Here's some stuff I've edited!
I also wrote and directed many of the things on this page... But by FAR I spent the most time editing. That's the way it goes, ain't it?
Featured Project
South Coast Yacht Club
Tagline:
Come join the adventure.
Description of Project:
I’ve recently been making the switch to editing primarily in DaVinci Resolve (I’ve been loving the boost in efficiency), and I created this project as a way to explore different features of the software.
The concept was to make a cinematic promo for the fictional “South Coast Yacht Club.”
Special Editing Challenges:
This project was created entirely using stock footage. As such, a big challenge was to create a sense of narrative flow, despite not having a script, lead actors, or consistent locations. Along similar lines, creating visual consistency across the piece took some attention, as the footage used came from a wide variety of cameras and often with highly varying color profiles.
I also built the opening 3D logo from scratch in Adobe After Effects, and created the musical transitions using audio effects in the DaVinci Fairlight page.
Edited in (What kind of software used?):
DaVinci Resolve & Adobe After Effects
Link:
Client Work
Gulfstream Outdoors - YouTube
Tagline:
Let’s print some lures and go fishin’!
Description of Project:
This is an ongoing project in which I'm editing weekly videos for a YouTube channel with DIY content focused on 3D printed fishing lures.
Special Editing Challenges:
A big part of the editing work here is to highlight the host’s sense of fun and to keep the videos zippy while ensuring that the technical information remains clear and easy to follow. There are also frequently sections of screencap tutorials in CAD software; these portions, in particular, require significant cutting to increase the speed, but also attention to detail to avoid confusing jumps or inconsistencies.
Each episode requires a wide variety of editing tasks, from cutting and sequencing, to audio cleanup, special effects, music selection, sound design, color correcting and grading, titles and graphics, and thumbnail creation.
The episodes are also shot on a variety of cameras, including 360 cams, and often with simultaneous coverage, so Multicam editing workflows and good organization are a must!
Edited in (What kind of software used?):
DaVinci Resolve & Adobe Premiere Pro
Canva & Photoshop used for thumbnails
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBlMr15jJog&t=647s&ab_channel=GulfStreamOutdoors
Freelance Copywriter
Tagline:
I became a freelancer and you can too!
Description of Project:
This was a particularly fun project for me because the host of the video is my sister! She's been killing it as a freelance copywriter and wanted to make some how-to videos for new freelancers for use on a possible new YouTube channel.
Special Editing Challenges:
The editing style for this video is particularly fast-paced and fun. We wanted to use memes, graphics, and pop culture references to keep the information entertaining and zippy, and to highlight Grace's sense of humor and personality.
From a technical standpoint, the edit also involved color correction and grading, audio post-processing, titles and graphics, transitions, and sound design among other things.
Edited in (What kind of software used?):
Video edited in Adobe Premiere Pro. Adobe Photoshop and Canva were also used to support graphics and logo creation.
Media captured on (What kind of camera / audio equipment?):
Canon 5D Mark III
Link:
https://vimeo.com/665323266/37e3a88154
Home Repair DIY
Tagline:
Let’s build together.
Description of Project:
This was a short episode I put together for the DIY YouTube channel Next Jeneration. It’s in that fun, social-media / HGTV crossover style, with a balance of humor and information.
Special Editing Challenges:
Part of the challenge for this video was to match the channel’s pre-existing style and sensibilities. NextJen already had an intro, standard transitions, and a fairly established sense of humor. My mission was to create an installment that was fun and new but also blended seamlessly with their body of work.
Edited in (What kind of software used?):
Adobe Premiere Pro
Media captured on (What kind of camera / audio equipment?):
DSLR + Lav Mic
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/c/NextJeneration
Blockchain Tutorial
Tagline:
Connect your website or app to a Metamask Wallet!
Description of Project:
An hour-long crypto and blockchain coding tutorial.
Special Editing Challenges:
Like many of my client videos for YouTube, this project sought to balance technical information with a fun, pop-culture-referencing style. In this case, the content was particularly complicated and technical, so the edit required close attention to detail. I trimmed 2+ hours of coding screencap down to 1 hour, but carefully aligned and retimed the screen capture to the audio track to avoid jumps or confusing transitions.
The hour-long runtime also posed some basic logistic challenges, in that it required greater organization simply to navigate the video efficiently, keep track of changes, review the overall flow, and maintain consistency throughout.
