A good documentary trailer/sizzle reel contains powerful images that capture the essence of the story while conveying a universal meaning — something audiences can connect to on a deeper emotional level.

As an editor and writer, I’m passionate about visual storytelling and creating engaging narrative structures. I aim to craft a compelling, immersive experience that not only highlights the essence and heart of the story but also resonates with viewers by tapping into shared human emotions and universal themes.

With extensive experience as an editing and storytelling mentor (DocByThe SEA, Scottish Documentary Institute, WIFT, Australian Screen Editor Mentoring Programs), I specialise in helping filmmakers and directors uncover the core story of their projects. I also guide them in identifying the storytelling style and narrative structure that best aligns with their vision and suits their projects.

With a background and expertise in music editing, sound design, graphic design, and colour grading, I have the creative sensibility to craft an immersive emotional journey that brings each project’s vision to life. Whether working with research materials, archival or initial production shots, I can help shape the documentary sizzle reel or pitching trailer to effectively communicate the project’s vision, core message and emotional impact.

 

SIZZLE REEL // TRAILER.

  • Feature Documentary Trailer/Sizzle Reel (2025)
    Producer/Director. Benjamin Wiesner (Germany/Australia)
    Produced by MANGOMILK PRODUCTIONS

EUROPA is a feature documentary currently in production in 2025 on the European cultural walking trails. The documentary delves into the role these paths play in fostering mobility, open borders, and cross-cultural interaction during times of social unrest and the current political division. Through interviews and personal stories with the locals and the pilgrims, EUROPA aims to examine how these trails have been instrumental in shaping Europe’s identity, and how they continue to serve as vital links in a fragmented continent.

The trailer/sizzle reel was cut using footage and a series of interviews from the initial shoot on the Camino de Santiago trail in Spain and the Walk of Peace trail through the Slovenian and Italian borders. Collaborating closely with the director, we structured the trailer to introduce the historic walking trails while also reflecting on the challenges Europe is currently facing. The trailer aimed to underscore the full-length feature’s core message on how these routes, long seen as connectors of people and cultures, can help restore cohesion in today’s increasingly divided world.

Roles: Editor / Writer / Online Editor / Colourist / Music & Sound Design

  • Feature Documentary Trailer/Sizzle Reel (2024)

    Executive Producer. Ben Lawrence
    Director: Alfie Faber (Australia)
    Produced by PENTIMENTO FILMS
    Supported by Screen Australia

A Documentary that looks at the Australian Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and their role within the contemporary LGBTIQ+ community. It delves into how this distinctive group has cultivated a safe and inclusive space for LGBTIQ+ individuals across Australia, highlighting both the challenges they face and their achievements in advocating for LGBTIQ+ rights. The film also examines the Sisters' influence on Australian society and considers the impact of ageing on their members and the legacy they continue to build.

Working closely with the director, the trailer was crafted using a blend of archival footage from 16mm and 8mm film scans, ABC news archives, personal documentation and observational footage, alongside interviews with both founding and current members.

We aimed to create a heartfelt, playful, and meditative journey, offering a glimpse of the emotional tone and depth that the full film will explore.

The trailer was funded as part of Screen Australia’s 2023-2024 documentary development funding and was presented at the Australian International Documentary Conference 2024.

Roles: Editor / Writer / Online Editor / Colourist / Music & Sound Design / Motion Graphics & FX

  • Feature Documentary Teaser/Sizzle Reel, Australia (2022)
    Producer/Director. Jolyon Hoff (Australia)
    Produced by LIGHT SOUND ART FILM & THE SURF FILM ARCHIVE

    Supported by The Adelaide Film Festival Fund

A poetic avant-garde documentary of Australia’s early surf counter-culture with unearthed footage of digitally scanned and restored 16mm surf films of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. Inspired by ‘Moonage Daydream’, this cinematic journey tells the story of a community that took off up the coast and discovered a new way to live.

The teaser/sizzle reel was funded as part of The Adelaide Film Festival Fund and was presented at the Australian International Documentary Conference 2023. The feature documentary premiered at the 2023 Adelaide Film Festival and was a finalist for the Documentary Australia Award at the 2024 Sydney Film Festival.

Roles: Editor / Writer / Online Editor / Colourist / Music & Sound Design

  • Feature Documentary Theatrical Release Trailer (2013)
    Producer/Director. Daniel Ziv (Canada)
    Supported by BIFF Asian Cinema Fund/Asian Network of Documentary Fund

Streetside (Jalanan) follows three marginalised street musicians in Jakarta, Indonesia, who struggle to lead meaningful lives in a city rapidly overrun by the effects of globalisation and corruption.

The trailer was produced for the theatrical cinema release after a well-received run in international film festivals, winning the Best Documentary at the 2013 Busan International Film Festival and The Audience Award for Best Documentary at the 2014 Melbourne International Film Festival.

Roles: Editor / Writer / Online Editor / Colourist / Sound Design

  • Feature Documentary Trailer (2007)
    Director. Harold Monfils (New Zealand)
    Produced by EARTHSYNC India/UK

A journey of survival through the music of the six countries affected by the 2004 tsunami, shots in Indonesia, India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Burma, and the Maldives.

The trailer was cut from the finished feature film to promote the DVD sales and film online. The feature won the Best Film at the 2008 Byron Bay International Film Festival and was broadcast on the National Geographic Channel worldwide.

Roles: Editor / Writer / Online Editor

VERTICAL TRAILER.

 
 

  • Feature Documentary Vertical Trailer (2025)
    Producer/Director. Benjamin Wiesner (Germany/Australia)
    Produced by MANGOMILK PRODUCTIONS

A vertical version of the trailer designed for social media. Some shots have been adjusted to fit the vertical format, and we explore various split-screen techniques to create a more engaging visual experience for the viewer.

Roles: Editor / Writer / Online Editor / Colourist / Music & Sound Design

  • Ernest edits on AVID Media Composer, Adobe Premiere Pro & Davinci Resolve, and is available for on-location and remote work (with 5TB online storage space).

    EMAIL: edit@ernesth.com