Some say editing is like writing poetry. For Panic & Bob editor Tanis Darling, this edict took a literal turn with a corporate video job for The Griffin Trust.

In another example of spot-makers diversifying their work, Darling conceptualized, codirected and edited the video, designed to promote a new Canadian poetry prize administered by auto-parts mogul, adventurer and poetry enthusiast Scott Griffin.

Darling studied film at Ryerson Polytechnic University in Toronto, where she specialized in editing before spending three and a half years assisting P&B’s Michelle Czukar. Since her promotion to full editor a year ago, Darling has been cutting spots and music videos at a fast rate. The corporate video, and her role as codirector, was a refreshing change for the young editor.

‘[As an editor], you’re creating, but you’re also fixing things and working with something that’s already there. There’s already a vision of some sort,’ says Darling. ‘When they asked me to come up with the idea, I got to create something totally original and I don’t think I’ve done that since school.’

The Griffin Trust consists of two $40,000 awards for published books of poetry – one Canadian English and one international English prize. Along with Griffin, the trustees include Margaret Atwood and Michael Ondaatje.

In addition to showing it on multiple screens at last month’s award ceremony, Darling says Bravo! and BookTelevision: The Channel will also make use of the production for future promotions.

In future, Darling plans to continue cutting spots, although her experience as a director has nurtured an interest in that side of the business as well. ‘I’d like to do both, just to keep a good perspective,’ she says.

Darling would like to edit more storytelling spots to balance out her graphics-oriented reel. She is also interested in cutting more comedy spots, a style she ‘loves.’ *

-www.panicandbob.com