Biography

[Editing is] something that you have to do because you like it. You're not going to get a lifetime of glamour. Editors are not cool; it's the geekiest thing you can do in the film industry.

[on the warm reception and interest that his directorial debut short film Cosmico (2014) received in Greece] When everyone you know is unemployed and your country's economy has been razed to the ground, you need something stronger to put a smile on your face. If you see something feisty, lurid or provocative, you go for it. Why waste time with decorum, propriety, political correctness and other fig leaves? Right now, Greeks have got nothing to lose. That's the best audience you could ask for.

It pays to specialise. The human memory is not great for remembering someone for lots of little things they do well. People will remember you for the thing you excel at, so don't try to cover all the bases. Choose one type of post-production work that you want for a career, and do as much of it as you can.

The greatest misconception about film editors is our invisibility. Most viewers will only notice the editor's work when it fails: an awkward cut, repetitive gimmicks, anything that has a jarring or distracting effect. If the film catches your attention and you forget about everything else then that is the result of the editing.

[on attending film festivals] The most important lesson I've learned: filmmakers can't rely on the merits of their film alone. You can make the most brilliantly shot, engaging and thought-­provoking film ever, but if no one knows about it, a weaker film by someone else will get all the audience, the festival acceptances, the awards and the distribution deals that had your name on them.