I found myself drawn to video production from a young age. Spending time watching movies with my mom led me to play with a family camcorder and make (what I thought were) Oscar-worthy shorts of my own. At the same time, I was obsessed with online games of the CD-ROM era, and media websites like Disney and Nickelodeon, where I’d make short, animated films using pre-loaded assets. I have always had a creative spirit, especially as an avid reader of books with movie adaptations.
In middle school, I discovered Pivot, a simple stick-figure animator and the first computer program that allowed me to experiment with a form of video editing. That was my gateway into the world of editing - but I wouldn’t know that until later. I didn’t take a video production class until my senior year of high school. I was invested in my life outside the classroom, where I participated in color guard. Color guard and the marching arts have impacted my life to this day, first as a performer and member of leadership, and then as an instructor and circuit staff member. These experiences deeply influenced my artistic abilities, from my understanding of motion and visible balance, to developing essential self-starting qualities, like leadership skills, project planning, execution and more. The skills and passion for visual expression honed in me through the sport of the arts would go on to serve me well in the editing field.
As I began college at UCF in Orlando (Don’t remind my Tampa-based friends!), I realized that video editing was the best confluence of my love of film and hands-on craft. While I tried my hand at other film subjects, I enjoyed producing, but ultimately found that editing — putting together the final product — was where I truly thrived. I began editing short films for college projects and worked on video assets for UCF Athletics, learning techniques, like keying out green screens and other basic editing skills.
My first industry job came with Aqueous Films in Orlando. There, I gained invaluable technical experience, but more importantly, I learned how to use emotions to craft a compelling story. This emotional storytelling became the foundation of my editing style and a perfect match for my current hometown role at Diamond View.
I joined Diamond View initially as a summer intern before my final year spent in Orlando. After completing my internship, graduating with my bachelor’s in film studies, and ultimately moving back to Tampa, I joined the company full-time, initially editing marketing videos before moving into the client-facing post production department.
Editing emotional content has become a significant part of my role. Working with clients like the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, where stories are often deeply moving, I find my drive in knowing that the videos we create can help people. My favorite part of editing - leaning into my video-appreciation roots - is watching the raw footage. The interviews and even the non-interview content provide so much insight into the story we’re telling, and helps me ensure I depict the emotion the best I can in the final cut.
As a woman in a predominantly male industry (though that’s swiftly changing), I’ve also found strength in seeing more women in the space, especially as mentors. From UCF Athletics, with a live producer who became a close friend, to other women editors within Diamond View, my journey has made me realize the importance of supporting other women entering the industry and providing them with the mentorship I once sought. While I continue to grow both personally and professionally, I’m excited to contribute to the future of video production while supporting the next generation of women in the field and hopefully making a positive impact in the world.
Kayla Gremer is an editor at Diamond View (www.diamondview.io) in Orlando, FL, a professional video production agency for brands, marketers and thought leaders. Her credits include work for NASCAR, WWE and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.