Nena St. Louis began her study of editing with Darrell Holdaway (http://www.darrellholdaway.com) focusing on documentary videography.  Without that training, she could not have grasped the real art of editing - that is, "killing one's darlings."  The less is more principle applies to making art as well as to creating meaningful documentary. 

Darrell also stresses the importance of sound in storytelling.  Nena St. Louis' primary vocal training as an actor was singing.  She comes from a musical family and grew up with exposure to a broad range of music genres.  Her strongest preference involves the layering and interweaving of sound, usually including abstract, synthesized "noise." 

While Nena St. Louis still needs many, many more hours of shooting and editing under her belt, she was very proud of Darrell's positive feedback on the "Tell Me What Democracy Looks Like" soundtrack, which owes a good deal to the use of sound effects.

While Nena St. Louis learns, sylviatoyindustries will become a more accomplished artist.