Spencer Torok
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am a freelance video editor working in Toronto. ”
I have experience cutting a wide range of material including everything from broadcast ready, internal content, web promos to social pieces. I have a running joke whenever I’m in the edit suite that all I do is “push buttons”, but I really like to think of myself as a storyteller. I love cutting a piece of work that evokes emotion. No matter what it may be, no matter how small the piece is, I want to make you feel something. I’m always thinking of how I can string a story together in the best light.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I’ve spent a lot hours in front of a screen learning how to edit, and how to use the programs to make them work for me. I took the film school route, and got a Media Arts Diploma and interned for free to learn more about the industry. I’ve worked hard in small studios, and larger agencies, and have been freelancing since 2016. I have been lucky enough to cut for brands such as Canadian Tire, Subaru, Lyft, Goodlife and Tangerine.
How do you stand out in your field?
I try to focus a lot on my attitude towards projects. I like to make relationships with my clients rather than treat a project as a transaction only. The better the relationship, the more trust there is in me to make creative decisions and try something new.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Besides editing for clients full-time, I’m working on building my personal brand and giving back to the community. I am working away at creating presets, and projects that any beginner, or advanced user can download and use in their edits.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My style has always been raw & organic. I like to let the visuals and pacing do most of the work. I grew up filming and editing skateboard videos so there's really no other way for it to be in that genre. I tend to let that shine in my personal work and try really hard to bring that style into my professional work.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I would love to focus on music more, both playing it and being involved in music videos. I would also love to dive deeper in the motion graphics field, I love working in after effects but there's a lot to learn.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
It’s a cliché, but time is my enemy. It always seems like there isn’t enough time in a day to edit for clients, edit personal projects and be juiced up the whole time.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Hit that reply button for me!
An urgent email or phone that pulls me out of the flow of an edit sucks.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Care less about what others like & do more of what you want. Following trends is fine, especially if you’re learning new skills along the way. But when I was starting out, it took me way longer to find my own style/voice while editing because I was just doing whatever was on trend.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
How to do more of what you like & less of what you don’t.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I am open to all different types of projects and challenges, whether they are cutting together social videos.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Any lifestyle-esq gig that involves me in the creative process.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Hit me with an email at info@spencertorok.com. I respect honest people, so let me know the details good or bad. We can work through it together :)
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
I’ll take time away from the computer and focus on the little things. Skateboarding, jamming with friends, hiking or even listening to podcasts can all trigger creative sparks for me. Striving to find balance is important.
This member profile was originally published in September 2020.