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Optimus promotes Ariana DeSimone to editor
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Versatile editor brings talent and strong work ethic to leading production and post house.
Chicago based Optimus have announced that Ariana DeSimone has been promoted to editor.
The latest addition to the leading production and post house’s growing editorial team, DeSimone brings creativity, passion, and a relentless work ethic to her role. From her first day with Optimus as a summer intern in 2016, she worked tirelessly, seized creative opportunities, and impressed peers and clients alike. Now, she ascends to the edit chair.
“Ariana is a versatile editor who has shown that she can cut everything from comedy to fashion to docu-style,” said Optimus Editor/Partner Angelo Valencia. “She has come into her own working on music-driven spots, from videos to features such as the Chance the Rapper concert film, Magnificent Coloring World. Ariana's promotion to editor is a testament to her talent, drive, hard work, and unwavering determination. I know she will continue to push to do more and better creative work, in turn encouraging the whole editorial team to do the same.”
I am also proud to be another female added to the Optimus roster
DeSimone graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cinema Arts and Sciences / Post-Production, joined Optimus as an intern shortly afterwards, and earned the assistant editor title in 2016. In March 2020 she ascended to the role of senior assistant editor at Optimus, during which time she trained four new assistants remotely while also co-editing numerous projects with Valencia and on her own.
Says DeSimone, “This promotion is everything I have been working towards since I started off in my career. I am excited to introduce a fresh creative perspective on projects, and bring new stories to life. I am also proud to be another female added to the Optimus roster!”
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In addition to serving as the sole editor on Chance the Rapper’s concert film Magnificent Coloring World, which was in AMC theatres last summer, DeSimone has edited spots for clients such as Claritin, Disney, Dyson, Famous Footwear, GE, Nike, Pepsi, and more. Hailing from the Chicago suburbs, she enjoys spending time with family, shopping, concerts, escape rooms, and theme parks. She particularly delights in introducing new people to the Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, around the corner from Optimus. (Go-to order is the bistro hanger steak, garlic fried rice, no onions).
“Ariana brings her multi-faceted talents and generous spirit to the editorial team at Optimus,” said Optimus Editor Randy Palmer. “While she may not celebrate every job at a world premiere with Justin Bieber, as she did after editing for Chance the Rapper, her enthusiasm never waivers. It is gratifying to see her tireless efforts and boundless talent rewarded in such a deserving way.”
