David Arkema, video editor with Steadicam

When I wasn’t devouring movies and television, I spent my middle and high school years immersed in the performing arts—playing in bands, acting in musicals, and jamming in jazz ensembles. While earning a math degree and completing pre-med requirements at Hamilton College, I couldn’t shake my love of performance. That passion led me to the École Jacques Lecoq in Paris, a world-renowned theater school where I learned to tell stories through movement, mime, and improvisation. With the theater ensemble I co-founded, Wakka Wakka Productions, my work was nominated for a 2008 Drama Desk Award. The New York Times even said, “these people may be geniuses.”

Wanting to merge my love of storytelling with my childhood fascination with cinema, I discovered a passion for video editing. In 2009, I began freelancing—editing short films, performer reels, weddings, and branded content. Drawn to the art of weaving visuals and sound into compelling narratives, I deepened my technical expertise at the Manhattan Edit Workshop.

I thrive in collaborative environments, a skill honed through years of ensemble performance. I bring creative problem-solving, fresh ideas, and meticulous attention to detail to every project. Whether crafting a promotional video or shaping a cinematic story, I’m dedicated to delivering engaging, high-quality work that resonates.

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