Today’s Notable Young Professional is Daniel Reis, who works on commercials, webisodes, music videos and short films as an editor at post-production company Panic & Bob in Toronto. What was the inspiration for his career route? Find out in today’s profile…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
As an editor at Panic & Bob, a post-production company in Toronto, I have the opportunity to work on commercials, webisodes, music videos and short films. As editors, we tend to collaborate with talented filmmakers, creative directors and producers to create content that connects with audiences across all media.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I started my career at Panic & Bob as an intern and worked my way up to an editor. I was drawn to the approachable, friendly culture and opportunity to learn and refine my craft across a variety of video content – commercials, music videos, features and documentaries.
I have always been inspired by the blend of creativity and technology of the commercial film industry. Even before university, I used to cut short films on my old purple iMac. I found editing the most satisfying and inspiring part of the filmmaking process, whether splicing 16mm film on a Stennbeck or using enhanced software like Final Cut Pro or Avid.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Assembling the first rough cut of any project is still my favourite part of the job. Being alone with the footage and just making decisions to tell the best story is like writing to me, but using images instead of words.
As an editor there is always a new challenge, especially as technology is rapidly changing. You have to be one step ahead.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
The future of the creative industry is forever changing, so staying ahead of the trends and having a bit of foresight into new technologies is where I want to be. Being able to adapt to a variety of content whether video, mobile, interactive and looking at new ways to engage audiences through new forms of storytelling excites me as well.
What does success look like to you?
Building a reel you can be proud of, working with clients you admire, and being at the forefront of new developments in technology.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
My most memorable journey was editing a short film for BravoFACT alongside a very close director friend of mine in the industry. We grew up together creating video on an old Mini DV camcorder, to this year screening a beautifully shot, fully mixed film in a theatre
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Editing is my passion and has been a career path that I just had to follow. My advice is to research and connect with the industry. You never know where a conversation is going to lead.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I volunteer my time to the creative community, producing/editing video content for WORN Fashion Journal – an independent publication about the history, personal stories, cultures and subcultures of fashion.
Describe your ideal retirement: how old will you be and how do you plan on spending your retirement years?
Anything around food and travel. However, I don’t see myself giving up my love for film, it will be always part of my life.
What to you is notable?
Fighting for a more diverse representation of race, age, gender, sexuality, and ability in our culture. There are so many stories that are worth telling and they’re not being told.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.