Meet Bill Marmor | Video Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bill Marmor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bill, what do you want people to remember about you?
When considering one’s legacy, it is essential to reflect on both the past and the future. Reflect on how your past experiences contribute to a larger narrative. In the moment, you may not consciously approach your work with this perspective; rather, you are immersed in the tasks at hand, pushing yourself and absorbing knowledge.

As you progress, you may find yourself evolving into a leader or a prominent voice in your field of expertise. Personally, I aspire for my legacy to be defined by the high quality of work I have contributed, particularly in the realm of kick-ass editing. I aim to be recognized as one of the youngest and fastest editors in the field. However, my legacy goes beyond mere accomplishments; it encompasses values such as honor, leadership, and the ability to educate the next generations on the essence of being an editor.

For me, a meaningful legacy involves not only achieving excellence but also imparting the knowledge of how to maintain it. Not every task may result in an award, but that does not justify approaching each job with the same mindset. Respect plays a significant role in this journey, encompassing respect for the process, the individuals involved, and the relationships built along the way.

Whether it’s the trust of clients, the support of employees and partners, or even constructive criticism, these interactions shape the legacy we leave behind. A comprehensive legacy, in my view, encompasses talent, excellence, leadership, and profound respect for both the work and the individuals involved.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One aspect of commercial editing, in particular, involves the encouragement to apply styles and techniques that are considered experimental or push the limits of conventions. During college, I delved into the works of James Joyce’s “Ulysses” and Jean-Luc Godard, both of whom, in their respective mediums, pushed limits and created new ways to tell a story. They broke established conventions and chose to narrate their stories in innovative ways, using a new voice. This concept always resonated with me, and when I finally had the opportunity to edit, I was eager to attempt it as well.

Whether through jump cuts, alternate speeds, or adopting a non-linear narrative, editing allowed me to express myself artistically while still delivering a compelling story. What I discovered was that applying a unique style engaged the audience, keeping them interested, and, by the end, the product or concept was fully realized. By hitting the audience on different levels, I aimed to provide them with more to watch, more to learn, and, hopefully, more to enjoy.

A crucial lesson for me was allowing myself these opportunities and not always playing it safe. Playing it safe can only take you so far. In our business, especially in editing and commercials, where everyone sees your work on TV or the internet, each job requires giving your best and pushing all limits and styles. The mantra is never to settle, never think, “Okay, everyone would do it this way, what else can I do?” Instead, focus on how to enhance the story, amplify the impact, and support the product.

From my experience, clients generally react positively to these attempts. Even if not every stylistic choice is a winner, the goal is to offer new approaches to the same story, which can be eye-opening. The idea is not to win every style battle but to present new perspectives that broaden the possibilities and improve the overall storytelling experience.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The great thing about LA is that you can experience so much culture and diversity in just one day. An ideal itinerary for an out-of-towner would begin with breakfast at Malibu Farms on the pier in Malibu. Overlooking the Pacific is the best way to start the day in LA and take advantage of the West Coast vibes.

For the daytime, you can either head to the beach or explore downtown and check out galleries or cool shops. Downtown LA has undergone remarkable transformations that are truly amazing.

Later in the evening for dinner, you should head to K-town and grab some grub. There are so many places to choose from, and I prefer to wander until the perfect spot catches my eye. If you’re still awake, consider visiting Skybar at the Mondrian for drinks and fun. It offers the best view of LA at night and is a perfect way to end the day (or morning).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
How did you reach the point you are at now? It’s never the result of just one person shaping who you’ve become today, but rather a community of individuals who have left an impact on your life. This includes my dad, who took me to movies, my great uncle with his past work at MGM, and friends who shared my passion for films. A pivotal moment for me was working on American Tail during a summer job, meeting Spielberg, and witnessing the intricacies of the industry. However, it was the fortunate opportunities that consistently propelled me forward.

At each crossroad, I faced choices, and for me, the decision was to stay on this path. Although I had considered becoming a lawyer and even took the LSAT, I never had to pull that trigger. Landing my first film and collaborating with highly skilled editors motivated me to pursue the next opportunity. In fact, when I interviewed at Red Car (my initial staff assistant job in commercials at the age of 22), the two assistants who interviewed me tried to dissuade me from taking the job, citing a tough editor and predicting I wouldn’t last. They even placed bets on my success. Despite their warnings, I took the job and excelled. These individuals, who guided me in making the right decisions for myself, are the ones I truly appreciate. We are all the sum of our experiences.

Website: rexedit.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billmarmor/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billmarmor/

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