I’m an experienced documentary film and TV editor specializing in crafting meaningful human stories that move people. I edited and co-produced the acclaimed “Dad’s in Heaven with Nixon” (available on Amazon, Apple TV and other platforms) about the family journey of Chris Murray, an artist with autism growing up at a time when autism was little-understood. Other work includes “Plastic Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch,” films for the National MPS Society that helped bring a rare disease to light, and numerous short-form projects including trailers and promos. As an editor, I’m a hard worker who is dedicated to my craft and a self-starter who can work from a large volume of material to find the essential narrative. I’m also an enthusiastic collaborator, open-minded, and flexible about working relationships. I excel at music selection/editing as well as sound design and final color. See my work at witkercuts.com Dad’s in Heaven with Nixon: Trailer - _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_ The Journey of Hope (National MPS Society) - _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_ Plastic Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch - _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_ Inspiring Children Foundation - _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_…

James Witker

PRO

I’m an experienced documentary film and TV editor specializing in crafting meaningful human stories that move people. I edited and co-produced the acclaimed “Dad’s in Heaven with Nixon” (available on Amazon, Apple TV and other platforms) about the family journey of Chris Murray, an artist with autism growing up at a time when autism was little-understood. Other work includes “Plastic Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch,” films for the National MPS Society that helped bring a rare disease to light, and numerous short-form projects including trailers and promos. As an editor, I’m a hard worker who is dedicated to my craft and a self-starter who can work from a large volume of material to find the essential narrative. I’m also an enthusiastic collaborator, open-minded, and flexible about working relationships. I excel at music selection/editing as well as sound design and final color. See my work at witkercuts.com Dad’s in Heaven with Nixon: Trailer - _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_ The Journey of Hope (National MPS Society) - _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_ Plastic Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch - _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_ Inspiring Children Foundation - _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_…

Available to hire

I’m an experienced documentary film and TV editor specializing in crafting meaningful human stories that move people. I edited and co-produced the acclaimed “Dad’s in Heaven with Nixon” (available on Amazon, Apple TV and other platforms) about the family journey of Chris Murray, an artist with autism growing up at a time when autism was little-understood. Other work includes “Plastic Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch,” films for the National MPS Society that helped bring a rare disease to light, and numerous short-form projects including trailers and promos.

As an editor, I’m a hard worker who is dedicated to my craft and a self-starter who can work from a large volume of material to find the essential narrative. I’m also an enthusiastic collaborator, open-minded, and flexible about working relationships. I excel at music selection/editing as well as sound design and final color.

See my work at witkercuts.com

Dad’s in Heaven with Nixon: Trailer - Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup

The Journey of Hope (National MPS Society) - Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup

Plastic Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch - Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup

Inspiring Children Foundation - Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup

