I am a video editor and camera operator specializing in branded content, performing arts, trailers, and documentary work. I lead productions from concept through delivery, blending on-set work with high-quality post-production to tell compelling stories. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, I thrive in collaborative teams and deadline-driven environments. I regularly integrate AI-assisted tools to optimize workflows and keep pace with evolving industry tools.

Naima Pagano

PRO

I am a video editor and camera operator specializing in branded content, performing arts, trailers, and documentary work. I lead productions from concept through delivery, blending on-set work with high-quality post-production to tell compelling stories. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, I thrive in collaborative teams and deadline-driven environments. I regularly integrate AI-assisted tools to optimize workflows and keep pace with evolving industry tools.

Available to hire

I am a video editor and camera operator specializing in branded content, performing arts, trailers, and documentary work. I lead productions from concept through delivery, blending on-set work with high-quality post-production to tell compelling stories. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, I thrive in collaborative teams and deadline-driven environments. I regularly integrate AI-assisted tools to optimize workflows and keep pace with evolving industry tools.

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Language

English
Fluent
French
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Video Editor & Camera Operator at Self-Employed
April 1, 2025 - Present
Directed, filmed, and edited promotional and documentary content for multiple clients, managing end-to-end production from pre-production through post-production. Highlights include a brand promo for Festival Elixir Bar (Elixart), a branded video for NeoAncient, a portrait documentary for Carole Neilson, and a multi-cam theater trailer for Fairy Gold. Also produced a standalone editing pass for Moon Valley Choir’s 90-minute performance condensed into a single-song piece; the work supported new theater partnerships and industry connections.
Senior Video Editor & Camera Operator at High-End Cinematic Movement & Wellness Platform
June 1, 2021 - March 1, 2025
Led editing and on-set camera operations for branded content, multi-camera live events, and trailers. Managed a 100+ TB video archive across two NAS systems and built a 6 TB B-roll library, enabling efficient asset retrieval. Contributed to audience growth: YouTube views reached ~8 million with ~33K subscribers and Instagram following grew from ~40K to >300K. Streamlined post-production workflows, reducing turnaround time by 40% while collaborating with creative teams and social media.
Freelance Videographer & Editor at Self-Employed
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2021
Directed, filmed, and edited an art-space documentary (Curious Forge); produced promotional and social videos for local artists and women-led businesses; managed end-to-end production including concept development, filming, audio, and editing.
Entrepreneur & Educator at Self-Employed
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2015
Designed and facilitated workshops in environmental education, somatic movement, and creative practice; conceptualized, produced, and marketed independent textile work, managing the full creative process from design through sales.
Documentary Filmmaker at Snehasadan
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2004
Independently raised €10,000 to fund production; documented street children and social workers in Mumbai; directed and edited a 20-minute documentary; collaborated with Hindi translators to convey subjects’ testimonials and facilitated community screenings with support from youth-focused editorial organization.
Freelance Video Editor & Camera Operator at Self-Employed (Nevada City, CA)
April 1, 2025 - Present
Directed, filmed, and edited brand promos and documentary-style videos for multiple clients; hero videos featured on client websites; contributed to securing festival and event contracts. Notable projects include Elixart festival promo, NeoAncient jewelry video, and Moon Valley Choir trailer.
Senior Video Editor & Camera Operator at LFA - High-End Cinematic Wellness Platform
June 1, 2021 - March 1, 2025
Led editing and on-set camera operations; produced branded content, multi-camera live event coverage, and trailers over four years; managed a large video archive; contributed to significant audience growth and faster post-production delivery.
Freelance Camera Operator & Editor at Precious Ghost Fine Jewelry
January 1, 2023 - Present
Focus puller and camera operator for luxury jewelry shoots; ingested, labeled, and color-graded full day’s footage; produced two client-facing videos and BTS cut; Mother’s Day campaign achieved 4,000 views.

