room, as Post Coordinator, Supervisor, Executive and Head of Studio. Over that time, he acquired a deep and broad knowledge of the various processes used for film and digital acquisition, live action, animation, 3D, immersive picture and sound formats and more. In addition to teaching classes, he is currently Head of Post-Production at AFI and consults on high-profile titles at multiple studios. He loves his job and enjoys helping people find their way in post processes that can feel daunting at times.

Susan Littenberg | Visiting Editing Fellows Advisor

Randi Atkins | Affiliated Faculty

Randi Atkins developed a love for movies at an early age. When she was young and would spend a weekend at her Grandparents house, they would drive to the movie theater and see as many films in a day as they could. Another fond memory with her Grandparents was reading a chapter from Norman Jewison’s autobiography and then watching the film that went along with it and discussing what they had learned.

As an editor, her work has shown at festivals such as Newport Beach, Saint Louis International Film Festival, LA Shorts International Fest, Holly Shorts, and more. She was awarded Best Editing at the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase for her work on the short film, WAITING TO DIE IN BAYSIDE QUEENS.

Randi has also worked as a First Assistant Editor and VFX Editor on several episodic shows and feature films such as EXPATS (Amazon), THE STARLING (Netflix), and BRITTANY RUNS A MARATHON (Amazon). She has worked under the mentorship of editors Peter Teschner, Mathew Friedman, Avril Buekes, and Alex O’Flinn, who have all been generous in refining and supporting her craft.

It is Randi’s belief that Assistant Editors are one of the most vital roles in post-production. It has become a passion of hers to educate future editors on the importance of this role and why starting your editing career as an Assistant Editor can be immensely valuable.

Christopher Cooke, ACE | Senior Affiliated Faculty

Christopher Cooke has edited on features, TV movies, episodic television, and reality TV.  He has been nominated for an Emmy ^® and two ACE Eddie Awards. He was an Associate/Co-Producer on the FOX series NEW YORK UNDERCOVER.

He served on the Board of the Motion Picture Editors Guild for 3 years while writing and editing the precursor to the Guild’s Magazine.  A longtime member of the American Cinema Editors, he served for 7 years as Secretary on the Board of Directors.

Cooke has B.A. and M.F.A. in Film from UCLA. While still in college he collaborated with director King Vidor on his last short film called METAPHOR. The film documents a conversation between Vidor and artist Andrew Wyeth on Vidor’s influence in Wyeth’s work and the nature of art.

Jill D’Agnenica | Affiliated Faculty

Shannon Baker Davis | Affiliated Faculty

Lesley Dyer | Affiliated Faculty

Matthew Friedman, ACE | Senior Affiliated Faculty

Matthew Friedman has edited over 25 feature films, winning the 2021 American Cinema Editors Eddie for Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy or Musical) for PALM SPRINGS, directed by AFI Alumnus Max Barbakow. PALM SPRINGS won numerous other awards and nominations, and broke the record for highest sale at Sundance. Friedman was also nominated for the ACE Eddie for his work on Lulu Wang’s critically acclaimed film THE FAREWELL. The film earned Awkwafina a Golden Globe, won Best Feature at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, and won or was nominated for over 70 awards in total.

Friedman works in a wide variety of genres, cutting both studio and independent features. His feature credits include the comedies JOHN TUCKER MUST DIE and WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS, as well as ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE SQUEAKQUEL and the 3D dance movie STEP UP: REVOLUTION. He recently edited THE STARLING starring Melissa McCarthy and Kevin Kline for Academy Award®-winning director Theodore Melfi and continued his long running collaboration with Lulu Wang on the Amazon series EXPATS, starring Nicole Kidman.

Friedman is a member of the American Cinema Editors and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Film and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Northwestern University. He has taught at AFI since 2010.

Gedaly Guberek | Affiliated Faculty

Matthew Hannam, ACE | Affiliated Faculty

Scott Jennings | Affiliated Faculty

Nancy Kirhoffer | Affiliated Faculty

John Knowles | Affiliated Faculty

Jason Rose | Senior Affiliated Faculty

Jason Rose is an experienced editor and producer with a deep understanding of creative editing, video/film production, color grading, and workflow. He has gained his knowledge through hands-on experience and professional training. One of his recent television projects was LIVIN’ HAWAII, a lifestyle/fashion series that he created and produced, which aired locally in Hawaii on KFVE.

Jason has worked on a variety of artistic and commercial projects and has experience as an editor in different genres, including comedy, sketch comedy, drama, and documentary. His past projects include the critically acclaimed independent feature titled ONE HOUR FANTASY GIRL and the award-winning short film VIOLA CONCERTO, which he wrote, directed, and edited.

In addition to his work in the industry, Jason has given lectures on filmmaking and has collaborated with various entertainment companies, including ABC/Disney, Paramount/CBS, Trailer Park, Fox, Bunim/Murray, NBC|Universal, Asylum Entertainment, and Pink Sneakers Productions.

Jason’s interest in film production began in his childhood when he discovered an old 8mm film camera in his grandparents’ attic. He developed an interest in video production during high school and pursued a TV & Film Degree from Texas Christian University. After graduating, Jason moved to LA and began working in related fields while also creating and developing his own projects. He later earned his MFA in Film and Television from Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles.

To further hone his skills, Jason underwent additional training at Video Symphony in Burbank, CA in the Professional Editing Program. He also attended the AVID Certified Trainer Program at AVID Headquarters in Tewksbury, MA, and became a Certified AVID Instructor. Jason is also an instructor in Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve.

Aside from his role at AFI, Jason is also an esteemed educator at MSMU, KeyCode Education, Studio Arts, and Rev-Up Transmedia.

F. Brian Scofield | Senior Affiliated Faculty

Brian’s filmography includes collaborations with Terrence Malick, Warren Beatty, David Mamet, the Duplass brothers and a long list of award-winning independent filmmakers. His work has played in major festivals around the world including Sundance, SXSW and Tribeca. Most recently, Alejandro Monteverde’s SOUND OF FREEDOM became one of the highest grossing independent films of all time, capturing over $250 million at the domestic box office. In addition to working as a lead editor, Brian has served as a consulting, supervising or finishing editor on dozens of films, earning a reputation as a trusted “movie doctor.” Originally a student of philosophy and literature, Scofield earned his MFA from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts.

Varun Viswanath, ACE | Affiliated Faculty

Varun is an Emmy ^® and Eddie Award nominated Film & TV editor who loves working on comedies with strong emotional spines. His recent credits include DELI BOYS (Hulu), RESERVATION DOGS (FX), BASED ON A TRUE STORY (Peacock), and WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS (FX). Varun was born and raised in Bangalore (India), spent his formative years juggling corporate and filmmaking careers in Singapore, before moving to Los Angeles in 2010 for film school. Varun is both alumni of and teacher at the American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory. He is a member of the ACE Education Committee, and an Associate Mentor in the ACE Diversity program. While he’s not working, Varun and his toddler son continue their long quest to find the best breakfast burrito in Los Angeles.

Hillary P. Wills | Affiliated Faculty

Hillary Wills studied film production at the University of California Santa Cruz. She began her editing career working on various true crime, documentary and reality series before transitioning into scripted television in 2015. Her television credits include THE ORVILLE, LOOKING FOR ALASKA, GEN V, and TED.