We recently connected with Eddie Ringer and have shared our conversation below.

Eddie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

My interest in editing started when I was 15. My parents had a half broken camcorder that they were going to throw out. Like many other teenagers of the “Jackass” era I was interested in documenting my high school antics. So I asked my parents if I could have it. The zoom didn’t work and the quality was terrible. Also, this story predates digital so the only option for editing was tape to tape. Such hurdles are virtually unthinkable in modern terms.
It made me resourceful. It taught me how to embrace flaw. In a production, you never get everything you need, everytime. There’s an infinite amount of factors you’re up against.
As the editor, it’s my job to make something great in spite of these limitations. Resourcefulness and an open mind are needed to tackle these puzzles. Oh and lots and lots of patience.
At the start of every project I watch every clip of the footage in realtime. Selecting moments I think will work well in the edit. No stone unturned. This process is very time intensive and can feel tedious but it’s arguably the most important part of the process. My goal is to know every detail of the footage and speak to each shot in relation to how it works in the edit.
After this step is complete, I begin actually editing. First, I create a version that is in line with the storyboards. Then I experiment with new ways to tell the story. Working the material over and over, allows me to discover more efficient ways of telling the same story along with stylistic techniques to make the edit more interesting. Not always but often I will use a candid moment before action is called or a junk camera move to create idiosyncrasies in the edit. It’s these details that make a cut more interesting and often elevate the piece.
I work late hours refining my edits before a first review. I want the director and agency to fall in love with it the first time the watch. When I’m successful with that, it’s the best feeling.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a commercial film editor based in New York. I’ve worked on a number of advertising campaigns for brands like Nike, Apple, Peloton, Ford, Toyota, Michelob Ultra and more. I describe my style as kinetic and visceral often using conceptual sound design to enhance the film.
My start in the industry was working agency side then transitioning to independent editing companies. I’m currently represented by Cartel.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Creating something evocative is the most rewarding part of what I do. Being able to apply intentionality to my work to get the desired response. This takes years to get good at and I’m convinced impossible to perfect completely. Still,
I try anyway.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Showing up and doing my job with enthusiasm and keeping an open mind. I try to always approach each project like something I’ve never done before. I truly give a rip about the end product and I think people see that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thedeadringer.com
• Instagram: @thedeadringer
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddieringer