Bob Blasdall
CEO & Senior Editor, THEpostWORKS
Written by Christopher Rulli on 2011-10-23
With over forty years experience in the film and television industry, Bob has worked on over 300 documentaries and drama productions in the roles of editor, director and producer.
Do you offer internships / work-experience?
Yes at THEpostWORKS we are committed to providing mentorship and providing work experience opportunities. The majority of post personnel who have been employed at THEpostWORKS were former work experience trainees.
What do you find is the most common mistake a graduate can make?
Not looking at their work from a viewer’s perspective and not properly evaluating actors’ performance from a “real” or entertaining perspective. It is not uncommon for students’ work to be self indulgent and lengthy. Obviously this is not true in all cases, but it applies but a very high percentage of student films.
What are some misconceptions about hiring graduates and How important are GPA’s?
I don’t know of any misconceptions when hiring graduates, but I personally believe that practical application and talent are as essential as GPA’s
If someone could have given you one piece of advice at the beginning of your career, what should it have been?
If you are privileged to work with long time industry professionals then the key elements are: watch, listen and observe, observe, observe and then observe again. Then absorb all that you have witnessed. The eyes and brain are two marvellous devices which, when used in conjunction with concentration, are huge assets in any arena. us devices which, when used in conjunction with concentration, are huge assets in any arena. Watch experienced people at work and observe the way they use editing software as well as the way vision and/or sound is manipulated. Don’t be afraid to ask a question no matter how silly it may seem to be.
What are the significant steps you took in creating the career you have today?
Forming relationships with other industry members and working closely with them. Those bonds have been retained over decades and literally hundreds of productions. When I started my own company I was the only professional freelance editor in Brisbane who owned film editing equipment. It was necessary to closely liaise with the other few local film makers and become multifaceted enough to take on any project to survive.
Do you recommend work-experience before job-seeking?
Absolutely!
What did you study in University?
When I was a teenager there were limited opportunities for University education. My usual answer to Uni background is, “I went to 2 schools:
Eton
&
Drinkin’ "