Hi, I’m Ryan Schmitz, a video editor and cinematographer with 7+ years of experience crafting story-driven content for sports franchises, national brands, and digital platforms. I specialize in long-form and social-first video that balances storytelling, pacing, and performance, delivering polished work on-brand for clients like the Detroit Pistons, Stellantis, GM, RealTruck, and Platinum Equity. I manage full post-production pipelines from ingest to final delivery, with a focus on audience engagement, platform optimization, and collaborative editorial workflows. I thrive in fast-paced environments, partnering with producers, strategists, and cross-functional teams to create compelling content that resonates with regional and national audiences.…

Ryan Schmitz

Hi, I’m Ryan Schmitz, a video editor and cinematographer with 7+ years of experience crafting story-driven content for sports franchises, national brands, and digital platforms. I specialize in long-form and social-first video that balances storytelling, pacing, and performance, delivering polished work on-brand for clients like the Detroit Pistons, Stellantis, GM, RealTruck, and Platinum Equity. I manage full post-production pipelines from ingest to final delivery, with a focus on audience engagement, platform optimization, and collaborative editorial workflows. I thrive in fast-paced environments, partnering with producers, strategists, and cross-functional teams to create compelling content that resonates with regional and national audiences.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Ryan Schmitz, a video editor and cinematographer with 7+ years of experience crafting story-driven content for sports franchises, national brands, and digital platforms. I specialize in long-form and social-first video that balances storytelling, pacing, and performance, delivering polished work on-brand for clients like the Detroit Pistons, Stellantis, GM, RealTruck, and Platinum Equity.

I manage full post-production pipelines from ingest to final delivery, with a focus on audience engagement, platform optimization, and collaborative editorial workflows. I thrive in fast-paced environments, partnering with producers, strategists, and cross-functional teams to create compelling content that resonates with regional and national audiences.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Video Editor & Cinematographer at Zara Creative
January 4, 2022 - August 1, 2025
Led end-to-end post-production for the Detroit Pistons, Stellantis, General Motors, Platinum Equity, Kresge Foundation, Detroit Wing Company, and others. Produced in-arena and broadcast content reaching 20,000+ live viewers per game and six-figure regional audiences across the Metro Detroit market. Served as camera operator for b-roll and interviews using cinema cameras with professional lighting and audio setups. Applied color correction, audio mixing, 2D motion graphics, and sound design to ensure polished, on-brand deliverables. Managed cloud-based DAM systems and end-to-end workflows: ingest, versioning, QC, and multi-platform delivery (broadcast, digital, social). Delivered platform-specific versions managing codecs, frame rates, safety zones, and technical specifications; prepared projects for color, mix, finishing, and archival. Collaborated with producers, strategists, and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced agency environment under tight deadlines.
Freelance Video Editor at Sam Bernstein Law Firm
July 1, 2025 - November 30, 2025
Edited broadcast-ready commercials distributed across the Metro Detroit DMA, reaching six-figure audiences on linear and digital platforms. Delivered platform-specific finals for television, web, and social media in compliance with all network and broadcast specifications. Managed high-volume revision cycles under tight turnaround deadlines while maintaining consistent quality and brand standards. Oversaw post-production workflows from media ingest through final delivery, coordinating organized project structures across multiple editors. Designed custom sound beds and audio elements in Adobe Audition to support brand identity and spot pacing. Created 2D motion graphics, animated typography, and branded visual elements using Adobe After Effects and Adobe Illustrator.
Freelance Video Editor at RealTruck, Inc.
August 1, 2025 - September 30, 2025
• Edited internal corporate communications and social media content using Adobe Premiere Pro, ensuring alignment with brand standards and messaging guidelines. • Collaborated with editors, producers, and post-production teams to support active projects, implement revisions, and meet delivery deadlines. • Synchronized multi-camera footage with externally recorded audio, building accurate timelines and well-organized project files. • Integrated branded visual assets and media elements to maintain consistency across all company content and platforms. • Designed and mixed audio for final delivery, enhancing clarity, tonal balance, and overall production quality.
Freelance Videographer & Video Editor at BlackAcre Management
September 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025
Captured high-quality video content using DSLR and iPhone cameras, including b-roll, interviews, and on-location audio with professional lighting setups. Designed and produced 2D motion graphics, animated elements, and lower thirds using Adobe After Effects and Adobe Illustrator. Produced, edited, and optimized social media content aligned with brand objectives and target audience. Synchronized multi-camera footage with externally recorded audio to ensure precise alignment and broadcast-level production quality. Selected and integrated music, sound effects, and archival footage to enhance storytelling and production value. Managed cloud-based media systems and digital asset workflows, maintaining organized file structures and version control.
Freelance Video Editor at Stoffer Home
August 1, 2024 - November 30, 2024
Edited long-form YouTube content for an interior design and real estate brand, delivering engaging, narrative-driven episodes aligned with brand voice. Enhanced production value through strategic music selection, sound design, and impactful b-roll integration. Synchronized multi-camera footage to ensure seamless pacing, continuity, and visual consistency across episodes. Contributed to a content library that generated 1M+ cumulative views across the YouTube channel.
Video Editor & Videographer at Visi Productions
March 1, 2018 - December 31, 2021
Shot, edited, and color-graded cinematic wedding films and highlight reels from concept through final delivery. Led small production teams on-site to ensure comprehensive, high-quality event coverage. Operated DSLR cameras, stabilizers, and professional lighting and audio equipment for b-roll and interview capture. Managed production equipment, coordinated gear rentals, and maintained organized, efficient on-site operations.

Education

Bachelor of Applied Arts, Broadcast & Cinematic Arts / Communication at Central Michigan University
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2018

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Manufacturing, Retail, Other
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