For each day in the month of February, the African American Steering Committee will be highlighting Local 700’s African American members, both past and present, and their accomplishments. We look forward to showing the contributions and influences African Americans have had on the industry.
Name: Janis Vogel
What’s your job? Television and Film Editor, Consultant Editor, Producer
List the credits you’re most proud of. “Ziwe,” “Year of the Everlasting Storm” – Laura Poitras, “Past Lives” – Celine Song
What are you working on right now? A second season of a major television series for Apple TV. A confidential documentary by director Shalini Kantayya
Who and what are your influences and/or mentors? Editor, Sabine Hoffman, has been a mentor of mine. I was her assistant editor on “Year of the Everlasting Storm” with Laura Poitras. I am inspired by her artistry, craft, and love for her work. She edited the film, “Passing,” which is such a gorgeous and brave film.
What books are you reading, shows are you watching and/or movies you’re excited about?
I am in a book club, so I am currently reading “Lessons in Chemistry,” and “The Dictionary of Lost Words.” I also recently read “On Earth We are Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong, which I absolutely loved and hope there is a movie adapted soon. I recently watched the series, “Scenes from a Marriage,” which I loved.
What would be your superhero name? CCC – Cool Calm and Collected – that is my super power.
What are your black history month memories and any cultural or historical impacts on your life? February is always a time I reflect on my black heroes and how they need to be celebrated all year long. Black History month was started in an effort to encourage the addition of black history to the standard American education in general, which I loved to learn. I have a four-year-old child who I am so proud to be teaching about black history and the color of her skin, things I was not intentionally taught about as a child myself.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? That saying no is saying yes to something better. There are a lot of opportunities flying around and it’s important not to make them based off of anything other than your true inner knowing what is right for you at that time in your life. I was offered a job on P-Valley when my child was 3-months-old and she was sleeping in the carrier while I was on the phone with the producer. I was so torn about what to do, but I said no. 7 months later they needed someone to fill in on that show and they called me, so I got another chance and was bumped up to edit on episode. Sometime later I was asked to edit the show again and had to decline, and now I rest in my faith that opportunities like that will continue to come. The wait can be hard for the right thing, but it is worth it.
If you could time travel, when would you go and why? I would love to go back in time and learn to edit on a Steenbeck. I would love for editing to be more physical now, because it truly is a dance to edit, to find the rhythm of a scene and to score it.
What’s a little known fact about you? What are your hidden (or not so hidden) talents? I am a dancer.
What’s your favorite (Black) television/movie moment? I think Ziwe is the most revolutionary figure on television and I’m so proud to amplify her voice.
Was there a television show/movie that inspired you to pursue your career? Agnes Varda was a huge inspiration for me to go into film. Her love for documentary and fiction. Her desire to observe humanity.
What’s your personal/professional mantra? Trust and surrender. Every project will be a first, so it’s become vital for my creative flow to trust in my talents and surrender to where the footage wants to take me.
What’s the last show/movie that left you speechless? Atsuko Okatsuka’s HBO comedy special – she is one of a kind brilliant and so is the editor, Wilbur, my friend.
What would be your dream project to work on? I do love comedy and hope to edit as many seasons of Ziwe as there are seasons of Seinfeld.
My true dream shows to work on are The Maid and Big Little Lies, and films like Little Women and Lady Bird, edited by my friend and mentor, Nick Houy. I dream of telling stories about brave women.
