If you’re reading this congrats! You’ve already made it further than 99% of the population.
I got my start in the film world back in 2009 doing research on a documentary project in Philadelphia. Getting the taste of the film life inspired a move out to LA later that year. After bouncing around as a PA for a year my first major breakthrough was at a post house called Rock Paper Scissors where Oscar/Emmy/Clio winning editors gave me the best informal grad school on the planet. After three years as an assistant editor it was time to expand my skills.
I pursued a certificate in screenwriting and directing at UCLA Extension while simultaneously honing my cutting and story skills as a freelance TV editor, working with Vice, A&E, 72&Sunny, and other fantastic ad agencies. From 2018 through 2021, I settled into a full-time editor position with Panay Films in Santa Monica, cutting for major brands like Microsoft and T-Mobile (including a 2019 Super Bowl ad) and also edited two streaming episodes of “Not A Sports Show” starring Lil' Rel Howery, among other TV projects.
When not editing, I independently wrote and directed short films and music videos and completed several television pilot scripts. During the height of the pandemic in 2020, I created and produced a web series called Flu Boos. Two episodes were produced virtually with actors across the country. Back in L.A. I directed the third episode, “Livin For The Likes” which eventually played at film festivals. In December of 2021, I wrote and directed the short film White Elephant with a cast and crew of 25 people. This dark comedy satire won the audience award at the Burbank International Film Fest beating out over 100 other shorts.
My next project The Triumph of Ken’ichi is a tale of magical realism inspired by a true story and set in the world of a Hollywood Hibachi restaurant. A fundraising campaign launches at the beginning of June leading up to a shoot in the late summer or early fall of 2023.
I wake up every day excited to bring stories to life and work with good people. If you’re interested in collaborating, please reach out directly at KoMassiah@gmail.com or 619-481-1260.