Education

Filmmaking & Video Production Studies at Sierra College, Rocklin, CA
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2021
Master in Sustainable Development & International Trade at Universities of Montpellier & Bordeaux, France
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2005

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other
    paper Meditation Course Trailer

    My Role in the Project
    Post-Production Creative Director
    Independently developed the trailer’s concept, narrative structure, and editorial arc
    Edited all visuals and audio
    Designed and animated text overlays with breath-based timing
    Rotoscoped multiple clips to embed text behind on-screen subjects

    Field/Category of Work Completed
    Cinematic Course Trailer
    Digital Marketing Asset
    Short-Form Branded Content

    Mediums/Tools
    Adobe Premiere Pro
    After Effects (rotoscoping, text animation)
    HD and 2.8K digital video
    Sound design and mixing

    Client Challenge
    Life-Force Academy needed a compelling trailer to promote a new online mantra course, but provided only raw course footage and a music track—without a script, creative direction, or marketing brief. They also needed the trailer to transform subtle, introspective teachings into a dynamic and emotionally engaging piece that would resonate with both existing members and new audiences across digital platforms.

    Solution Delivered
    I led the creative development of the trailer from concept to delivery. I designed the pacing, tone, and structure to reflect the depth of the teachings, integrated symbolic visuals, and crafted a layered sound design. To enhance visual depth, I rotoscoped footage to embed text behind subjects and used minimalist animations that mirrored breath and mantra rhythm.

    Date & Distribution
    Delivered: 2024
    Formats: 2.8K (16:9) and HD (9:16)
    Platforms: Course landing page, YouTube homepage, and social media ad campaigns

    paper Performance Trailer

    My Role in the Project
    Video Editor
    Edited a 3-minute promotional trailer from performance footage
    Collaborated closely with the production director and art director to align editorial tone with the artistic vision
    Shaped pacing, structure and rhythm to support clarity and impact

    Field/Category of Work Completed
    Performing Arts Promotion
    Trailer Editing
    Festival & Touring Marketing Content

    Mediums/Tools
    Adobe Premiere Pro : multi-cam (7 cameras x 2 performance nights) editing and sequence construction
    Performance footage (provided by production)
    2.8K resolution, 16:9 format

    Client Challenge
    The production team needed a concise, high-impact trailer to promote the performance to festivals and theaters. The challenge was to distill a longer, complex live performance into a clear and engaging 3-minute piece that communicates the essence and artistic identity of the work.

    Solution Delivered
    I structured the edit to highlight key visual and emotional moments, balancing narrative clarity with artistic rhythm. Working closely with the director and art director, I refined pacing and shot selection to ensure the trailer reflects the performance’s identity while remaining accessible and compelling for presenters.

    Date & Distribution
    Completed: January 2026
    Format: 2.8K (16:9)
    Use: Festival submissions, theater outreach, promotional distribution

    paper Ceramic Artist Portrait

    My Role in the Project
    Director, Cinematographer, Interviewer & Editor
    Conducted and filmed the artist interview on-site in French
    Managed all aspects of post-production: editing, color grading, subtitling
    Translated and adapted subtitles using AI plugins and manual corrections for formatting consistency

    Field/Category of Work Completed
    Short-Form Documentary
    Artist Profile / Creative Process
    Multilingual Branded Content

    Mediums/Tools
    DaVinci Resolve 20 (editing, node-based color grading, DCTL, masking)
    AI-powered translation plug-ins + manual subtitle refinement
    Shot on mirrorless DSLR with natural and studio lighting

    Client Challenge
    The ceramic artist needed a visually compelling artist portrait to present her creative process, inspirations, and client collaborations to a French and international audience. The challenge was to capture her artistic voice and visual identity in a short format, while making it accessible through accurate multilingual subtitles.

    Solution Delivered
    I created a short documentary (produced entirely solo) that reflects the artist’s aesthetic values, slow craftsmanship and intimate studio process. Shot in French and subtitled in English, the video required careful translation and formatting of multilingual captions, with manual refinement to match visual pacing. The color grade was tailored using a node-based workflow, allowing for selective masking and adjustments to match the earthy, minimal, and soft tone of her work.

