Behind The Scenes of Hollywood Production with Video Editor Adam Neely
This article was updated July 13, 2024.
Aside from appearing on Bravo’s hit reality show, Shahs of Sunset, Adam Neely has built an impressive career in TV production, working on high-profile shows like The Flash, Winchesters, Empire, Outlander, and American Horror Story. Starting as a PA on the pilot of American Horror Story, Adam quickly moved up the ranks as a Hollywood video editor.
In this exclusive interview, Neely shares insights into his career beginnings, the challenges he's faced, his thoughts on the future of television, and valuable advice for those aspiring to break into the industry.
A list of Adam Neely’s Jobs in Production
Below, find a list of the projects that Neely has worked on. You can view his full filmography on his IMDB page.
The Flash - 2022 - 2023
Winchesters - 2022
Single Drunk Female - 2022
Empire - 2020
Outlander - 2018 - 2019
Star - 2018
The Babysitter - 2017
Tyrant - 2016
The Backup Dancer - 2016
American Crime Story - 2016
Scream Queens - 2015
American Horror – 2011-2016
Glee – 2011-2015
New Normal – 2012
American Crime Story – 2015
Scream Queens – 2015
Tyrant – 2016
I’m Sorry – 2017
Interview with Shahs of Sunset’s Adam Neely
What have been your Job titles and duties on shows you worked on?
I have had the opportunity to have many different titles on all of these shows. I started out as a PA on the pilot for AHS season one. When season 2 came around, I was promoted to an apprentice editor and eventually worked my way up to a lead assistant. In this industry, you become more employable and valued as a team member when you learn different skills that are outside of your daily duties. For example, while working for Ryan Murphy, I not only was an assistant editor, but I was also a sound designer, vfx editor, online editor. The more hats you wear in this industry, the more desirable you are. As a PA I would have to pick up dailies, deliver dailies and other items that pertained to moving the show forward. As an assistant editor(assistant, apprentice, lead) I would have to organize the footage, back up the footage, design sound, track VFX, turnover VFX, turn over the whole project, wrap a show. The list can go on and on for this.
How did you get your start in TV?
ADAM NEELY: I got started through a referral. I had an interview with a reality production company. Reality is not something I wanted to work in, even though my path lead me to be on a reality show. The company I interviewed with thought I had a great interview, but was not a right fit. This company referred me to AHS where I started out as a PA. I worked hard. I was the first one in and last one out most days. I always made sure to start my day around 7am. I did not have to, but I wanted more and was motivated. While I was a PA, I was doing my job as well as the assistant editors job. I proved myself to my employers, who then got me grandfathered into the union. I luckily never had to work a non-union gig. From there I persevered and became the lead assistant while working for Ryan Murphy. I made sure to work my butt off because I wanted to be independent and never have to rely on anyone else.
What has been the most challenging part of your TV career?
ADAM NEELY: The most challenging was making that next move from where I started. Before I left Ryan Murphy, I was one person working on 3 different series and 6 different episodes. This is the work of at least 3 people minimum. Something needed to change if I wanted to remain sane and happy. The only contacts I had were the ones I worked with. I began to secretly look for a different job. It was only when I found a new gig that I realized what my worth was. I was always afraid to leave the place where I started, not because I was comfortable there but because I did not have connections that could vouch for me and potential employers who could believe in me. I believed in myself and have continued to work since.
3. What do you see as the future of TV?
ADAM NEELY: TV is constantly changing. I see TV becoming mostly streaming and easily available. Shorter seasons for every series. It’s hard to say really.
4. Do you have any advice for those seeking a career in TV?
ADAM NEELY: My advice would be to work hard and pay your dues. Don’t have the dream of becoming the next big director and walk into your first interview with the attitude of one. No matter what your job is, you will start off at the bottom and work your way up. Here’s a bit of good advice: make friends with all of the executive assistants. They know everything and have knowledge of potential openings and new shows starting up. One more piece of advice, dress for the part you want on a daily basis. If you have to start out as a PA, that’s great, but if your dream is to be a producer, dress for the part of a producer and shadow as much as possible. It’s all about networking in this industry.
