Cut+Run Editor Andrea Mendoza’s work effortlessly spans many genres, with a focus on comedy borne from hilarious and utterly relatable moments.
Her careful attention to detail and impeccable sense of timing shine in collaborations for Apple, Michael’s, Dodge, Infiniti, Jack Links, and AARP starring Betty White, among many more. In addition to editing, Mendoza’s creative voice is seen in her still photography where portraits and places are brought to artful and atmospheric life.
She got her first camera at 11 and it has been a constant companion. And while editing came first as a craft, it was only after she became a fully-fledged editor that she focused on photography with the same level of intensity and passion.
Let’s meet Andrea!
What’s your origin story?
Born and raised in Houston, Texas. One of four children and half of a pair of twins. Left for college in the mid-90s, and settled in NY in the early aughts.I was a very curious child, frequently spending my afternoons exploring the neighborhood on my BMX with my twin brother. (I loved that bike!)
As I grew a little older I discovered being creative meant more than just paints and colors, enamored with the music videos on MTV, movies and photography. From early on I knew I wanted to create. With a little luck, opportunity and hard work I feel so grateful to be a part of this editorial community.
Andrea, how did you get into editing?
After arriving in NY, I began working at a production company where I met some wonderful folks who eventually introduced me to the world of editing.
Who were your mentors?
My first mentor was the CFO at time at Epoch Films, she now has her own company NEED Financial. Without her love and support, I definitely would not be the person and editor I am today. I eventually found myself in Austin, TX working under Sam Selis who really taught me how to work with footage. Always letting the footage dictate the story, among many other lessons.
While there will be others, what do you consider your biggest achievement to date?
The relationships I have made over the past 2 decades in this beautiful community we find ourselves a part of.
What drives you to create?
I just have to, creativity is something that stirs deep from within. It has to be expressed in order for me to have a sense of fulfillment.
What shows are doing the best job of portraying strong women on TV?
Hmm, well the first show that comes to mind is The Handmaid’s Tale. Even when stripped of everything these women portray strong resilience, vulnerability and humanity.
REELated:
Coffee, Lunch or Happy Hour. Name a famous woman you would like to attend each function with.
Extended coffee date with Oprah
Power Lunch with Annie Liebovitz
Happy Hour with Dolly Parton
Andrea, what is the biggest challenge to women in your industry?
Breaking into the boys club, I think there are implicit and explicit biases when it comes to working with women in this industry. Garnering the baseline level of respect freely given to our male counterparts.
How has having the superpower helped you?
I think women generally have a greater sense of empathy, this can carry through in our editorial choices. I often edit by how a person makes me feel, I trust that intuition and find a way to make those pieces work in the larger structure.
If being a woman is your superpower, what is your kryptonite?
The boundaries, limitations and ceilings put in place for women in our society/industry.
When you’re not creating, what do you do in your off time?
When I’m not creating I’m watching a good show, reading a good book, having a delicious meal with my beautiful wife, playing records, playing a game, playing with my pup, quoting movies and Seinfeld, having a smooth whiskey, the list can go on…
Predict your future! Where are you in 5 years?
Definitely still creating. The best is yet to come!
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