Cut to Black: Taylor Joy Mason, Picture Editor

For each day in the month of February, the Committee will be highlighting 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: Taylor Joy Mason

What’s your job? Television/Picture Editor

List the credits you’re most proud of. Editor for Pose” and Twenties.” Assistant Editor for Bladerunner 2049” and Dune.”

What are you working on right now? Pose”

Who are your influences and/or mentors? Kayla Emter, Joe Walker, ACE Shannon Baker Davis, ACE and Daysha Broadway

What books are you reading or movies you’re excited about? Books: “Sapiens” by Yval Noah Harari and “The Vanishing Half” by Britt Bennett. Films: Currently watching a lot of my childhood favorites; Beetlejuice,” Death Becomes Her,” Drop Dead Fred.”

What would be your superhero name? Black Woman

What are your Black History Month memories and and cultural or historical impacts on your life? I was often the only Black kid in my classroom growing up. Black History Month always served as a source of pride for me as my classmates learned about the innumerable contributions of Black culture in this country.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?  Confidence in self is the key to unlocking one’s greatest potential.

If you could time travel, when would you go and why? 400 years from now. I would love to see how much more amazing my culture becomes having experienced freedom longer than enslavement in this country.

What’s a little known fact about you? I was a model for the 50th annual Ebony Fashion Fair Runway show: The world’s largest and groundbreaking traveling fashion show which raised millions for African-American charities as it toured the globe. The show presented haute couture to Black audiences during a time when Black men and women were not allowed on runways. Ebony Fashion Fair put amazing fashions and aspirational lifestyles within reach of African-Americans.

What’s your favorite (Black) television/movie moment? Absolutely any moment in Harlem Nights.”

Was there a movie that inspired you to pursue your career? School Daze”

What’s your personal/professional mantra? Trust your instinct.

What’s the last show/movie that left you speechless? Get Out”

What would be your dream project to work on? Black AF” or anything directed by Ryan Coogler.