Behind the Title: Bandit Editor Steve Ortega
Steve Ortega is an editor at Bandit, an editorial boutique in New York City that specializes in advertising, commercial editing and post production. Ortega himself specializes in crafting engaging visual narratives for web and social media platforms.
“From an industry perspective, Bandit is a creative editorial company,” Ortega says. “For me, Bandit is really more of an ethos than just a company. It’s where I got my start in the industry, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have grown alongside such an amazing group of people. They helped shape me professionally and creatively, and on a personal level as well.”
Let’s find out more…
What does being an editor these days entail?
Much like an actor, experiencing life and culture is very important for shaping who you will be as an artist. All of that influence comes into the process with you and helps you actualize the creative vision when you are working with a team of creatives. There’s also the research and technical side of keeping up with the very rapid pace of technical evolution. Even if you don’t end up using it, it’s helpful to know about all the advancements. Post production is fast-paced, and the timelines can be pretty stressful, so keeping cool and making the process fun for everyone is important to me because, like me, most people got into this business because we love what we do.
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What would surprise people the most about what editors do, in addition to traditional editing?
Most editors I know also have a few other hidden talents, whether it’s writing, drawing, music or cooking. It takes a love of learning new things to be an editor. We often have to draw from many other talent pools during the process. Motion graphics, color, sound design, shooting footage, editing music… and sometimes even writing music, in my personal experience.
Do you put on a different hat when cutting for a specific genre? Can you elaborate?
I know there are editors out there who specialize in specific areas. In my own career, I’ve had to shift genres and styles quite often from job to job. One of my first jobs was working in a West Coast Video store. I often joke that if I could have worked there forever, I would have. I just loved watching and talking about films all day, being totally immersed in the art form. I would watch anything and everything, often more than once. I think that’s what helps me the most when I’m trying to resonate with the pulse of an edit. I will instinctively know where to start, and as the process unfolds, the final vision will become illuminated.
Are you often asked to do more than edit? If so, what are you asked to do?
On smaller-budget jobs, a certain degree of motion graphics, color knowledge and audio mixing generally comes into play, but there are also the unspoken requests. People come to you with their projects because they want them to shine, connect and captivate. To do that, you have to bring all the talent and passion you have to the table. So if there’s a chance to be creative in a way that makes sense for the project, then that will help elevate the creative; I think that’s sort of the unspoken ask.
What’s your favorite way to work with a client? Your proven method?
These days, remote work is common, and it has its pros and cons. I’m glad that working from home helps me achieve a better work/life balance, but I love collaborating with people in person. If there is a chance to sit with my client in person and work on edits together, I will always take it. We have a great space and a great team at Bandit. We have an amazing chef on staff who cooks lunch. It always ends up being a really great, productive day when I get to live in that creative space with the director or the creative team behind the project.
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What are some questions you ask of them to get the tone and pace set in your mind?
Music is a huge one for me. If there is even a subtle nudge in a certain direction musically, that will help me immensely with tone and pace. For commercials and advertising, it helps to know who it’s for, where it’s landing and what the desired audience resonates with. A lot of times, the context of tone and pace is already there. It can hit a certain beat in a comedy piece, resonate in an emotional moment in someone’s life story, or build tension to keep the audience on the edge of its seat. Often, the nature of the story itself will set the tone and pace for you.
What system do you edit on?
I started out in college on Final Cut Pro. At my first assistant gig, I learned Avid Media Composer, and then, working at Bandit, we all transitioned from Avid to Adobe Premiere. The jump just made sense for most of us. There are so many tools that help streamline the process, and it’s great to be able to bring a sequence or a shot into After Effects if you need a little extra power behind an effect you are trying to create.
Do you have a favorite plugin or tool in that editing system that you use a lot?
Time remapping is one of the greats, allowing you to easily and quickly retime and automate keyframes on a clip. Adobe recently improved the masking and added content-aware masking. Previously, if I had to work with masks, do a rough roto or mess with luma and alpha matte effects, I would bring it into After Effects, where I felt I had more control. Thankfully, they’ve been working behind the scenes to improve the quality of those tools in Premiere.
Does AI play a role in your work?
As of now, AI does not play a role in my current workflow, but knowledge is power, so for me, learning about AI tools is a must. Choosing when, where and how to use AI is the conundrum right now. There’s an ethical component, I think, that the industry is still figuring out. I always prefer to bring on a talented creative person to a project.
Can you name some recent jobs?
I had a great year last year and got to work with some really talented creatives on some really fun edits. Among them were some edits for a global Instagram campaign and a super-fun collaboration between Bridgerton and Dove for Netflix.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
Starting a job is always the most fun. Everything is new and exciting, and you get to be experimental and try things. There’s a bit of anxiety in staring at an empty sequence, but you get used to it as you become more seasoned.
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What’s your least favorite?
Legal disclaimers. They are an important but mundane aspect of certain projects.
If you didn’t have this job, what would you be doing instead?
Maybe it’s because Bandit is across the street from a gym, but I sometimes fantasize about being a personal trainer. I love the idea of helping people get into the best shape of their lives and be their best selves.
Was there a film or show that inspired you into this industry?
Koyaanisqatsi. The imagery, the editing, the music all just blew my mind. That was the first spark that lit the desire to work in the film industry.
How early did you know this would be your path?
I always loved film and wanted to work in film. Early on, I worked in preproduction as a PA. I didn’t really love it or see a pathway to what I wanted to be doing, which, at the time, was to become a director. I was working as a bartender when I got an offer to start as a runner in a well-known post company. Having had experience with editing in college, I jumped at the chance to get my foot in the door. That’s where I learned Avid, and shortly after, I landed a spot at Bandit, where I’ve been ever since.
Any tips for those just starting out?
If someone offers you an opportunity, say yes. Also, this might not be true for all situations, but in my experience, don’t be afraid to approach an editor with your goals. I’ve found that most editors I worked with on my way up the ladder were happy to help lift me up once they saw my interest and passion for the art form and my excitement to learn from them.
What are three pieces of technology you can’t live without?
Computer, internet, coffee machine.
What do you do to de-stress from it all?
Most of my de-stressing activities do not involve a screen. I spend time with my family and friends or go on a hike or to the beach. Music is also a big part of my life. I love listening to music, and I dabble in analog synthesizers and playing guitar, piano and drums. I’ll attempt to play any instrument if I have access to it.
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