Meet Serge Martinenko | Motion Picture Editor and Post-Production Professional

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

Hi Serge, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am born in province of small Eastern European country called Latvia. It was a part of Soviet block before it got it’s independence about 30 years ago. Growing up in society that was recovering from “brick and mortar” regime taught me appreciation for simple things and as a personal memory it is a good reminder of where it all started. Going back to this in my mind reflects on the path I’ve made so far. It makes me humble, thankful and gives me more energy to grow as a person and professional.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a motion picture editor for film and television with skills in other post-production needs. My first year in Los Angeles I sworn to myself no matter what I would do I should not ended up employed to make my needs because that is not why one go to Los Angeles. With advice of number of LA established friends I took on full time modelling as first then alongside started to take on film crew jobs to learn more about production through experience. Picture editing opportunity came to me when I had a chance to see work of my (then future) mentor. At some point I asked his take on something I was editing as a side job and he encouraged me to do it for living. John is one of the top editors in Hollywood so I took his advice seriously and followed through with it.
Was it easy to start? It was challenging to the nerve braking point on number of occasions. But once I was through first year with it I felt that I’ve learned a lot more than I had in last decade. It still is challenging on certain levels but I’ve learned how to look at it differently and embraced it as a part of what I do and opportunities started to open up from that moment.
What makes me different apart from others is how others see me as a person. In the city of film industry where everyone is highly skilled at what they do and have few other extra professions is pointless to classify anybody as better than the other because of one of the other professional trait. It’s not about being better it just puts one in to a category. I don’t look at this as a competition. Creatives connect on personal level. I open up conversation about something unrelated to work at every single first meeting with my client. I am more interested in that person what kind of human being it is and if we will get along. Same if anybody interviews me no matter what their status or influence is because I am thinking of a long term game. Always. Will I be happy working with this person 10 years from now? That is what matters and makes difference.
One major thing I’ve learned working in big city like Los Angeles with a lot of distractions and opinions is to practice how to balance career, personal life and everything in between. Being truthful, genuine and fair to myself and the others all the time because I want to surround myself with same kind of people.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would indulge their desire to visit stomped out Hollywood spots that were glorified in their minds for first couple of days and then take them to real places: any beach up north Malibu, then to LA mountains, Newcomb Ranch and Wrightwood in a same day, followed by Norton Simon Museum, Getty, LACMA for art fix, followed by my favorite places to eat Aroma Coffee and Tea in Valley Village for breakfast, Harvest Moon for lunch and Firefly for dinner and taking in incredible sunsets every evening.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many!

– My close family throughout entire journey
– Sharon Allicotti who is incredible LA based artist and her husband John Axelrad A.C.E who is my current mentor.
– Gil Nevo, DTLA based creative entrepreneur and visionary who is giving me a lot of great advice.
– Christopher Hayman, owner of Sonic Gods Media
– Sanyika “The FIrestarter” Street, a ball of positive energy, life coach and mentor.

– and many more!

You choose 🙂

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

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