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Language

English
Fluent
French
Intermediate

Work Experience

Editor at TENNIS CHANNEL
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2025
Ongoing variety of short-form and special features telling the stories of the sport’s most famous champions as well as unknown heroes and up-and-comers.
Editor at PRESIDENT OBAMA’S COMMITTEE ON THE ARTS & HUMANITIES
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2016
Short film for live presentation at the Library of Congress chronicling the exemplary achievements of the ’09-’16 PCAH.
Lead Editor & Story Producer at TENNIS CHANNEL
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2016
Tour Guide – Series combines host-driven lifestyle travel and sports action. Fast-paced, multi-camera journey through international locations and events.
Additional Editor at TENNIS CHANNEL
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2014
Signature Series: Arthur Ashe – Long-form documentary chronicling the life and death of the legendary tennis barrier-breaker, champion and humanitarian.
Lead Editor & Story Producer at DESTINATION TENNS – TENNIS CHANNEL
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2012
Destination tennis lifestyle, travel and food show highlighting the world's greatest destinations for a tennis lover's vacation.
Editor, Producer, Camera at PLASTIC PARADISE: THE GREAT PACIFIC GARBAGE PATCH
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2013
Feature (Theatrical, Netflix) — one of the most remote places on Earth reveals impacts of plastic on ecosystems, politics, people.
Additional Editor at LONG SHOT: THE KEVIN LAUE STORY
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2009
Feature about determined young athlete’s struggle to overcome enormous odds and become the first NCAA scholarship basketball player with one arm.
Editor & Producer at DAD’S IN HEAVEN WITH NIXON
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2009
critically acclaimed feature doc on a prominent family's three-generation struggle with autism and mental illness, with uplifting conclusion.
Editor at MOMENTS OF IMPACT
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2009
Discovery/Nash Entertainment series showcasing adrenaline-pumping real-life footage—chases, crashes, explosions etc.
Editor at MURPHY’S GUIDE
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2009
Former French Open champ Murphy Jensen hosts a unique travel series—learning the hard way what to see and what not to do around the globe.
Editor at THE EVERT ERA
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2008
TV Documentary special on The epic and intimate story of the family that produced world champion Chris Evert and its struggle to handle her success.
Editor at POWER, PRIVILEGE & JUSTICE
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2008
Tru TV/Kurz-Murray Prods. — Series on high-profile murder cases involving the wealthy and powerful, as retold by Dominick Dunne.
Editor at THE INVESTIGATORS
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2007
Court TV/Kurz-Murray Prods. — Procedural documentary episodes chronicling notorious murder cases from the perspective of the investigators.
Editor at MAKING THE CUT (PILOT)
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2006
Moser Bros. Prods. — Verité reality pilot following aspiring hairstylists in Newport Beach’s competitive scene.
Editor at UNDER THE LIGHTS: PAUL WESTPHAL
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2005
Fox Sports/Kurz-Murray — TV Documentary Special: Former basketball great Westphal finds a new calling coaching Pepperdine Waves.
Editor at THE WRONG MAN: LOST IN THE WOODS
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2005
Court TV/Red Dog Ent. — Retired NYPD cops re-investigate the Dennis Dechaine case.
Editor at DESIGNER’S CHALLENGE
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2005
Pie Town Prods. — HGTV reality series; designers compete; winning plan is realized.
Editor at FOR NORMAN: WHEREVER YOU ARE
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2004
Independent — Mother’s investigation of LA’s Foster Care System.
Editor at CRYING FOUL
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2003
Court TV/Kurz/Murray — The battle for Barry Bonds’ record.
Editor & Camera at STILL RIDING: RESCUE CO. NYC
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2002
TLC/A. Horn Prods. — Elite NY firefighters before and after 9-11.
Editor at HOW TO LOSE YOUR LOVER (NARRATIVE) – MARCH 7th PRODS.
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2004
Comedy narrative project (2003-2004) exploring a difficult romance; worked in an editing capacity.
Editor at THE CALLING (DRAMA/BIOPIC) – 7 SPIRITS ENTERTAINMENT
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2001
Controversial evangelist Leroy Jenkins; Faye Dunaway, Robert Wagner.
Editor at RAW FISH (COMEDY) – YNOT VISIONS
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2000
College farce in the vein of American Pie.
Editor at ALL OR NOTHING (DRAMA) – CITY UNDERGROUND PRODUCTIONS
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2000
Urban drama; Grand Jury Award recipient; LA’s first digital feature.
Editor at THE PATRIOT ACT (SHORTS) – MCKINLEY AVE PICTURES
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2012
Would-be home-invasion robbers discover a massive terrorist plot.
Editor at CUT AND RUN – CINEMAFACTORY, INC.
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2004
Bounty Hunter becomes a beautician; Palm Springs Film Festival Audience Award.
Editor at BLIND FAITH – DONNIE EICHAR PRODS.
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2003
Daring blind children learn to surf; Audience Award, Seattle FF.
Editor at A FREUDIAN IMAGE – GG PRODUCTIONS
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2002
A man confronts the demons of past; Best Actress, IndieFest Chicago.
Editor at THE PITCH – WEEKEND WARRIORS PRODS.
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2001
Horror project; Best Picture, Editing, 48 Hour FilmFest.
Editor (Television) at Tennis Channel
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2025
Ongoing variety of short-form and special features telling the stories of the sport’s most famous champions as well as unknown heroes and up-and-comers.
Lead Editor & Story Producer at Tennis Channel
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2012
Destination Tenns – Lifestyle sports, travel and food show highlighting the world's greatest destinations for a tennis lover's vacation.
Editor at MOMENTS OF IMPACT, Discovery/Nash Entertainment
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2009
Editor Series showcasing adrenaline-pumping real-life footage – chases, crashes, explosions etc.
Editor at MURPHY’S GUIDE, Tennis Channel
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2009
Former French Open champ Murphy Jensen hosts a unique travel series – learning the hard way what to see and what not to do as he travels the globe.
Editor at THE EVERT ERA, Tennis Channel
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2008
TV Documentary special on The epic and intimate story of the family that produced world champion Chris Evert and its struggle to handle her success.
Editor at POWER, PRIVILEGE & JUSTICE, TruTV/Kurz-Murray Prods.
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2008
Series on high-profile murder cases involving the wealthy and powerful, as retold by the legendary true crime writer, Dominick Dunne.
Editor at THE INVESTIGATORS, Court TV/Kurz-Murray Prods.
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2007
Procedural documentary episodes chronicling notorious murder cases from the perspective of the men and women who investigate them.
Editor at Making the Cut (Pilot), Moser Bros. Prods.
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2006
Verité reality pilot chronicling three aspiring hairstylists starting out in the volatile, backstabbing world of Newport Beach’s most famous salon.
Editor at DESIGNER’S CHALLENGE, Pie Town Prods.
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2005
HGTV reality hit series – interior designers compete, winning plan is realized.
Editor at CRYING FOUL, Court TV/Kurz/Murray
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2003
The improbable battle for Barry Bonds’ record-breaking baseball.
Editor & Camera at STILL RIDING: RESCUE CO. NYC, TLC/A. Horn Prods.
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2002
Elite New York firefighters before and after 9-11.
Editor at HOW TO LOSE YOUR LOVER
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2004
A narrative/comedy about a writer’s difficult romance with Los Angeles. Dir. Jordan Hawley; 35mm.
Editor at THE CALLING
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2001
Drama/Biopic – controversial evangelist Leroy Jenkins; Faye Dunaway, Robert Wagner; 35mm
Editor at RAW FISH
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2000
College farce in the vein of American Pie; Dir. Greg James; Digital.
Editor at ALL OR NOTHING
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2000
Urban drama; Grand Jury Award at LA’s first digital feature; Dir. Adisa Jones/J.L. Davis; Distrib. Blockbuster Entertainment.
Editor at PATRIOT ACT (SHORTS)
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012
Would-be home-invasion robbers face a quandary when they pick the wrong house and uncover an imminent, massive terrorist plot.
Editor at CUT AND RUN
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2004
Bounty Hunter becomes a beautician. Dir. David Harb.
Editor at BLIND FAITH
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2003
Documentary – Daring blind children learn to surf.
Editor at A FREUDIAN IMAGE
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2002
Drama – A man confronts the demons of past.
Editor at THE PITCH
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2001
Horror – Scream meets The Player.

Education

B.S., TV/FILM at Northwestern University
September 1, 1994 - June 30, 1998

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment