March 12, 2006

Really Cool Company, Inc.
Really Cool Person
123 Main Street
Portland, Oregon (but you could be anywhere because I’m set up to work remotely)

Dear Hiring Manager:

I am writing in response to the Final Cut Pro Staff Editor position currently available. I was very excited to receive your phone call and learn about this opportunity with your Really Cool Company, Inc. As you may or may not recall, I have an extensive background in professional, long-format broadcast editing and have been a Final Cut Pro expert since version II on OS 9.

Over the last seven years, my editing work has been seen on INHD, HDNet, HDNet Movies, FuelTV, CBS, and public access television. Because of my FCP credibility, I was hired at HDNet before they even looked at my reel, and was subsequently hired away by a former HDNet producer who started SportsHD Productions.

My current job as Senior Editor of SportsHD Productions has provided many challenges over the course of the start-up’s short history. In addition to being in charge of all series and promotional editing, I am also responsible for the integrating and daily maintenance of two Final Cut Pro edit bays (one Quad 2.5 and one Dual 2.7) including XSAN, XRAID, and XSERVE storage infrastructure. Additionally, it’s my job to make sure all the equipment integrates smoothly with our AJA Kona cards and breakout boxes, Sony HDV cameras, various routers, associated cables, random switches, and Sony HDW-2000 HDCAM deck.

Also, along with being a Final Cut Pro expert, I’m a handy son-of-a-gun with DVD Studio Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Flash, and HTML.

More than just a software expert, I know that editing is equal parts math, science, and art. There is a system and a rhythm to quality and entertaining editing that is often not learned from tutorials or classes. I love editing because I really feel it’s where all the magic happens, and Final Cut Pro is simply an extension of my brain. I think in moving pictures, and as a moonlighting independent filmmaker, I know my editing skills will go a long way to hide any mistakes, equipment, and personnel shortfalls inherent in production.

In short, I’m a damn fine editor and an even nicer young man. Without question, I’m easily qualified for this job and would be an asset to the entire Really Cool Company team. As you’ll notice on my resume, hiring me for this position will bring a slew of new talents to your staff and facilities, and at the end of the day, you’ll know I can get the job done - whatever it may be. As great and as much fun as it is to collaborate with others, I can essentially take over as a one man show, from writing, to field producing, directing, shooting, editing, mastering, and uploading of any project - any time - anywhere. I’m a production stud, but for now - lets just get me in that Final Cut edit chair.

EDIT
Better yet, lets forge a friendship and see if you can help me connect with folks interested in the indie filmmaking scene. See, as much as I enjoy editing shows and promos for broadcast, I really really really want to step out of the dark room and get behind the lens more often.

You know, directing is really my passion - and I’m kind of tired of this crappy ass tv stuff. Lets make some art! You’d like to make art at your company, wouldn’t you! Even if you don’t, perhaps you, as the wealthy owner, have some wealthy friends who wouldn’t mind throwing a couple hundred $$$G’s at a strapping young filmmaker so he can tell a couple of stories he’s really dying to tell.

At the very least, I hope you’ll pay me a decent wage so when I walk in the door after a four day weekend looking hung over, you’ll know that I’ve been spending all those hard earned dollars you paid me by making short films in my spare time and flying all over the country to go to film festivals.

EDIT

Oh yeah, I love wearing sweatshirts too, and I have shaggy (read: artsy!) hair. Your clients will love me.

A very big thanks to you, and I hope you enjoy my accompanying DVD reel.

Sincerely,

Josh Oakhurst