The American Cinema Editors (ACE) last month presented its annual awards at the Beverly Hilton. Among the evening’s winners was Servite High School alumnus and current Boston University senior Marco Gonzalez, who took home the prize for student editing. Gonzalez was the winner of a nationwide competition in which college students are challenged to use film dailies, shooting notes and script logs provided by ACE into a finished scene.
“It was really great to be able to work with footage that is from a professional shoot,” Gonzalez said. “Though the scene was short, it was pretty difficult to work with. The blocking was tricky and the camerawork required a lot of attention. Many parts of the scene required a heavy load of re-editing and polishing, but I was very happy with the final product.”
He submitted his final entry at the end of November and was notified on January 20th that he was invited to attend the awards as one of three finalists. Gonzalez and his father also attended the nominee cocktail reception the day before the awards. “I got to meet so many of my heroes, including Tom Cross, the editor of ‘Whiplash’ and ‘La La Land,’ who inspired me to be an editor.”
Gonzalez also connected with another Servite alumnus at the event, Patrick Don Vito ’87, who was nominated for Best Film Edited Feature Film (Comedy) for the film “Green Book.” Don Vito is also an Oscar nominee for his work on the film. The award ceremony itself proved to be a memorable experience. “The red carpet, the fancy dress, everything was just jaw-dropping. I couldn’t believe I was lucky enough to be there,” Gonzalez said. “I was so happy and in awe of everything. And when I won, those feelings multiplied by infinity.”
Servite teacher Jeff Baldo (also a Servite alumnus) is proud of the accomplishments of his former student. “Marco was always very hard working in my film classes,” said Baldo. “While I am extremely proud of his tremendous accomplishment, it comes as no surprise to me because of his strong work ethic, ability as a visual storyteller, and character.”
Gonzalez is already helping his fellow Servite Friars learn about careers in film, visiting his alma mater along with other film students from the past decade, to share experiences (and contacts) with them. “It’s become a neat community and is a great way for our students who are passionate about filmmaking to enjoy the Servite brotherhood,” said Baldo.
“I am just so honored and lucky to have all of this,” Gonzalez said. “I am so grateful for everything. Of course, the biggest thanks goes to my family. I wouldn’t be there or anywhere if it weren’t for them.”