Annette Davey
Biography
Annette Davey is an accomplished film and television editor originally from Australia, now primarily based between Los Angeles and New York. With a career spanning over two decades, she has become a highly sought-after professional known for her keen eye for storytelling and her ability to bring complex narratives to life in the editing suite.
Early Life and Education:
Annette Davey grew up in Adelaide, South Australia, with a passion for movies and the arts. Initially, she pursued studies in psychology at university, an academic background she credits with helping her understand character development in stories and navigate the dynamics of the edit room. Her professional journey into film began in Sydney, where she was fortunate to secure a place in a government-funded training program for women in filmmaking. This six-month program provided her with hands-on experience in all aspects of filmmaking, and it was in the edit suite that she discovered her passion for editing.
She further honed her craft at the prestigious Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Film & Television) in Editing in 1990. Upon graduation, she won the QANTAS award, which enabled her to move to Los Angeles and begin her international career. She was invited to work in the US by Oscar-winning Italian editor Gabriella Cristiani, a significant mentorship early in her career.
Career Highlights and Notable Works:
Annette Davey has built an impressive and diverse filmography, working on both critically acclaimed independent features and high-profile television series. Her expertise often lies in comedies and dramedies, but she has also worked on more dramatic and period pieces.
Some of her most recognized works include:
- Waitress (2007): This beloved indie rom-com was a significant turning point in her career, bringing her wider recognition in the US.
- Battlestar Galactica (2005): She worked on multiple episodes of this iconic sci-fi series.
- Hung (2009-2011): A comedy-drama series.
- Transparent (2014-2019): A highly acclaimed and award-winning dramedy series.
- GLOW (2017-2019): Another popular series that showcased her comedic timing.
- Pam & Tommy (2022): A limited Hulu series for which she edited several episodes.
- Maid (2021): The acclaimed Netflix limited series, based on the New York Times bestseller, which she helped bring to life. She noted her desire to bring forward the emotional journey and female perspective in this series.
- Dreamin' Wild (2023): A feature film that premiered at the Venice Film Festival.
- My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 (2023): A heartwarming comedy.
- Anyone But You (2023): A romantic comedy.
- The Estate (2022): A comedy film.
- Together Together (2021): A dramedy.
- Poms (2019): A comedy starring Diane Keaton.
- The Seagull (2018): A period drama with a notable cast.
- Merv (2024): A recent Amazon/MGM film.
Davey has also served as a consulting editor for international co-productions like "The End" (2020), an Australian/UK limited series. She is a member of the American Cinema Editors (ACE) and the Motion Picture Editors Guild.
Approach to Editing and Mentorship:
Annette Davey emphasizes the storytelling and creative aspects of filmmaking, particularly the visual elements and the use of music. She approaches each project, whether film or TV, with the same level of discipline and craft. She has a strong interest in female-led stories and has been praised for her work in bringing out the emotional depth in such narratives.
She is also passionate about mentoring younger filmmakers and editors, often providing feedback on short films and scripts, inspired by the mentorship she received early in her career. Her commitment to her craft and her enduring success have established her as a highly respected figure in the global film and television industry.
