“Editing is fun – it’s figuring out a fluid puzzle with multiple solves,” says Rachael Waxler, who joined the Union family in 2012. “It’s also an opportunity to give a unique voice to a narrative.”

In the advertising arena, Waxler’s notable editing projects have included Carl’s Jr (via 72 and Sunny), and a pair of campaigns via GSD&M: the award-winning “Kate and Heather” Beauty Campaign for Walgreens, directed by Rachel Goldenberg, and Hilton Garden Inn, starring Judy Greer.

After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Radio, Television, Film and Public Relations, Waxler assisted at Butcher Editorial and The Whitehouse, before arriving at Union and editing high-profile campaigns for Ford (Team Detroit; Alex Gibney, director), and Diet Pepsi (TBWA\Chiat\Day; Tarsem, director), among others.

“I love telling all kinds of stories – ghost stories, tall tales, bedtime stories,” Waxler says, and this is evidenced by her feature directorial debut, the documentary, Miss Snake Charmer. The film, which she also edited, covers the true story of an annual beauty pageant held in Sweetwater, Texas. This is not just any beauty pageant: this is also the world’s largest rattlesnake roundup, in which the teen contestants must prove their bravery by killing, and skinning, a rattlesnake before showcasing their talents and evening wear. The winner then spends the weekend reigning over pits of live vipers.

When not filming rattlers and beauty queens, Waxler enjoys reading, painting and hiking. She hates to cook.