Mon Rodríguez - Editor/ Director
Editor
Experience 7+ years
“My advice for anyone wanting to break into the industry would be to start building a portfolio early, even if you have to work for free or take on smaller projects at first, create content that showcases your skills and creativity.”
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
I am a freelance video editor with over seven years of experience, specializing in creative projects such as music videos, fashion films, commercials, and branded content. I work with a variety of clients, including artists, fashion brands, and advertising agencies, helping them bring their vision to life through engaging and visually compelling storytelling.
I have a background in film studies, with a specialization in editing, and I am currently completing a master's degree in Contemporary Film and Audiovisual Studies. Throughout my studies, I had the opportunity to learn alongside talented professionals who are now actively working in the industry, and I am fortunate to collaborate with them on various projects.
My work is driven by a strong passion for storytelling, using visual language and editing techniques to craft compelling narratives. I primarily use Adobe Premiere Pro, along with other industry-standard tools, to create high-quality videos with a strong aesthetic and narrative focus.
What does an average day look like in your post-production working world?
My average day in post-production varies depending on the projects I’m working on, but I follow a structured workflow to stay organized and efficient. I work from a shared studio space with other creatives, which allows for a dynamic and inspiring environment.
I usually start my day by checking emails and project updates, responding to client feedback, and organizing my workflow based on deadlines and priorities. Once I begin editing, I load footage into Adobe Premiere Pro, ensuring all assets are properly organized in bins, labeled, and backed up. If needed, I sync audio and video, apply color labels to different types of clips, and set up sequences with the correct resolution, frame rate, and aspect ratio.
The editing process itself depends on the type of project. For music videos or fashion films, I focus on rhythm, pacing, and creative transitions, often experimenting with speed ramps, match cuts, or overlay effects. For commercials, I prioritize clarity, brand messaging, and dynamic storytelling, sometimes integrating motion graphics from After Effects. If needed, I clean up audio using Adobe Audition and adjust color grading in DaVinci Resolve or directly within Premiere using Lumetri Color.
Throughout the day, I take breaks to step back and watch the edit with fresh eyes, ensuring smooth pacing and emotional impact. If working with a client or creative director, I may send preview exports for feedback and iterate accordingly. At the end of the day, I organize my project files, back up my work, and prepare for the next editing session.
However, as a freelancer, not every day involves client work. When I don’t have active projects, I dedicate time to searching for new opportunities, networking, improving my skills, or developing personal creative projects. Staying proactive is essential in this industry, and so is maintaining a sense of calm during slower periods. I use these moments to refine my portfolio, experiment with new techniques, and generate fresh ideas that can later turn into commissioned work. I want to direct and make cinema so I use that time to work on that.
How did your career in post-production begin?
I was fortunate to start my career in post-production by staying connected with many creative friends from university who were also interested in or already working in the audiovisual industry. This network allowed me to gradually gain opportunities to edit projects—often for little or no pay at first—which helped me build my portfolio and refine my skills.
Over time, as I gained more experience and completed more projects, new professional opportunities started to arise. My work became more recognized, and I was able to secure better-paying jobs with clients who valued my expertise. This journey has taught me the importance of persistence, networking, and continuously improving my craft, which has ultimately helped me establish myself as a freelance video editor.
However, the industry is not easy, especially as a freelancer. Finding consistent opportunities and making meaningful connections requires continuous effort, persistence, and adaptability. Over time, as I gained more experience and completed more projects, I was able to secure better-paying jobs and work with clients who valued my expertise but being honest this does not always help me to pay bills.
What has been your career highlight?
One of the biggest highlights of my career was having the opportunity to edit a music video for one of my favorite artists, Bad Gyal. Even though I wasn’t paid for the project, it was a huge personal and professional achievement. Being able to contribute to the visual storytelling of an artist I admire was incredibly rewarding and allowed me to showcase my skills on a larger platform.
However, it’s unfortunate that in this industry, many significant opportunities come with little to no pay. While experiences like this help build credibility and open doors to future projects, I believe creatives deserve fair compensation for their work.
Who are your role models in post?
I admire many professionals in post-production, especially those who push creative boundaries in storytelling and editing techniques. Some of my biggest inspirations come from editors like Thelma Schoonmaker, whose long-time collaboration with Martin Scorsese has shaped some of the most iconic films in cinema, and Juliette Welfling, known for her work with Jacques Audiard, bringing a unique rhythm and emotional depth to her edits.
I also look up to contemporary music video and commercial editors who experiment with dynamic cuts, visual effects, and bold storytelling. Editors who work on artists like Rosalía or directors like Hiro Murai and Kahlil Joseph inspire me with their ability to blend narrative and aesthetics seamlessly.
Beyond individuals, I also find inspiration in my peers—other freelancers and creatives who navigate the challenges of the industry while constantly innovating and redefining visual storytelling.
What advice do you have for others wanting to start a career in post?
Starting a career in post-production can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding if you’re passionate about storytelling and the creative process. My advice for anyone wanting to break into the industry would be to start building a portfolio early, even if you have to work for free or take on smaller projects at first, create content that showcases your skills and creativity. A strong portfolio is your best tool for landing bigger opportunities. It's also so important the network, connect with other creatives, whether it’s through online communities, social media, or events.
Collaboration and networking are key in this industry. Many opportunities come from personal connections, so surround yourself with like-minded people who inspire you. Stay curious and keep learning—whether it’s through tutorials, courses, or hands-on experience. Mastering software like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and After Effects is essential, but understanding storytelling and pacing is just as important. The key it's to be patient and persistent, this is not a field where success happens overnight. It takes time to build experience, credibility, and a client base. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks or slow periods—keep pushing forward and stay focused on improving your craft.
Stay organised and manage your time well because post-production involves a lot of detailed work, and deadlines can be tight. Learning how to organize your files and manage your time effectively will help you avoid stress and stay on top of your projects. Embrace your creativity and the feedback people give to you, always be open to feedback from clients, collaborators, or mentors. Each project is an opportunity to grow, and taking constructive criticism positively will help you become a better editor.
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