Edited in (What kind of software used?):
Adobe Premiere Pro
Link:
https://vimeo.com/697392715/4a236f8ac6
Here’s some stuff I directed AND edited!
But first, a caveat about the content below.
I shot a lot of this stuff when I was poor!
I didn't have access to cinema cameras or extensive crews or professional audio gear. We did the best we could with what we had at the time, and we had fun doing it!
If anything, that meant I had to be MORE particular in post to try to cover for rough audio, grainy footage, continuity errors, etc.
So try to just think about things like narrative pace, timing, flow, etc, and don't judge the technical aspects of the footage or audio too harshly. Think how good these films would look shot in 4K with a good gaffer and sound mixer! Ahh alas...
Of course... I could have shot more, and perhaps had more opportunities to level up the technical quality of my content... if only I had known a trusty editor who could handle the lengthy post-processing for me so I could get back to filmmaking! ... ;)
Short Films
The Nutcracker Bullet Ballet
Tagline:
Nick is having one bad day. If he can beat the bad guy, save the girl, and deliver the package, it'll be a Christmas miracle!
Description of Project:
A 9-minute Christmas action-comedy I wrote, directed, and edited on a $500 budget.
Special Editing Challenges:
The editing for this project required lots of quick cuts to sell the stunts and action, as well as numerous VFX and SFX for firearm muzzle flashes and impacts.
Edited in (What kind of software used?):
Adobe Premiere Rush + Adobe Premiere Pro
Media captured on (What kind of camera / audio equipment?):
Shot on iPad Pro
Budget:
$500
Link:
Lightbulb Moment
Tagline:
Dim wits and bright ideas collide in this Pasadena noir!
Description of Project:
A noir-comedy I wrote, directed, and edited as part of a special challenge to myself to make short films for only $12 each.
Special Editing Challenges:
Timing was essential for the edit of this film - both in landing the fast-paced banter, and in timing the slapstick elements to work against whimsical pre-existing background music.
Edited in (What kind of software used?):
Adobe Premiere Rush
Media captured on (What kind of camera / audio equipment?):
Shot on iPad Pro
Budget:
$12 (No kidding!)
Link:
Captain Bloode
Tagline:
A Damsel, a Dashing Hero, and a Dastardly Pirate meet in the woods...
Description of Project:
An adventure-comedy I wrote, directed, and edited as part of a special challenge to myself to make short films for only $12 each.
Special Editing Challenges:
This film was shot entirely on an iPad, so part of the editing challenge was to find a style and look for the piece that would work. I landed on the “old silent film” look and had a lot of fun playing with this format.
There was also a special coloring challenge in one sequence where the color of red blood needed to pop through the otherwise black and white film.
Edited in (What kind of software used?):
Adobe Premiere Rush
Media captured on (What kind of camera / audio equipment?):
Shot on iPad Pro
Budget:
$12 (For real!)
Link:
Sunshine
Tagline:
Looks can be deceiving! Especially in the wild n' wooly world of modern dating.
Johnny just scored a date with Sunshine, the most radiant, stunning woman he's ever seen. There's only one problem: turns out she's gross!
As Sunshine casually reveals more about herself, Johnny must contend with an onslaught of deal-breakers. But what about Johnny? Is he what she was expecting? Watch and find out!
Description of Project:
I was hired to direct and edit this tongue-in-cheek dating comedy in 2017 on a budget of $10,000.
Special Editing Challenges:
The edit required very careful attention to timing to land the comedic beats of the film. Several scenes also featured improvisation from the performers; while this resulted in some great moments and one-liners, it also created a challenge to maintain continuity in the final cut.
Also, in post, it was discovered that some footage had been under-exposed, so careful color correction became a key part of post-processing.
Edited in (What kind of software used?):
Adobe Premiere Pro
Media captured on (What kind of camera / audio equipment?):
Sony a7S II on DJI Ronin 3-Axis Gimbal
Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Mic with Zoom H4N Handy Recorder
Budget:
$10,000
Link:
https://vimeo.com/ocdprods/sunshine
Raiders in the Attic
Tagline:
In the Claman household, retrieving something from the attic can be a bit of an adventure...
