Continuing with our “Meet the Butcher Bird” series where we showcase our amazing crew members, we’re sitting down with one of our talented editors, Cleveen Dominguez, who discusses deepfakes, editorial sneak peeks, and why long walks are always the answer.

Can you tell us a bit about your background prior to Butcher Bird Studios?

After college, I worked as a video coordinator in my hometown. After saving up, I moved to LA and freelanced around as an assistant editor and production assistant before settling into a stable assistant editor job at a trailer house. I worked there for two years before going back into the freelance world.

Can you describe your role at Butcher Bird Studios?

I’m an Editor! I also help out with some livestream productions as an OBS Technician, which is a nice change of pace from editing, since I get to communicate with a team more and prepare for a live event, rather than long stretches of time talking to Premiere Pro.

What’s your most memorable project with the team and why?

Geeked Week 2021. It was my first time working with the team and I remember being really nervous. But within a couple days I’ve never felt more welcome! I was a fan of the content being shown too, so not only did I get sneak peeks before everyone else, but I also got a lot of chances to edit some of that material, which is what you want when you’re an assistant editor. 

Is there anything you wish you knew before starting your career?

Take more walks! That’s probably not the answer most people are looking for, including my younger self, but it helps prevent back pain and keeps your mind sane, which you need after sending out the 50th cover letter and resume to no avail. Also – cool pictures on your phone!

What does the future look like for the industry? What’s the next big thing?

I don’t wish for this, but my guess is unapologetic deep fakes in movies. I mean straight up dead actors with live actors: Marlon Brando in Goodfellas 2, Heath Ledger in the Joker multiverse, obviously disrespectful things. But all it takes is that one groundbreaking movie that wins an Oscar for it to become normalized and the line shifts elsewhere.

Finally – how do you spend your free time outside of work?

Video Games. Writing. Also seeing friends! I swear, I go outside.

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