Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Federica Intelisano. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Federica, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Is your team able to work remotely? If so, how have you made it work? What, if any, have been the pitfalls? What have been the non-obvious benefits?

Yes, my team and I are fully equipped to work remotely and I’ve been doing so successfully for years, both as a senior editor and an animation director. Remote work has become an integral part of my workflow, especially when managing international teams of animators, designers, and assistants.
I’ve built a system based on organization, accountability, and trust. My team in Milan, for example, supports me with fast turnarounds on deliveries, proxy edits, versioning, and technical prep all in sync with my editorial direction, whether I’m in Los Angeles or elsewhere. In animation direction, remote collaboration is essential: I coordinate artists across time zones and keep momentum through clear briefs, consistent reviews, and dedicated pipelines that allow us to work in a continuous loop while one side rests, the other side produces.
That said, I do believe in the power of in-person sessions with directors and agencies. I love being in the room when ideas are born. But I’ve also seen how remote sessions can be just as effective especially with the right tools and mindset. Some clients still hesitate, often due to concerns like lag or a lack of “real-time presence.” But these are easily resolved using the right platforms (like live-streaming review tools or collaborative editing software).
When remote doesn’t work, it’s rarely because of the distance, it’s because the wrong team is in place. Trust, alignment, and professionalism are what make it work. Once those are established, geography becomes less relevant.
The less obvious benefits have been remarkable. Working remotely has allowed me to collaborate with exceptional talents globally, expanding not just my professional network but also my creative perspective. It creates flexibility for artists who might otherwise feel geographically limited. For those of us working in the creative industry, where personal growth feeds directly into professional excellence, being able to travel, experience new cultures, and connect with different creative minds is essential. Remote work allows that, without sacrificing client relationships.
If you’re a strong, reliable professional in your hometown, you can be the same , or better, anywhere. In my experience, remote workflows don’t dilute creative collaboration: they elevate it.

Federica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Federica Intelisano, a Senior Video Editor originally from Sicily, now based in Los Angeles. Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked across commercial, narrative, and artistic projects for global clients like Nike, McDonald’s, Prada, and Lamborghini, collaborating with agencies including TBWA, Droga5, and Publicis.
I’m primarily an editor, but my practice has naturally expanded into VFX Creative Direction and Animation Direction. That evolution has made me a more complete storyteller, able to shape projects with both precision and imagination. I bring structure, clarity, and rhythm to the process, always grounded in emotional impact.
I work closely with directors and agencies to translate ideas into strong visual narratives. Recently, I’ve begun collaborating with post-production teams around the world, which allows me to stay focused on creative leadership while building meaningful international partnerships.
What sets me apart is the way I lead creatively while staying open. There is no ego in the room with me, only deep respect for the work and the people involved. Clients value my calm under pressure, my attention to detail, and my ability to guide a vision from concept to execution with care and commitment.
While I run a small studio called Innerspace, my approach is highly personal. I see every project as a collaboration built on trust. Whether it’s a campaign, a film, or an animated piece, I’m here to bring your vision to life with honesty, intention, and craft.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation has been built on a combination of creative dedication, strong ethics, and deep respect for the people I work with. I’ve always approached this profession not just as a job, but as something personal. In the creative industry, every project is shaped by who you are, what you’ve experienced, and what you’ve learned. I carry that with me in everything I do, and I think people can feel it.
I’m extremely reliable because I don’t take this work lightly. When I commit to a project, I give it everything, not just in terms of time or skill, but in presence and intention. At the same time, I know my limits. If I sense I can’t offer 150 percent, I simply say no. That honesty has built trust. Clients and collaborators know that when I say yes, it means I’m fully in and that their project will receive the same level of care and attention I’d give to my own.
I also value the work and effort of everyone involved. I believe in creating environments where every contribution is seen and respected. I lead with professionalism, but never at the cost of empathy. What matters to my collaborators matters to me, because that shared investment is what leads to outstanding results.
In the end, I think people remember how you make them feel during the process, not just the final cut. And I always try to make sure that process feels grounded, honest, and creatively fulfilling for everyone involved.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn the idea that giving a lot to a collaborator like my time, creative input and network, would naturally build the kind of partnership I envisioned. I shared what I had with genuine intention, hoping to support their growth, but I came to realize that not everyone approaches collaboration with the same mindset.
That experience taught me to be more mindful of where and how I invest my energy. I still believe in mentorship and creative generosity, but now I lead with clearer boundaries and choose to work with people who value mutual respect and commitment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.federicaintelisano.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/federica.intelisano/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/federica.intelisano.2025
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/federica-intelisano-a0283136/
• Other: https://vimeo.com/federicaintelisano