Cut+Run has promoted Sean Stender to editor. While working in a dual capacity as an assistant and editor, Stender was nominated for an AICE award in 2015 for his contribution to the massive, multi-editor campaign for Starbucks. He was then nominated this year, alongside Sam Ostrove, on their co-edited Kendrick Lamar “Witness Greatness” video for the Grammyss and agency TBWA/Chiat/Day. In 2015, Stender won a D&AD award for “Branded film content/entertainment” for Levi’s “Oakland Skateboarding.”
Born and raised in Southern California’s San Fernando Valley, Stender grew up immersed in the punk rock culture. A self-taught musician, he spent hours locked away, learning how to play Clash and Minor Threat songs until his fingers were raw. Stender went on to start his own band, and released a 7 inch vinyl record titled, “Valley Rats.” His love for music is what inevitably introduced him to film, allowing him to channel his unique sense of rhythmic timing and pace from his days of playing in bands.
As an in-house editor at Reactor Films, he collaborated closely with directors, editing their director’s cuts, commercials, and music videos. On the recommendation of director friends, Stender contacted Cut+Run, and worked his way up to apprentice with cutter Steve Gandolfi before becoming an editor.
