By CAROLYN GIARDINA
After 40 years in the business, veteran editor Jeff Dell has announced retirement plans. He is winding down operations at his New York-based shop Shoot First Editorial, which is slated to close at the end of the month.
Shoot First, originally named Jeff Dell Films, has been servicing the commercial and broadcast promo community for 35 years. During this time, Dell served the dual role of owner and editor. His recent clients included ABC, Sprint, Panasonic and Canon.
During his career, Dell collected two Clios for editing. He was recognized in ’72 for "Wide World of Sports" direct for ABC. He earned the second in ’83 for Timex’s "Time Machine" via Grey Advertising, New York.
When asked the reason for the timing of his retirement decision, he initially joked, "I’m too old." Then he simply said it was time. An avid painter, Dell said his work is displayed in a gallery in Easthampton, N.Y., and he intends to spend more time pursuing that hobby.
Shoot First editor Ciro DeNettis has joined Rhinoceros, New York (see story below). Other Shoot First editors had not announced plans at press time.
Director Jack Begert Joins Biscuit For His First Commercial Representation In U.S. & U.K.
Biscuit Filmworks has added filmmaker Jack Begert to its roster in the U.S. and U.K. This marks Begert’s first representation in advertising, building upon his acclaimed work in music video and film. He is best known for his striking aesthetic and surreal use of visual effects, displayed in his feature film debut Little Death, which won the NEXT Innovator Award at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The film stars David Schwimmer, Gaby Hoffman, Dominic Fike, and Talia Ryder, and was produced by Darren Aronofsky.
Miami-born and L.A.-based, the USC Film School graduate began his career in VFX and as an editor. Begert has worked with iconic musical artists including Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Flying Lotus, Childish Gambino, and Olivia Rodrigo, and has independently directed international campaigns for brands such as Apple, Converse, New Era, and Reebok.
Shawn Lacy, founding partner of Biscuit Filmworks, said of Begert, “We are such fans of his work--and of him as a creator, thinker, collaborator, and great guy.”
“My creative approach is often about trying to discover something unexpected in the filmmaking process,” said Begert. “Biscuit is a place where I can bring my own perspective to the work and still feel supported. That philosophy is clear from the talent they represent, and I’m excited to join their roster.”
“Jack’s work blew me away the moment I first saw it,” said Rupert Reynolds-Maclean, managing director at Biscuit Filmworks UK. “He is a modern young director who clearly cares deeply about both craft and the necessity for it in his storytelling. Everything always pushes the narrative forward. We’re looking forward to making great work together.”
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