Dahkil Hausif

Just the facts: Age – 33; Hometown – Brookyln, New York; Education – Syracuse University, BA Television, Radio & Film Production, focusing on directing and editing; Employ – Joined Spot Welders New York in 2005, started editing in 2009.

Previous history: Born into a military family, Hausif moved around the world, living in upstate New York, Arkansas, Guam, Rantoul IL, Okinawa Japan and Fayetteville NC before settling in Brooklyn. His first gig was in the vault at Mad River Post in New York in ’98, after which he quickly began assisting. He left to help open Spot Welders NY in 2005 before being promoted to editor in 2009.

Best work: Hausif rates his ESPN spot “30 for 30” as his best, and we’re inclined to agree. It’s a provocative mix of classic stock footage of sporting moments and athletes at their finest and most flawed. “It’s really about finding images that are going to make an impact. The 30 for 30 series takes stories that you’ve probably heard before but presents a different angle or more in-depth information into a compelling story. We were trying to present images that made people curious.” Converse “Transformation”, meanwhile, is cut as an energetic race of a spot through back alleys to avoid vengeful priests.

Both sides of the narrative coin: Hausif directs as well as edits with business partner Daoud Abeid for their production company Sunshowah Films. The pair currently has a short film airing on HBO called Shades of Brooklyn Vol. 1. They recently completed the script for a feature-length version of the story and are seeking funding.

Top tip: It’s all about the gut response reckons Hausif. “I like to ask my clients, ‘How does it feel?’ Sometimes we get very close and then we have to start fitting lines in or adding frames and it starts to get too technical and I have to pull back and just ask them, ‘How does it feel when you watch it?’ Because if it feels right, then usually it is right.” EW

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