Skilled at combining technical knowledge with creative storytelling to edit content that evokes emotion, engage viewers, and create connections in moments of celebration and sadness. Working independently or collaborating with clients, producers, creative directors, VFX artists, colorists, and/or sound designers to deliver content that’s creatively sharp, technically flawless. Every project in my portfolio reflects years spent mastering the craft of shaping scripted and unscripted footage into stories with purpose.
dlester
Senior Video Editor with a career spanning over two decades. My entry into the industry began in local cable advertising—producing, directing, and editing commercials. From there, I expanded into editing long-format (one- and two-hour) motorsports programs, corporate training videos, and sizzle reels, while directing and editing national commercial campaigns.
That hands-on production foundation led to fifteen years of collaborating with and learning from incredibly creative individuals and teams to create and edit content for the world’s biggest sports and entertainment brands, including Inside the NBA, NBA TV, WNBA, MLB, PGA, NASCAR, ELeague, NWSL, and UEFA Champions League. My work has aired on TNT, TBS, CBS, truTV, Twitch, and across major social platforms, alongside high-impact sales and marketing reels for Turner Sports, Scripps Sports, Delta Air Lines, and The Coca-Cola Company.
As generative tech reshapes post-production, I continuously experiment with modern AI platforms across video synthesis, asset generation, and LLMs. Combining these cutting-edge tools with a deep broadcast and directorial background lets me elevate creative direction and streamline technical execution at the highest level.
Portfolio
A concentrated look
at the craft through pacing, cuts, music, color, and storytelling instinct, compressed into quick demos designed to give a fast read on skill level and quality of work that can be expected throughout my portfolio. The extended version offers fuller context to show purpose and how each piece was used. All examples are from past projects and are available in the Full Portfolio.
Built for Broadcast
Teases, show opens, roll-ins, and highlights cut under tight deadlines. Two National Sports Emmy nominations for Outstanding Editing on Inside the NBA, plus consistent on-location work at NBA All-Star, NCAA Final Four, and ELeague championship events.
30 seconds
to get attention and tell a story. Whether that's a local-cable commercial, network promo or a national commercial. Over a decade cutting promos for TNT, TBS, CBS, and truTV, building on earlier commercial work featuring sports celebrities like Terry Bradshaw, Lee Corso, and Dick Vitale.
An exploration
of leading generative AI tools for style development, concept art, and storyboarding, evaluating platform strengths and technical limits so I know which tool is best for a given task. These non-client concepts demonstrate my use and involvement with new and rapidly evolving technologies.
Awards & Nominations
PROMAX NORTH AMERICA & GLOBAL EXCELLENCE
Art Direction and Design: NBA All-Star | Rising Stars Tease (feat. voice of Snoop Dogg)
Services
Video Editing
Story-driven editing built on rhythm, restraint, and the instinct to find the story in the footage.
Motion Graphics
Bringing graphics to life with motion that supports the story, making every element feel intentional.
Color Grading
Color that evokes feeling and emotion, and balances technical precision with emotional impact.
