Hello, I’m Mike
Video Creator + Editor
I am a seasoned video creator and editor on Avid, Premiere and Resolve with a deep passion for excellence in storytelling, vision and communication.
A stunning pen portrait of me, created by Kuroneko.
Years of Filming, Editing & Live Streaming Experience
I have edited films, commercials, social media reels, music videos, interviews, technical videos, award shows, weddings, live streams, concerts, and every single project has required masterful storytelling.
A great editor knows the audience, understands pacing, flow, and, above all else, how to tell a story. Story is king. Sure, technical prowess is critical, for if you don’t understand the tools of the trade, your options become limited, which is why I will forever remain a student of the craft. But if an editor can’t see the story beyond dialogue, then the story will never be fully realized. The audience will feel a sense of lacking, even if they can’t put their finger on it.
When I approach any project, I look for the story in between the lines. I can cut dialogue with my eyes closed, but it’s the hidden subtext that I pride myself in pulling out and showcasing, so the audience truly feels immersed. The audience should feel a sense of belonging when they watch a video.
I’m one of the lucky few who knew what my passion was from an early age: to tell captivating stories and share them with the world. I have a special bond with the craft of editing. It’s in the edit room that stories are truly told. Trust in the editor is a holy thing because it’s the editor who can make years of work and millions of dollars spent pay off. But this isn’t an ego trip; this is a highly coveted responsibility that I hold with the utmost respect.
My favorite projects
"FitLift Teaser"
My first FitLift commercial was both fun and stressful. Blaine, the co-founder and CEO of FitLift, reached out to me based on a recommendation from one of my clients. He had a specific vision for the ad, but wanted to collaborate on the rest. Together, we wrote the script and managed the production, resulting in a fantastic experience.
Shooting was going smooth until we encountered technical issues with the gimbal. I was sweating bullets, but I maintained my composure and captured some exceptional footage. In the end, I had more outstanding footage than I could fit in the ad, which is always a welcome problem to have in the editing room.
"Shows Coming Soon!"
I served as Technical Director for LeFaux Productions in Seattle, WA for eight years. Among my various responsibilities, I was tasked with creating video content for the live shows and social media platforms. However, this particular video held special significance as it marked our return to live shows after the pandemic.
We needed a compelling announcement to entice audiences at a time when the public trust in the safety of live events was low. Remarkably, this video garnered the highest level of organic engagement of any post in the company’s history and we reopened to three consecutive weeks of sold-out crowds. I am fully aware that our success was a collaborative effort, but I take pride in knowing that I played my part effectively.
Kuroneko - "Almost Human"
I made a deliberate effort to step out of my comfort zone on this project. From experimenting with the lighting to incorporating motion graphics in the video, I embraced an entirely new approach to a music video.
“Almost Human” was one installment in a series of videos created for Kuroneko’s social media platforms, all of which were filmed over the course of three days. The video exudes dream-like qualities, as it portrays Kuroneko as being lost or trapped, desperately searching for an escape.
Working with Kuroneko over the years has been a great pleasure. It all began when I shot a performance for one of his earlier bands, and we have since grown as close friends. As a client, Kuroneko places a high value on unique ideas and places a great deal of trust in those he collaborates with, encouraging me to unleash my creativity to the fullest.
Fedro - "Creep"
Initially, I was hired as the camera operator for a video featuring Fedro’s cover of “Creep,” intended for release on his social platforms. It was a modest project with a limited budget, but I was thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with Fedro.
While on set, I engaged in discussions with the Producer/Director of the video, where I shared some of my ideas for camera shots. To my surprise, by the end of our conversation, he proposed that I take on the creative lead and edit the project.
I would have been proud of the shoot under normal circumstances, but the fact that I improvised this role on the spot is an extra sense of accomplishment. Directing Fedro was an amazing experience, and I am immensely proud of the beautiful result.
"The Last Delivery"
“The Last Delivery” is a self-produced short film. I have a habit of asking friends if they want to make a movie, and occasionally, they say yes. This project was one of those times!
The decision to make the film was completely impulsive, sparked after watching a football game with my brother. Many filmmakers might call me crazy, but I love shooting in the natural elements, and in my opinion, snowy environments are the best conditions for filming.
I take great pride in how this film came together. It tells a short and straightforward story, and sometimes, it’s essential not to overextend when creating.
"Preparation Meets Opportunity"
I directed and edited the initial commercial for FitLift, and shortly afterward, they approached me for another video project to commemorate the launch of their product.
We expanded upon the concept of the initial advertisement, creating a narrative centered around a collegiate athlete who achieved a championship victory for his school by utilizing the FitLift app and wristband in his training.
I was deeply honored to receive an invitation from FitLift to travel to Houston, TX as a special guest for the video premiere during their launch party.
IBT Motion Graphics Package 1
I was hired by the International Ballet Academy to edited their video for the 2023 performance of “The Nutcracker”. This included creating a custom motion graphics package for the open and close credits, as well as a short divider between acts one and two.
This video is the opening title and credits sequence.
IBT Motion Graphics Package 2
I was hired by the International Ballet Academy to edited their video for the 2023 performance of “The Nutcracker”. This included creating a custom motion graphics package for the open and close credits, as well as a short divider between acts one and two.
This video features a short snippet from the closing credits and the short divider between acts one and two.
Relevant Work Experience
On the set of “Akeli”, a short film I directed & edited for Messier 87 Films.
Video Producer & Editor for Blue Crest Pictures
- Demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid, Final Cut and DaVinci Resolve for video editing and color correction in video post-production.
- Gained experience across multiple cinema cameras with a deep knowledge of operating systems, frame rates, color space info and codecs.
- Apply creative proficiency in After Effects and Photoshop to create motion graphics and visually captivating video content.
- Leverage technical expertise to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain video, lighting, grip and audio production equipment.
- Maintain keen attention to detail, effective time management, and adept problem-solving skills for streamlined video production.
- Produce, set up and tear down live stream shows.
Technical Manager for LeFaux Productions
-
Produced and edited video content for both social media and live performances.
-
Employed industry-standard video and photo software to craft captivating visual content.
-
Applied expertise in codecs and containers to transcode video and audio materials.
-
Installed and maintained all audiovisual equipment.
-
Managed video, lighting, and audio setups for live events.
Editor & Videographer for creativeLIVE
- Leveraged keen attention to detail and technical expertise to ensure top-quality video content during the QC process.
- Collaborated seamlessly with marketing and social media teams to synchronize promotional videos with the brand’s strategic vision.
- Consistently optimized video and audio quality, producing visually engaging and professional content that met industry standards.
Lead Assistant Editor for “Hoarders: Family Secrets” TV show
- Ingested and transcoded footage for proxies and created project bins in Avid.
- Created string-outs on timelines in Avid to create rushes for Producers and Writers.
- Created and verified backup copies of all footage and assets.
- Recorded final deliverables on LTO tapes for network (A&E) delivery.
- Scheduled and assigned tasks to Assitant Editing team.
- Maintained close communication with Post-Production Supervisor and Producers.
A picture of me on the shores of Puget Sound in Seattle, WA.
Contact Mike!
Reach out and ask any questions you may have. I am always happy to have a conversation about your project and see if I am the right editor for the job!