I am Gavin McDonald, a video editor based in Belfast with a First-Class Honours degree in Screen Production from Ulster University. I have hands-on experience editing award-nominated short films and managing complex post-production workflows to deliver compelling stories across social and digital platforms. I am proficient in Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and After Effects, with a strong sense of narrative structure and visual storytelling. I thrive in collaborative, fast-paced environments and am proactive about learning new tools and techniques to keep projects moving smoothly.

Gavin McDonald

I am Gavin McDonald, a video editor based in Belfast with a First-Class Honours degree in Screen Production from Ulster University. I have hands-on experience editing award-nominated short films and managing complex post-production workflows to deliver compelling stories across social and digital platforms. I am proficient in Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and After Effects, with a strong sense of narrative structure and visual storytelling. I thrive in collaborative, fast-paced environments and am proactive about learning new tools and techniques to keep projects moving smoothly.

Available to hire

I am Gavin McDonald, a video editor based in Belfast with a First-Class Honours degree in Screen Production from Ulster University. I have hands-on experience editing award-nominated short films and managing complex post-production workflows to deliver compelling stories across social and digital platforms.

I am proficient in Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and After Effects, with a strong sense of narrative structure and visual storytelling. I thrive in collaborative, fast-paced environments and am proactive about learning new tools and techniques to keep projects moving smoothly.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Action Photographer at Belfast Activity Centre
February 1, 2025 - Present
Capture and edit high-impact action photography for promotional materials and client use. Deliver fast turnaround and high-quality edits, demonstrating excellent visual storytelling skills.
Freelance & Academic Video Editor
January 1, 2022 - Present
Edited a variety of short films, promotional videos, and digital content using professional editing suites. Collaborated with production teams on pacing, sound design, and visual effects to ensure compelling storytelling. Managed post-production workflows from raw footage through to final delivery.
Action Photographer at Belfast Activity Centre
February 1, 2025 - Present
Capturing high-impact action photography for promotional materials and client use. Delivering fast turnaround and high-quality photos, demonstrating excellent visual storytelling skills.
Video Editor (Freelance & Academic) at Self-employed / Academic Projects
January 1, 2022 - Present
Edited a variety of short films, promotional videos, and digital content using professional editing suites. Collaborated with production teams on pacing, sound design, and visual effects to ensure compelling storytelling. Managed post-production workflows from raw footage through to final delivery.
Sales Assistant at Spar
July 1, 2025 - Present
Chef at The Bridge House – JD Wetherspoons
July 1, 2025 - September 20, 2025
Team Member at Popeyes Chicken, Belfast
January 1, 2025 - September 20, 2025
Barback at Henry’s & The Jailhouse, Belfast
March 1, 2024 - September 20, 2025
Server at Little Wing Pizzeria, Belfast
July 1, 2023 - September 20, 2025
Team Member at McDonald’s, Newry
May 1, 2022 - September 20, 2025
Action Photographer at Belfast Activity Centre
February 1, 2025 - Present
Capturing high-impact action photography for promotional materials and client use; delivering fast turnaround and high-quality photos, demonstrating excellent visual storytelling skills.
Video Editor at Freelance & Academic
January 1, 2022 - Present
Edited a variety of short films, promotional videos, and digital content using professional editing suites; collaborated with production teams on pacing, sound design, and visual effects to ensure compelling storytelling; managed post-production workflows from raw footage through to final delivery.
Sales Assistant at Spar
July 1, 2025 - Present
Contributed to a collaborative retail environment, supporting customers and team-based tasks to ensure smooth store operations.
Chef at The Bridge House – JD Wetherspoons
July 1, 2025 - September 20, 2025
Worked in a fast-paced kitchen, supporting kitchen operations and delivering quality service in a high-volume setting.
Team Member at Popeyes Chicken, Belfast
January 31, 2025 - September 20, 2025
Participated in restaurant operations, focusing on teamwork and customer service in a high-demand environment.
Barback at Henry’s & The Jailhouse, Belfast
March 31, 2024 - September 20, 2025
Supported bar operations, contributing to a cooperative team environment and efficient service.
Server at Little Wing Pizzeria, Belfast
July 31, 2023 - September 20, 2025
Assisted in front-of-house operations, delivering friendly service and working as part of a cohesive team.
Team Member at McDonald’s, Newry
May 31, 2022 - September 20, 2025
Gained early experience in fast-paced customer service roles, focusing on teamwork and reliability.

Education

B.A. (Hons) at Ulster University, Belfast
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2024
BTEC National at Southern Regional College, Newry
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2021
GCSE at St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook, Newry
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2019
B.A. (Hons) at Ulster University, Belfast
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2023
BTEC National at Southern Regional College, Newry
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2021
GCSE at St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook, Newry
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2020
B.A. (Hons) Screen Production at Ulster University
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2025
BTEC National in Media Studies Level 3 at Southern Regional College, Newry
January 11, 2030 - September 20, 2025
BTEC Digital Imaging, TV & Film Production at Southern Regional College, Newry
January 11, 2030 - September 20, 2025
BTEC Graphic Design & Website Development at Southern Regional College, Newry
January 11, 2030 - September 20, 2025
GCSEs including English, Maths, Science, Religion at St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook, Newry
January 11, 2030 - September 20, 2025
B.A. (Hons) Screen Production at Ulster University
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2025
Dean’s List Award for academic excellence at Ulster University
January 11, 2030 - September 20, 2025
BTEC National Media Studies Level 3 at Southern Regional College
January 11, 2030 - September 20, 2025
BTEC Digital Imaging, TV & Film Production at Southern Regional College
January 11, 2030 - September 20, 2025
BTEC Graphic Design & Website Development at Southern Regional College
January 11, 2030 - September 20, 2025
GCSEs (including English, Maths, Science, Religion) at St Paul’s High School
January 11, 2030 - September 20, 2025
OCN Business Studies & ICT at St Paul’s High School
January 11, 2030 - September 20, 2025

Qualifications

Dean’s List Award for academic excellence
January 11, 2030 - September 20, 2025
Lead Editor – Mildew (short film) shortlisted at Belfast Film Festival 2024
January 1, 2024 - September 20, 2025
Dean’s List Award for academic excellence
January 1, 2022 - September 20, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail, Travel & Hospitality, Other, Consumer Goods, Professional Services