Having settled into his role as Assistant Editor on The Shield, Hunter Via has never been more comfortable in his professional life. “I’m having a lot of fun,” he says. “It’s a really good show.” After winning several Emmys and Golden Globes in 2002, the series is getting more attention than ever before. “It was a really big surprise because it’s never happened for any show on a channel like FX before.”

Of all the possible positions on a television series, there’s something about the editing process that keeps Hunter coming back for more. “Being an editor you can totally change the story. By showing a close up at a certain point you can give an emotion to a scene that wasn’t planned. It’s so creative.” Working on a hit series is very rewarding, but requires a lot of work in order to keep up with the relentless schedule. “There’s a ton of stuff to remember, especially on our show,” he explains. “You don’t work on one show, you work on every show. At any given time you’re at different stages with up to five shows.”

Most people have to work for a living, but Hunter Via has been fortunate enough to get paid for doing what he loves most. “Editing’s all I want to do,” he says. “I went into Full Sail knowing that was what I wanted to do. I’m kind of boring that way.” If living out your dreams is boring, consider Hunter Via in a coma.