Description of Project:
As a sort of "Ode and Master Study," I undertook to remake the idol sequence from the beginning of Raiders of the Lost Ark, but starring my own sister as an intrepid adventurer sent to retrieve a special piece of decor from our family's all-to-cluttered attic. I wrote, directed, and edited this short film in 2015 shortly before moving to Los Angeles.
Special Editing Challenges:
Unfortunately, a good portion of the sound recorded turned out to be too quiet or had significant hiss, so audio cleanup was a big part of post-processing. Quick, careful cuts were also frequently needed to sell stunts and surprises, and several sequences required matching the narrative flow up with pre-existing background music.
Edited in (What kind of software used?):
Adobe Premiere Pro
Media captured on (What kind of camera / audio equipment?):
Canon 5D Mark III
Rode NTG 2 Shotgun Mic with Zoom H4N Handy Recorder
Budget:
$500
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcmvfrOpMOs&ab_channel=MikeClaman
Ripper
Tagline:
Some of the worst monsters are right among us.
Description of Project:
A period-piece thriller I wrote, directed, and edited in 2015. My first short film!
Special Editing Challenges:
The editing focus was on creating a sense of narrative build and increasing unease. There was a moment where removing the audio of a character whose back was turned to the camera created an unplanned but fairly dramatic moment of suspense. It's always good to stay creative with your options!
Edited in (What kind of software used?):
Final Cut Pro
Media captured on (What kind of camera / audio equipment?):
Canon T3i Rebel
Rode NTG 1 Shotgun Mic with Zoom H4N Handy Recorder
Budget:
$150
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCdiyohifVo&ab_channel=MikeClaman
Web Series
Rollups
Tagline:
Another day, another bin of silverware. Side work carries on as Michael meets new members of the Jammin' Cod crew. They're an odd bunch, but could he ever be one of them?
Description of Project:
I co-created, directed, and edited this comedy web series about the absurd private conversations between restaurant wait-staff. This was sitcom style and fast-paced, and required managing a significant amount of media and project files.
Special Editing Challenges:
This project involved 7 episodes worth of media, each shot on an A-Cam and B-Cam, so file organization was essential in post-processing. Narratively, the episodes relied on comedic timing and quick cuts to sell the banter and light-hearted pace of the show.
Edited in (What kind of software used?):
Adobe Premiere Pro
Media captured on (What kind of camera / audio equipment?):
Canon T3i
Rode NTG 3 Shotgun Mic with Zoom H4N Handy Recorder
Budget:
$1000
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOHRp3-tEN4&t=1s&ab_channel=OCDProductions
Video Podcast
The Adventure Movie Club
Coming Soon
Tagline:
Welcome to the Adventure Movie Club, where we do deep dives on adventure movies of all kinds! What makes them great? What makes them misfire? And what is it that sometimes turns them into a classic!? Time to head... to the CLUBHOUSE!
Description of Project:
I am currently producing the first run of a video podcast discussing my favorite genre - Adventure Movies!
Special Editing Challenges:
The episodes are filmed from three angles and are about 2 hours each, so require a multi-cam editing style as well as an audio cleanup in Adobe Audition. I’m also creating the title cards, motion graphics, and various sound effects and audio gags for the episodes.
Edited in (What kind of software used?):
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Audition
Media captured on (What kind of camera / audio equipment?):
Samsung S21+, Canon T3i Rebel, Nikon D5600
Rockville RMC-XLR Mics with Zoom Podtrack P4 Recorder
Budget:
$500
Link:
N/A ... yet.
Short Videos
I am SO over this.
Tagline:
I am soo over this.
Description of Project:
This was a short comedic video I made for a friend on his birthday! (He asked me to record my impression of him as a gift.) While it was created quickly and on no budget, it was especially fun to let loose during the edit to make something splashy and light-hearted.
Special Editing Challenges:
The edit involved syncing with music, tiling the frames, reversing footage, and playing with timing and playback speeds.
Edited in (What kind of software used?):
Adobe Premiere Pro
Media captured on (What kind of camera / audio equipment?):
Samsung S8
Budget:
$0
Link:
The Decision
Tagline:
Flip a coin? How about: twirl a gun.
Description of Project:
While waiting to act my scene in a short western film, I found myself with a prop, a costume, and some spare time. So I grabbed my phone and filmed a little shoot out of my own!!
