WFTV celebrates the Elouise Carden Rising Star Award in post production

Women in Film and Television (UK) presented the Elouise Carden Rising Star Award for Post Production in partnership with Radiant Post Production Group, at the WFTV Summer Party at BFI Stephen Street; in partnership with the Picture Shop on Thursday, 11 July 2024. 

The Award, which recognises outstanding work by an early career woman working in post production, was presented to Laura Masters, a Freelance Assistant Editor. As the winner of this award, Laura will receive a £2,000 bursary which can be used for training, professional development and equipment to further her career in post production.

With five years of experience in the television industry, Laura’s passion for editing began as a Trainee Video Editor at a creative agency in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde, where she edited videos for a groundwater project in Southern Malawi. This experience paved the way for her first television roles as a Logger and Transcriber on factual programs for independent companies, Channel 4, and the BBC.  

Laura’s diverse portfolio includes work on quizzes, sports, factual entertainment, drama, comedy, and documentaries. She excels in both unscripted and scripted television and recently worked as an Assistant Editor on the notable episode of Casualty featuring Charlie Fairhead’s departure, a highlight of her career. 

Recently, Laura was selected as one of ten individuals across the UK to join the Step Up to 2nd Assistant Editor programme at Soho Editors, focusing on High-End TV (HETV) and Features in London.  

Upon receiving the Award, Laura Masters said: “I’m very honoured and still shocked to receive this award in memory of Elouise Carden. Looking at Elouise’s career, she’s an extraordinary lady to look up to and how important it is for women to be represented working in postproduction. I’d like to say a massive thank you to my lovely nominator, Radiant and WFTV. Also, for employers who have an early career woman working for them at their company, please keep them in mind next year to be nominated for the WFTV Elouise Carden Rising Star Award in Post Production.”

WFTV was delighted to bring back this WFTV award for the third year running, as the film and TV industry still has many roles where women are underrepresented, and that is particularly stark in post production. Elouise Carden, who sadly passed away in 2020, was the joint Managing Director and Co-Owner of both Rapid Pictures and Radiant Post Production. Elouise was passionate about nurturing new talent in our industry, and in particular women working in post production. This award is in honour of Elouise and will continue the work she started.  

WFTV CEO Katie Bailiff said ‘Post production is an area where women are still largely underrepresented, WFTV is delighted to be shining a light on women in post with this award – congratulations to our winner Laura Masters who is an absolute rising star!’ 

Radiant Post Production Group said: “We are delighted to partner with WFTV again this year, the Elouise Carden award is such a special tribute to Elouise and continues her legacy of naturing young female talent. The standard of nominees was exceptional. Laura did standout for her passion and drive to succeed, she takes every opportunity and still takes the time to give back to those looking to start careers in TV.”