Alumni Spotlight: Hannah Hallock

Over the past 110 years, more than 200,000 individuals have graduated from Webster University around the world.

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Meet Hannah Hallock, who earned a degree in Film, Television and Video Production from Webster in 2020 and currently works as an assistant editor.

What enticed you to choose Webster University for your degree?

What enticed me to choose Webster University for my degree was its outstanding film program, the study abroad opportunities and the generous financial award I received. From an academic standpoint, I was impressed by the hands-on approach in Webster’s film program — access to professional equipment, experienced faculty and opportunities to work on productions right away. That kind of immersive and hands-on learning experience was exactly what I was looking for to grow creatively and technically. I was also drawn to Webster’s global campus network. I had a wide range of universities abroad to pick from, and better yet, Webster paid for my plane ticket to the country and back. Not a lot of universities give their students that privilege. While I was at Webster, I was able to study in Oxford, England. I loved the idea of expanding my perspective and gaining international experience. On top of that, the financial award I received made attending Webster possible and genuinely exciting. It showed me the school believed in my potential and wanted to invest in my future.

What stood out about your studies at Webster?

When I first started at Webster, I was set on pursuing film directing or cinematography. But that ambition disappeared during my freshman year during my Edit and Color class. My professor immediately noticed something unique in my editing. Whenever we presented our projects, I was the only student he consistently insisted on showcasing to the class. He told me I had an instinct for editing and strongly encouraged me to consider it as a potential career path.

At the time, I wasn’t sure. I enjoyed editing, but I was also passionate about being on set, so I felt torn. However, as I continued my journey at Webster, more professors and peers began recognizing and praising my editing abilities. Their encouragement helped me see my potential more clearly. Eventually, I fully embraced editing, not just as a skill but as the direction in my film career that I genuinely wanted to pursue.

How did your Webster degree help advance you in your career?

Webster offered an extensive selection of post-production courses that allowed me to deepen and diversify my skills. I took full advantage of every opportunity — enrolling in every post-production class available to me, even weekend workshops. Through my After Effects courses, I discovered a real passion for motion graphics and visual effects. Those classes sparked a new creative interest and opened a whole new side of post-production that I hadn’t explored before. I am also grateful for the Audio Production for non-majors class I was required to take. At the time, I did not realize how valuable the content I learned would be to me later in life.

What is your favorite part about your job?

My favorite part about being an assistant editor is getting to be the bridge between raw footage and the final product. I love the organizational side, syncing, prepping and ensuring everything is smooth for the editor. It is so exciting to see how the editor brings all the footage together. Every project I work on teaches me something new, whether it is about storytelling, creative ways to edit, collaboration or a new technical skill.

What is something valuable you have learned during your career?

Throughout my career, I’ve developed a strong foundation in computer and technical skills, which are critical tools for anyone working in post-production. Looking back, one of my biggest regrets from my time at Webster was not taking any computer tech classes. I now realize how essential technical knowledge is, especially in an assistant editor role. Whether it’s troubleshooting software, managing large files or understanding the intricacies of different editing systems, these skills have become indispensable.

What advice would you give to others who are considering Webster University for their degree?

Webster University is truly a hidden gem, and choosing to attend was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The small class sizes created an environment where learning felt personal and engaging, and making meaningful connections with both professors and classmates came naturally. The compact campus was another unexpected perk. I loved being able to leave my apartment just five minutes before class and still arrive on time. Beyond academics, Webster offered a vibrant campus life, with a wide variety of clubs and activities that made it easy to get involved, meet new people and have fun outside the classroom. Lastly, living in Webster Groves was such a joy. It's the cutest part of St. Louis, for sure. My advice is, if you are thinking about attending, do it!

What is your favorite spot on your Webster campus?

There were so many great hangout spots that it was hard to pinpoint the best one! I spent most of my time at the library, the Sverdrup building and the University Center. Truthfully, my all-time favorite spots were off campus at Ted Drewes and Steak 'n Shake. My friends and I were there almost every week! I do not know how we did it; I could never eat like that now.

What has your life journey looked like?

I grew up in the Kansas City area. Since then, life has taken me to two major cities in the United States: Los Angeles, where I lived for two and a half years, and now New York City. While Kansas City and St. Louis will always hold a special place in my heart, and I’ll defend them passionately to anyone, New York feels like home in a way I have never experienced before. I hope it’s where I’ll build the rest of my life. Then again, life has a funny way of surprising us, and I’m open to wherever the next chapter leads!

What was your first job, and what do you remember most about it?

My very first job after graduating from Webster was with Galpin Motors, a well-known car company based in Los Angeles. I worked as an assistant editor on car commercials in their advertising department. I still remember the thrill of packing up and moving to L.A. I was eager and a little nervous but mainly ready to dive into a new adventure. It was my first real step into the professional film world!