Special Editing Challenges:
The main editing challenge for this piece was to create convincing sound and visual effects for the gunfire at the end, including the bang, muzzle flash, smoke, and gun cocking sounds.
Edited in (What kind of software used?):
Adobe Premiere Pro
Media captured on (What kind of camera / audio equipment?):
Samsung S8
Budget:
$0
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jphFIm3Y9Q0&t=1s&ab_channel=MikeClaman
Lamb
Tagline:
He's back from the dead and has been given the gift of tongues... Now, how's he gonna use it?
Description of Project:
I adapted this comedic scene to use as part of my acting demo reel. It was shot by film students at Columbia College Hollywood in 2016 and was meant to be edited by a student there as well. Due to some scheduling delays, however, I ended up taking the footage and cutting it together myself!
Special Editing Challenges:
This project was shot at a high resolution relative to the editing processing power I had at the time, and so required a proxy-based workflow. It also required some day-for-night color grading and several stunt sound effects.
Edited in (What kind of software used?):
Adobe Premiere Pro
Media captured on (What kind of camera / audio equipment?):
Shot on RED DSMC Epic M-X 5K (I think)
Budget:
$0
Link:
https://vimeo.com/177732347
Double Indemnity Scene
Tagline:
A woman's husband murdered, a couple on the run, and a plan unraveling at the seams...
Description of Project:
I adapted this dramatic scene from James M. Cain's crime novel "Double Indemnity" to use as part of my acting demo reel. It was shot by film students at Columbia College Hollywood in 2016 and was meant to be edited by a student there as well. Due to some scheduling delays, however, I ended up taking the footage and cutting it together myself!
Special Editing Challenges:
This project was shot at a high resolution relative to the editing processing power I had at the time, and so required a proxy-based workflow.
Edited in (What kind of software used?):
Adobe Premiere Pro
Media captured on (What kind of camera / audio equipment?):
Shot on RED DSMC Epic M-X 5K (I think)
Budget:
$0
Link:
https://vimeo.com/178641304
Other
Monologues
Tagline:
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow...
Description of Project:
For fun, for auditions, and to practice my acting skills, I have shot and edited numerous self-tapes and monologues over the last six years.
Special Editing Challenges:
In this widely varied category of project, I have incorporated sound effects, background noises, music, VFX, specialized color grading, transitions, frequent title cards, and more. Due to the number of projects, it also required efficient and consistent file organization and data handling.
Edited in (What kind of software used?):
Adobe Premiere Pro
Media captured on (What kind of camera / audio equipment?):
Canon T3i Rebel
Some iPad Pro
In-Camera Audio Primarily
Budget:
$0
Link:
An example:
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynFx0vl8Atc&ab_channel=MikeClaman
Han and Chewie:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6eWEWtFZ0Q&ab_channel=MikeClaman
Demo Reels
Tagline:
Who am I this time?
Description of Project:
As an actor, I have always edited my own materials. This has required me to make frequent new reels and to manage dozens and dozens of separate project files and source materials. Good organization is a must!
Special Editing Challenges:
Editing demo reels can be a particularly difficult task, requiring very careful selections of material, significant trimming to just the essential moments, cutting in and around scenes to largely remove other performers but without ruining the sense of the narrative, effective transitions to connect the inherently disjointed material, and attention to aspect ratios, frame rates, resolution sizes, and other formatting concerns.
Reels also require frequent updates, and so require good file management and project organization.
Edited in (What kind of software used?):
Adobe Premiere Pro
Media captured on (What kind of camera / audio equipment?):
Highly Varied
Budget:
N/A
Link:
Dramatic Reel: https://vimeo.com/390638746
Comedic Reel: https://vimeo.com/244501442
Voice Demo Reels
Tagline:
I just gotta say one thing...
Description of Project:
As well as video reels, I have also made several voice-acting demo reels, featuring both character voices and narration style work.
Special Editing Challenges:
These reels were made in Adobe Audition, and required special focus on audio cleanup such as removing hiss and background noise, punching up the clarity and resonance of the vocals, and using music and transitions to knit together tracks that flowed naturally.
Edited in (What kind of software used?):
Adobe Audition CC
Media captured on (What kind of camera / audio equipment?):
Rode NTG 2 Shotgun Mic and Zoom H4N Handy Recorder
Budget:
$0
Link: