This is an article based on an episode of Manhattan Edit Workshop’s “Talkin’ MEWShop.” You can watch the conversation by following or subscribing to the show HERE.
In a recent edition of Talking MEWShop, Raphi Salem welcomed a standout guest from the Manhattan Edit Workshop (MEWShop) community—Sophia Grimbaum Flores. Joined by MEWShop founder Josh Apter and President Jason Banke, the conversation illuminated how Sophia's journey through the Six Week "Art of Editing" Workshop became a transformative pivot from uncertainty to creative career success.
Originally from Minneapolis, Sophia candidly shared that she arrived in New York with no connections and only a vague sense of wanting to work in film. Her academic path began in journalism before a love for global studies—and particularly courses on Middle Eastern culture through film—sparked a passion for storytelling. A stint as a researcher with a documentary production company nudged her toward post-production, and with the advice of a former colleague, she enrolled at MEWShop.
“It was probably the best advice I got,” Sophia said. “I had never edited before, but I loved it immediately. I realized this was a real job people do—and it’s so much fun.”
Sophia's story is emblematic of MEWShop’s mission: more than technical training, it provides a bridge into the editing world and the beginnings of a professional network. As Josh explained, “The Six Week class becomes your first job network.” For Sophia, that was true—AMC recruited from her cohort, leading to her first role as a post-production assistant.
Her growth was swift. After six months, she was promoted to assistant editor, and now she serves as a junior social content producer at AMC. The role offers variety—editing, pitching content, shooting footage, and working with graphics—and perfectly suits her wide-ranging interests. “It’s a little bit of everything,” she said, adding that it’s the only department at AMC where creators touch every piece of the process.
Sophia's reflections on her MEWShop experience showed just how impactful the workshop can be. She recalled the thrill of working on the Tully scene project and the Donut project, experimenting with structure, music, and tone. Though her first cuts were imperfect, the feedback environment was constructive and empowering. “I was nervous showing my work,” she admitted, “but everyone was supportive.”
The remote format during COVID could have been isolating, but for Sophia, it fostered focus and experimentation. Her workshop was MEWShop’s first all-women class, adding a sense of camaraderie and inspiration. The diverse group included comedians and actors who brought unique perspectives to editing challenges, enriching the learning experience.
She also highlighted the value of learning from MEWShop’s Artist in Residence program, especially a session with acclaimed Editor William Goldenberg, ACE. “He was working on a big project at the time—it was amazing to hear from someone at that level,” Sophia said.
Sophia’s story is a testament to the power of taking creative risks and following good advice. As Josh concluded, “If you come out of the class and you’re working, we’ve done our job.” For Sophia Grimbaum Flores, that mission was accomplished—and then some.