Editor
Xavier Ayres Portfolio
Creative Experience As
September 2025 - March 2026
Assistant Director & Documentary Video Editor
As Assitant Director and Editor on Earth Stories, I played a key role throughout both production and post-production. During filming, I helped coordinate shoots, supported the director in managing schedules and logistics, and ensured the production ran efficiently on location. In post-production, I was responsible for shaping the documentary's narrative through editing, organising footage, refining story structure, and creating a polished final product. This experience strengthened my skills in collaboration, storytelling, project management, and documentary editing while working as part of a professional creative team.
February 2025 - May 2025
Photographer
My Edinburgh photography project focused on capturing the city's unique character through a combination of street, architectural, and documentary-style photography. Exploring the city with a visual storytelling approach allowed me to develop a stronger understanding of composition, lighting, framing, and visual narrative. The project challenged me to observe everyday moments and transform them into engaging images, helping me refine both my technical camera skills and my creative eye as a visual storyteller.
Jan 2025 - April 2025
Podcast Producer
During the production of the podcast, I was involved in researching, planning, recording, and editing the podcast which explored a range of themes and discussions. The project allowed me to develop my skills in audio production, content development, and storytelling while learning how to engage an audience through conversation and narrative structure. Through the editing process, I refined audio quality, pacing, and overall presentation, gaining valuable experience in creating professional and accessible media content.
Jan 2025 - April 2025
Director of Photography/Assistant Editor
This documentary explored the culture, people, and daily operations of a local fast-food restaurant in Newcastle-under-Lyme. From pre-production planning and filming on location to conducting interviews and editing the final piece, I was involved throughout the entire production process. The project focused on capturing authentic stories and highlighting the role independent businesses play within their local communities. It strengthened my documentary filmmaking, interviewing, cinematography, and post-production skills while demonstrating my ability to create engaging factual content from everyday subjects.
Jan 2024 - April 2024
Director
As Director of Caffeinated, a five-minute fictional narrative short film produced during my first year of university, I was responsible for leading the project from initial concept through to final production. The film transformed the everyday act of making a cup of coffee into a visually engaging narrative through the use of montage-style sequences, dynamic pacing, and a variety of creative camera angles. I oversaw the film's visual direction, shot composition, and overall storytelling approach, working closely with the crew to bring the concept to life. The project allowed me to develop my directing skills while exploring how cinematography and editing techniques can turn a simple routine into a compelling cinematic experience.
Education
2022 - 2026
School of Humanities: Film Studies and Media - Bachelors Degree
I have completed a three-year film studies course, graduating in July 2026. During my first year, I also undertook a foundation year in 2022-2023, which provided me with a solid groundwork in critical analysis, proofreading and teamwork amongst other areas. This comprehensive education equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue my passion for film and storytelling. I look forward to applying what I've learned to future projects and collaborations.
Skills & Expertise
I possess strong skills in video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects. My photography expertise includes portrait and landscape photography, with a focus on storytelling through images. In addition to these, I also have a deep interest in camerawork, lighting, and set design with a passion to learn more everyday.