Claire Sanderson is an up-and-coming editor, screenwriter, director and critic with a passion for film and television. Having recently completed her studies at JMC Academy, she wishes to bring her unique perspective to filmmaking.
From a young age, Claire took an interest in media of all types. She took acting, singing and dancing lessons, hoping to become a theatre actor some day. She even earned a performing arts scholarship at Beaconhills College.
However, towards the end of her secondary studies, she decided to go into journalism instead. She completed her Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at Deakin University, graduating in 2019. In her final year of the course, she wrote movie reviews as part of her assignments. She finally found her true calling in the film industry and decided to enroll in JMC Academy’s Film and Television course.
In addition to a stellar track record of high grades at JMC, she worked on numerous successful projects. Her first documentary ‘Baby Drag’, about a drag competition for newcomers to the art form, was nominated for a Martini Award at JMC. She edited the comedic short film ‘The Invisibility Cloak’, which fellow student Mikayla Hallam directed.
In the final year of her studies, she wrote, directed and edited the multiple Martini Award-nominated short film ‘Baggage’. Written during the pandemic, the film is about a workaholic salesman who loses his job and has one night to convince his angry, neglected daughter not to move out.
Claire takes inspiration from many legendary filmmakers such as Yasujirō Ozu, Jane Campion, Pedro Almodóvar and Jafar Panahi. The creative flourishes of drag performers and animation also inspire her. She is a big fan of smooth editing with clear continuity but isn’t afraid to buck the rules if it results in something more engaging.
Her showreel is here. You can stay up to date on her Instagram or email her at claire.sanderson1997@gmail.com