Rising Stars: Meet Dominique McCoy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique McCoy.

Hi Dominique, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It all started while I was working as a researcher for the Today Show. I went on assignment with one of the Producers and I noticed everyone working in production was either white or male. I knew then I wanted to change the narrative and work in production.

I’ve always edited videos during my college career using Final Cut Pro #CSUN #GOMATADORS! I already had a camera and was familiar with shooting, so I would go out and shoot content but it was something about making the content that I shot to look and feel good. So I began shadowing individuals and teaching myself how to use other editing software like Premiere Pro.

When I was saved up enough money I purchased my Mac Book Pro because that’s what the other editors were using, along with the Adobe Creative Cloud and from there I began working on personal projects and finding reasons to edit.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some obstacles I faced in the past as a freelance video editor would be knowing what effects to apply or if to apply any at all and knowing how to separate myself from a project.

At times working on different projects I find myself becoming too attached to the piece and wanting to add my creative touch. While in some cases this is totally fine, I had to remind myself that executing what the client wants is the overall goal.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I enjoy storytelling and producing creative content. I create stories that narrate the experience of muted individuals. Additionally, my editorial skills in Adobe Premiere allow me to develop notable marketing visuals with value and sustainable messaging. I enjoy receiving deliverables and putting pieces together to tell a story.

One of the projects I’m most proud of is a short film I worked on called 14 days by Theo Perkins. This experience was both exciting and challenging. It was my first time editing a short film and might I add during a global pandemic.

The film was shot during the pandemic and some scenes were shot via zoom. Because of this, I was limited in the angle options that were provided and had to play around with the scale size to capture certain expressions or emotions. Overall with a few adjustments, some added transitions and a lot of late-night calls and emails, I was able to execute the vision of the director and the team.

What makes you happy?
Doing activities that allow me to tap into my inner child, such as dancing, skating, hiking, cycling and most recently running although I’m still debating if I’m actually happy or smiling through the pain…perhaps both. I’d like to consider myself an adventure bae.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://domsmccoy.wixsite.com/my-site-1/contact
• Instagram: @bydominique_mccoy, @domsmccoy
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWifVI30u6sNtUNoVo9-bg