Ting Yu: Assistant Editor

What is your name?
Ting Yu

What is your classification or job?
Assistant Editor, working toward transitioning into picture editing.

What was your first union job?
My first union job was on Startup for Sony and Amazon. I had just graduated and was still living in Orange County while the post house was in Santa Monica. I was commuting about four hours a day, which was tough, but I was genuinely excited just to be there and start learning how everything worked.

List the credits you’re most proud of.
I’m proud to have worked on Ozark for Netflix, Under the Banner of Heaven for FX, and Secret Invasion and Wonder Man for Marvel. Each project pushed me in different ways and allowed me to be part of strong creative teams.

Who are your influences or mentors?
Jacques Gravett has been a major influence on my career. I’ve worked with him across multiple series, including The Vince Staples Show and Power Origins, and he’s given me opportunities to step into editing, which has meant a great deal to my growth.

Through the ACE Diversity Committee, I’ve also had the opportunity to learn from editors like Harry Yoon, Lauren Connelly, Addison Donnell, Stephanie Filo, and Sarah Zeitlin. Being part of that community has been incredibly meaningful.

How has your cultural identity shaped you?
Growing up in Chinese culture, I was taught to value discipline, persistence, and responsibility. That mindset continues to shape how I approach my work. Navigating between cultures has also made me more aware of different perspectives, which naturally influences how I see storytelling.

What’s a meaningful film you recommend?
Farewell My Concubine. Leslie Cheung’s performance is unforgettable, and the film’s exploration of identity and relationships has stayed with me for a long time. It was also my first exposure to LGBTQ stories, which had a meaningful impact on me early on. There’s a line from the film I’ll never forget: “A lifetime is a lifetime. One year, one month, one day, even one hour short of it… it’s not a lifetime.”

AAPI Month reflections?
AAPI Month reminds me of the importance of representation and shared history. Chinese culture has always been deeply rooted in me, and even as my environment has changed, that sense of identity continues to shape how I see the world and the stories I connect with.