In the world of film, editors are the invisible architects behind every seamless cut and emotional beat. Abbey Letizia, an Australian-born film editor now based in Brooklyn, New York, has quietly built a notable career by shaping stories that captivate and engage audiences across the United States. With a background spanning two continents and experiences bridging traditional filmmaking and innovative digital platforms, she has steadily carved out a distinctive presence in the American film industry.
A Foundation Built on Rigorous Training
Her journey began at Notre Dame University in Fremantle, where she earned a Bachelor of Media and Communications with a major in Film and Screen Production, graduating in 2019. In 2021, she moved to Los Angeles to attend the American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory—a prestigious program known for its competitive acceptance rate and consistent ranking as one of the nation’s top film schools by the Hollywood Reporter. Completing a Master’s in Film Editing in 2023, this period was instrumental in refining editorial instincts and mastering the technical skills required to tell compelling stories on screen.
Early Acclaim and Festival Recognition
Her final-year short film, We Met At Camp, exemplifies strong narrative and editorial expertise. The film earned a nomination for Best Comedy Series at the College Television Awards, also known as the College Emmys, and won the Best Woman Filmmaker award from the Directors Guild of America Student Jury. Its inclusion in the 2024 CAA Moebius Showcase and screenings at multiple respected festivals—including the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival and the Palm Springs International Film Festival—solidified a growing reputation as a filmmaker of note.
Another acclaimed project, The Weight of Home, filmed in the California desert with an all-Australian crew, explores the emotional turmoil of being far from loved ones during a crisis. This poignant short won the Best World Showcase Short Film award at the Soho Film Festival in New York City, demonstrating the ability to connect deeply with audiences through editorial storytelling.
Breaking into the Industry: From Assistant Editor to Lead
Following graduation, she secured a position at Paradise Creative, a Los Angeles-based social media marketing agency, contributing to high-profile campaigns for major motion pictures like Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Wonka, and Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire. Her work also extended to popular television series such as Solar Opposites, Vanderpump Villa, and Fallout, showcasing versatility across different types of content.
One of the more prominent campaigns she was entrusted to edit was an “Inside Look” social spot for Apple TV’s original feature film Fingernails, starring Jessie Buckley and Jeremy Allen White. This project highlighted her ability to craft engaging promotional content that complements the film’s narrative. Watch the Inside Look here.
A standout moment during this time was her role as lead co-editor on Abby Lee Miller’s reality TV show MadHouse, streamed on BrandonTV. This position demanded strong narrative pacing and attention to detail, skills clearly demonstrated while shaping multiple episodes.
Adapting to New Media: Vertical Series in New York
The move to New York marked a strategic shift toward digital-first content. She took on lead editorial responsibilities for several vertical mini-series designed for mobile streaming platforms such as FlexTV, ReelShorts, and ShortMax. These shows, consisting of 1-2 minute episodes, capture the fleeting attention spans of today’s audiences through quick, dramatic storytelling.
Titles like My Husband is a Big Shot and From Lost Heiress to Royal Highness have attracted hundreds of thousands of views and likes, with Royal Heir Breaks my Heart in a Warzone reaching an impressive 12.4 million likes on ReelShorts. Editorial leadership and understanding of platform-specific storytelling have helped these projects thrive in a crowded digital market.
Shaping the Future of Film Editing
Abbey’s career exemplifies how modern film editors must balance artistic vision with technical mastery, adapting to changing industry demands without sacrificing storytelling quality. The trajectory from Australia to the heart of the American film scene illustrates a blend of perseverance, creativity, and leadership. With ongoing work in New York’s vibrant media environment, she continues to influence how stories are told, edited, and experienced across multiple platforms.