    Date & Distribution
    Filmed: 2021
    Completed: 2025
    Format: HD 16:9 with subtitles
    Use: Website, exhibitions, social media, online portfolio

    paper Online Yoga Brand Trailer

    My Role in the Project
    Post-Production Creative Director
    Senior Video Editor at the Life Force Academy (2021–2025)
    Defined concept, structure, pacing, and visual style
    Directed animated text design in collaboration with a motion designer
    Shot key footage and filled gaps in b-roll library

    Field/Category of Work Completed
    Branded Video Content
    Cinematic Trailer

    Mediums/Tools
    Adobe Premiere Pro
    DaVinci Resolve (Color Grading)
    After Effects (in collaboration with external designer)
    2.8K + HD Digital Video

    Client Challenge
    The client needed a short, high-impact trailer for their flagship yoga teachings but only provided a voice recording and a music track—no script, visuals, or storyboard.

    Solution Delivered
    I directed all creative aspects of post-production, building the trailer’s visual and editorial language from the ground up. I blended archival and newly captured material into a cohesive piece, reinforcing the brand’s voice and spiritual tone.

    Date & Distribution
    Delivered: 2023
    Formats: 2.8K (16:9) and HD (9:16)

    Platforms: Website, YouTube homepage, and social media ad campaigns.

    paper Artspace Community Documentary

    My Role in the Project
    Director, Producer & Post-Production Creative Director
    Led all phases of production: concept, pre-production, interviews, filming, editing, sound design, and motion graphics
    Conducted all interviews and filmed all footage using a Canon C70 and professional lighting setup
    Created the editorial structure and crafted animated text to support pacing and messaging
    Designed the soundscape using original location audio layered with interview content

    Field/Category of Work Completed
    Branded Documentary
    Arts Organization Promo Video
    Story-Driven Short-Form Content

    Mediums/Tools
    Canon C70 + Audio Recorder
    Adobe Premiere Pro
    After Effects (text animation)
    Location audio + custom sound design
    4.5 min digital video

    Client Challenge
    The Curious Forge needed a promotional video that could authentically represent their multi-disciplinary maker space—showcasing the range of tools, people, and creative energy within the space. They had no storyboard or pre-existing concept and needed a single creator to shape the story and visuals from the ground up.

    Solution Delivered
    I conceptualized and produced a 4.5-minute promotional documentary that highlights the identity and community of The Curious Forge. Blending interviews with the founders, instructors, and active makers, I built a story arc that reflects both the artistic freedom and the collaborative structure of the space. The layered sound design weaves together ambient audio from each department—wood, ceramics, textiles, and more—creating an immersive sense of place. Custom text animations were added to support viewer orientation without distracting from the narrative flow.

    Date & Distribution
    Completed: 2021
    Formats: HD 16:9
    Use: Website, social media, internal presentations, public outreach

    paper Artisan Jewelry Brand


    My Role in the Project
    • Director, Cinematographer & Post-Production Creative Director
    • Led full production from concept to delivery: story development, shot list creation, filming, editing, and finishing
    • Captured all footage using DSLR, gimbal, and drone
    • Performed detailed color grading in DaVinci Resolve
    • Rebuilt and animated the client’s logo (PDF → Illustrator layered file → After Effects animation)

    Field/Category of Work Completed
    • Brand Film
    • Artisan Profile / Craft Documentation
    • Social Media & Website Promotional Content

    Mediums/Tools
    • DSLR camera + gimbal + drone cinematography
    • DaVinci Resolve (editing & advanced color grading)
    • Adobe Illustrator (logo vector layering)
    • After Effects (logo animation)
    • 2.8K resolution, 16:9 format

    Client Challenge
    The jeweler needed a cinematic branding video that would communicate the integrity of his fully handmade process, his connection to the landscape of Santa Fe, New Mexico and the intimate experience of working directly with clients. The video had to feel authentic, elevated and suitable for both website presentation and social media promotion.

    Solution Delivered
    I designed a narrative arc that begins in the New Mexico landscape, transitions into the artist’s studio practice and concludes with a real client interaction, illustrating the full journey from environment to craftsmanship to relationship. Dynamic camera movement (gimbal and drone), in-camera transitions, contrasts with grounded workshop details, reinforcing both scale and intimacy.

    The final animated logo sequence was reconstructed from a flat PDF into layered vector assets, allowing for a polished and cohesive brand ending.

    Date & Distribution
    • Completed: November 2025
    • Format: 2.8K (16:9)
    • Use: Website homepage and social media promotion