Editor Reb Kessler has joined New York-based The Blue Rock Editing Co. He comes from Shoot First Editorial, which closed at the end of April following owner/editor Jeff Dell’s decision to retire (SHOOT, 4/23, p. 8).
A Shoot First colleague, editor Laura Milstein, has also signed with Blue Rock. She is scheduled to start on May 10, and was unavailable for comment at press time.
Kessler, who’s been in the business for 20 years, spent two years at Shoot First. Before that he ran his one-man shop, Rebel Edit, for 11 years. Earlier, he worked at Billy Williams and First Edition, both in New York.
Kessler describes his work as "eclectic." He enjoys a variety of styles, especially music-driven projects and comedy. In addition to commercials, he has an extensive background cutting music videos. Credits include the Mariah Carey/Boyz II Men hit "One Sweet Day." He also cut numerous clips as well as spots for bicoastal RSA USA director Marcus Nispel, including "Good Stuff" for the B52s.
Kessler’s currently airing work from Shoot First includes "Kitchen Tools" for Black & Decker via McCann-Erickson, New York; and Sprint’s "Business Day" via Grey Advertising, New York.
His first job at Blue Rock will be "Arabian Nights" for Huggies via Ogilvy & Mather, New York.
Kessler is already enjoying his new home at Blue Rock, which was completely renovated and reengineered a year ago. "Physically it’s spectacular, welcoming for my clients and I," he said, adding that the talent and technology makes the company well-positioned for the future. The seamless technological infrastructure, Blue Rock president Ethel Rubinstein said, "allows him to focus on the creative."
Another plus, Kessler said, is Blue Rock’s "aggressive presence in the commercial community."
"We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate that [Kessler and Milstein] joined us when they had other opportunities," Rubinstein said. "We built this company to attract editors like them."
The Blue Rock editorial roster includes Kessler, Milstein, Michael Charles, David Cornman, Maciek Godlewski, Ilene Hochman, Peter Klaus, Oren Sarch, Nico Sheers, Chip Smith, Gregg Suskin, Steve Bodner Brent Prince and Oliver Wicki.
