Cutting and slicing is Jane Keller's life now, but the New York-based editor carved out a career as a sculptor before her real calling beckoned.

"My background as a sculptor helps me pre-conceptualize," explains Keller on shaping the edit. "I appreciate advertising because it's the same as art: you're selling an idea. If anything, advertising's more honest because you know commercials are selling you something."

She's recently applied emotive edits to spots for Kodak, Wolverine boots and Smithfield meats.

Keller enjoyed her time in the art world, and shared an apartment with renowned artist Matthew Barney in the early '90s, but she tired of its fringe role in society. "I latched on [to film]," she explains, "because I understood it as a direct way to communicate with an audience."

After studying art history at Tuft University and sculpture at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in her hometown of Boston, Keller worked at MacKenzie Cutler and Lost Planet, both in New York, and spent her nights and weekends learning the editing craft. She freelanced and did a year of slicing at Mad River, NY, before joining The Now Corp. last year.

Keller sees her role as a communicator. "With so many egos floating around it's important to have a good vibe where everyone can communicate," she says. "I want people to feel I'm open to their ideas, because you never know where inspirations will come from. Plus people have to be heard, feel part of a team, and not struggle to get their views across."

She applies an abstract approach to editing, laying down the story as quickly as possible. "That's what gets me into a groove," she says eagerly. "There's a wonderful spontaneity and freedom with the Avid [technology]. I love throwing things together and being all over the map - at the beginning, middle and end, all at once."

Overall, Keller's philosophy on her craft is not unlike that of a visual artist: "If I can add some humanity to the abstraction that touches somebody and creates a moment that's powerful and sticks with them, then I've made that form a little better."

WEBFILES:
The Now Corporation> http://www.thenowcorporation.com