Timing, Collaboration and the Art of Crafting a Story with Joaquin Machado
Editor Joaquin Machado shares insights into his creative process and influences in his recent conversation for LBB’s ‘Finely Sliced’ series. With a background in music, Joaquin is known for crafting memorable and quirky spots, collaborating with top brands and agencies such as BMW, Toyota, Nestle Toll House and Affirm. Since joining Abandon's team in 2024, his distinguished voice has continued to shine. Joaquin emphasizes the importance of a thorough editing process, which begins with carefully watching the footage to identify authentic moments that capture the essence of the story. He often creates multiple versions of an edit, including one that aligns closely with the storyboard and another that reflects his unique perspective. This method allows clients to see the various possibilities and potential within their material.
Throughout his career, Joaquin has benefited from the mentorship of talented editors such as Tom Muldoon and Jim Hutchins, who taught him about timing, collaboration, and storytelling. He believes every edit, regardless of length, should have a clear arc that provides a satisfying build and release of tension. Drawing from his musical background, Joaquin integrates music into his edits to enhance the mood and rhythm, adjusting its role depending on whether the focus is on dialogue or visuals. Influenced by editing styles in Edgar Wright’s films, classic 'Bugs Bunny' cartoons, and Old Spice commercials, Joaquin appreciates both natural and flashy editing approaches that seamlessly engage viewers.
