Spencer Bakalar is a documentary editor. Recently, she edited DREAM BIG: The Michelle Wie Story (2024, Peacock) and The World According to Allee Willis (2024, SXSW Film Festival). Other recent work includes short doc series TOP CLASS: The Life and Times of the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers (2024, Amazon) and The Rule of Sedona Prince (2022, ESPN).
Her love for storytelling began in North Carolina in the ‘90s, reading with her twin sister on the floor between their beds. That enthusiasm only grew as she directed, filmed and edited short docs as a staff journalist at the Los Angeles Times and TIME Magazine. She was then drawn to focus on longform storytelling through her first love, editing. Her work has been recognized by SXSW, Tribeca Film Festival, IDA, the News and Documentary Emmys, and the Webby Awards.
Spencer graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she studied photojournalism and history. She is based in Los Angeles and regularly teaches filmmaking workshops. She’s also an avid hiker, a twin and a violinist!
Recognition:
2024
SXSW Film Festival - The World According to Allee Willis
2022
Tribeca Film Festival - The Rule of Sedona Prince (ESPN 50/Fifty)
2021
IDA Screening Series (TIME Studios Shorts) - Notice of Eviction
Medal Finalist, Video of the Year, SPD - Unknown
2019
News and Documentary Emmy, Nominee, Outstanding New Approaches: Current News - Guns in America
American Film Showcase Official Selection and Expert - Firsts
2018
Livingston Award, Finalist - The Silence Breakers
Webby Awards, People's Choice Awards (Video, News & Politics) - The Silence Breakers
POYi, Documentary Project of the Year, Firsts
Webby Awards, Nominee (Video, News & Politics) - Firsts