Editor Cary Gries has shifted coasts, moving from Santa Monica, Calif.-based Superior Assembly Editing Company to Progressive Image Group (P.I.G.), New York.
In addition to editor, the multi-skilled Gries has also worked as a director, DP, producer and sound editor/sound designer. In fact, Gries frequently handles sound design on his commercial work
Gries grew up in New York and admitted, I always wanted to be back here. … I sent reels to a number of places and got really nice responses. Freelance agency creative Scott Carlson helped Gries reach his decision to make the move. He saw my work and was very impressed with it, Gries said.
He added that he chose P.I.G. for a number of reasons. I really like the people a lot. It seems like everyone is very supportive of one another. P.I.Gs editorial roster is rounded out by owner Tim Sherry, Eric Horowitz, Elaine Volpe, Jon Stefansson, and Joe McKay.
He also appreciated the technical set up, which along with the Avids includes Editbox, sound design and graphics tools, as well as production equipment.
Among Gries favorite work completed during his stint with Superior was Budweisers Dreams via DDB Needham Chicago. Geoffrey Barish of bicoastal HSI Productions directed. Gries especially liked the feeling that infused this spot. It begins by revealing the majestic Budweiser Clydesdales, and then follows a young horse that dreams of attaining this proud position. Music from a 60-piece orchestra accents Dreams.
Gries describes his editing technique as cathartic. Its something that I feel. I feel like I can cut anything that is presented to me as long as it has feeling. You trust it. Its real. It pulls at my heart.
Gries has cut numerous Budweiser spots for DDB, among them Open Road and the aforementioned Dreams. His reel also contains Miller Lites Theater via Minneapolis-based Fallon McElligott and MCIs Demonstration out of Messner Vetere Berger McNamee Schmetterer/Euro RSCG, New York.
Gries began his career as a television editor. In 87, he co-founded L.A.based Downstream Films, where he edited and produced music videos. In 89 he moved to Don Guy & Associates in Sausalito, Calif., where he was repped as a director/DP and editor for long and short form projects. That was the period during which the Avid Media Composer changed the face of editing. When Avid came out I re-fell in love with editing, Gries recalled. Random access made everything very positive.
At the end of 93, he formed Gries Films in Venice and began concentrating on editing, largely in the commercial arena. In 96, he decided to sell his business and join Superior Assembly.
During his stint in television, Gries earned three Emmy nominations for his editing. In 82 he was nominated for NBCs Real World; he earned two more in 92 and 93 for, respectively, Laugh Ins 25-Year Anniversary Special and Laugh Ins Valentines Special.
