NYWIFT Blog

By Sofiya Saykovska

Welcome to NYWIFT, Meryl Jacobs!

Driven by a lifelong passion for the arts, creative professional Meryl Jacobs has built an inspiring career spanning advertising, Broadway stage management, and post-production as an award-winning video editor and business owner. Embracing challenges with optimism, she believes in the power of self-belief and continuous growth.

After returning to New York post-pandemic, she launched her own company, Gotham Edit Inc., confident in the value she provides to clients. Among her proudest achievements are collaborations with Universal Pictures, a corporate branding reel for Tumi, and a recognized PSA for the City of Los Angeles on senior scams. Grateful for every opportunity, she remains dedicated to creating impactful work that helps others.

Read on to learn more about her fascinating career!

Photo courtesy of Meryl Jacobs.

Tell us about yourself! Give us some insight into your creative journey, your career aspirations, and what drives you.

I’ve always been inspired by the arts and driven to succeed at the things that are meaningful to me. I’ve always believed in myself. And so, my professional journey has likewise been geared towards pursuing creative and gratifying work: from advertising, to Broadway as a stage manager, to post-production, and to award-winning video editor and business owner. While I’ve learned to pursue professional goals from a positive and optimistic mindset, it’s not always easy and there are challenges along the way. The key is to always believe in yourself no matter what and to keep moving forward, learning and growing, and not be distracted by fear or self-doubt.

What brought you to NYWIFT?

When I moved back to New York from LA a few years ago, one of my goals was to get to know the New York film, post-production, and creative communities. And joining professional organizations, such as NYWIFT, I felt, would provide opportunities to meet and engage with colleagues in film and TV. It’s important for me to be part of robust and creative professional communities where I can thrive professionally and engage with like-minded professionals.

Photo courtesy of Meryl Jacobs.

What inspired you to start Gotham Edit, Inc.?

The timing was just right. Coming out of the pandemic, and moving back to New York, it was the right time to start my own company. Things organically fell into place for this to happen and it was something I had been thinking about for a while. I was also confident that, as a respected video editor and new business owner, I had something of meaningful value to offer current and new clients.

What are some things you learned about having your own editing company?

Being a business owner is both thrilling and challenging. You need to be resilient, smart, motivated, and optimistic. Things change, so be flexible and ready for anything. As a first-time business owner, I learned how to run a business. I took seminars, read books, expanded my editing skills, networked. But the biggest lesson, I would say, is simply to know your value and have the courage to bring your special gift to the world.

Photo courtesy of Meryl Jacobs.

You’ve had the opportunity to edit for incredible projects throughout your career, tell us about some of the ones you’re most proud of.

I would say the projects I’m most proud are the literally hundreds of marketing campaigns I’ve partnered on with Universal Pictures for their major theatrical releases over the years. I’m also very proud of the corporate branding reel I edited for Tumi, as well as a PSA I edited on senior scams for the City of Los Angeles. I was honored with a Certificate of Recognition in a ceremony at L.A.’s City Hall for my work on that campaign

I’m grateful for every opportunity that comes my way to contribute something meaningful and to help others through my work.

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t sweat the small stuff! But seriously, there are many I can chose from, but what comes to mind is this: To stay positive, authentic, disciplined, and to be of service to others. Everything else takes care of itself.

Photo courtesy of Meryl Jacobs.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter into the world of editing?

Video editing requires a unique combination of creative vision and technical virtuosity. It’s storytelling. So, learn how to tell a story in the language of video editing. It’s visual poetry. Learn film history. See what other editors are doing. And understand that you are there to serve the vision of your clients and to help them through your contributions, so offer creative solutions they would never think of. And get to know your clients and discover ways to help them shine.

Find Meryl Jacobs’ work on her website www.gothamedit.com and connect with her on Instagram at @MerylJac.