Fresh Cut: Patrick Lewis
There’s a certain calm that comes with working in post—the ability (and need) to stay grounded while everything else is in motion. For Patrick Lewis, our newest staff Senior Producer, that balance is at the core of how he approaches both work and life.
From growing up across the Atlanta, GA area to carving out a path through New York & Los Angeles, his journey into post-producing wasn’t exactly linear, but it was intentional. In this interview, he talks about finding his lane, the art of keeping steady under pressure, and why staying grounded might be the most underrated tool in the industry.
Meet Patrick Lewis
Where'd you grow up?
Patrick: Mainly Sandy Springs, GA. But I grew up all throughout the Atlanta area, inside the perimeter, Cobb County, Dekalb county, everywhere.
What's something you're always hoping people bring up in conversation?
Patrick: Sports. It could be anything from combat sports to motor sports. I can get down with anything in that realm.
What's one song that makes you feel understood?
Patrick: Georgia by Ray Charles. I have a soft spot for that song for sure.
What's your astrological sign?
Patrick: I'm a Gemini.
Kyle: Do you think it fits you?
Patrick: I'm not really into astrology, but the more I learn, the more I'm like, “Damn, yeah that's pretty spot on, through and through.”
Dasha: I love a Gemini!
Patrick: You're like the only person I've ever heard say that.
Dasha: Yeah, I don't know why you guys get a bad rep.
Patrick: I don't either. We're good people. My closest friends are all Geminis.
What's something that you think is wildly underrated?
Patrick: Oh man. Peace and quiet. I'm pretty sure this has to do with being kind of in the trenches still as a dad, but there’s so much noise out there. Like, we're just constantly in noise. So, I feel like taking a second to be still, and just being quiet or in a quiet environment is so underrated.
Kyle: Just this morning, I was thinking about that Philip K. Dick sci-fi short story where you have to pay to do anything, like even open your door. Like, there’s shit coming at us from all angles. I was like, “I should listen to a podcast while I'm folding clothes.” And then I was like, yeah, actually no, I don't need entertainment all the time. So I hear that 100%.
Patrick: Peace and quiet almost feels uncomfortable and disconnecting nowadays. It’s like a skill that we have to learn and practice. I see it in my kid being bored. Like you have to learn how to navigate boredom and be creative… It’s a skill for sure.
Speaking of too much noise, what's something you’ve been watching recently?
Patrick: I just watch junk TV. It’s just intentionally bad. My go-to is Chicago PD. I love it. It’s like Law & Order, but worse. You don’t have to think too hard, but it’s just engaging enough to keep you locked in.
On Post-Producing
For those who don't know, what does a post-producer actually do?
Patrick: In my experience, it varies from place to place—the expectations are different depending on the post environment you're working in, whether it’s like a boutique style post house or you’re working with an internal post department at an agency. So, it varies but essentially I think it's on us to make sure a project progresses smoothly from tail end of production to final delivery.
That includes acting as the liaison between the agency or client and our post team, plus additional finishing partners. I think it's important for us to be grounded as best as we can be. We're all human. But I think it's important to be mindful of that because there are other people on the team that are definitely in a hotter seat than we typically are, you know?
What defines a successful project for you?
Patrick: When the client and post team stay in sync throughout, and that harmony and peace is still there through delivery. If we hit our deadlines, stay on budget, and still have that sense of ease, if people can actually joke together at the end, then it’s like, okay… we got through this the right way.
What's a small detail that non-post people would never notice, but you obsess over?
Patrick: Continuity. I can't help but see when something is off. You know, like there was just no liquid in his drink. Now he has a full drink in the very next shot?
Dasha: Yeah, I’m gonna have to agree with you on that one.
What's your dream project to work on?
Patrick: I don't really have a dream project, per se. I got into this wanting to work on documentaries and like meaningful content, or what I view as meaningful content. So, if I could work on a long form documentary geared towards a cause that I view as noble, that's what I'd love to work on. I haven't gotten to do that yet and I've been in post for over 10 years. So, I’d love to do that one day.
Kyle: Let’s make it happen!
The Path to Producing
Walk us through your background.
Patrick: I was selling shoes at Sports Authority in Atlanta, and my manager also worked for Atlanta Journal Constitution as his primary job. He did a lot of shooting and stuff and I was like, "Oh man, that looks cool. Can I tag along one day?" Long story short, they brought me in as a camera assistant intern because that's what I found cool at the time. And that's how I stumbled upon editing.
I didn't know what editing was because I had no idea of the post process at all yet. I believe this was around 2010, a time when I think a lot of people didn't know what it took to make the visuals that are made. But everybody knows about the camera person, you know? So I learned about editing, and was like, “I think I want to do that.” So I switched it up. I taught myself Final Cut Pro and just kind of started dabbling. At the time, there wasn't much work in Atlanta outside of news or music videos, which I didn’t want to do. So I said, "Hey, I'm going to move to New York and I'mma see what's going on there. I'mma really take a chance."
So I moved to NYC, did a bunch of free work, then landed an Assistant Editor role at AMC. A good friend of mine to this day taught me Avid and I went down the AE path for like four years—two in NYC, two in LA—but I got burnt out by that point. Instead of bailing on post altogether, I wanted to see how I could stay within this world. And that led me to post-producing.
The funny thing is, when I was an AE, I was very vocal about never wanting to be a producer. “It couldn't be me.” But I had some people, including one of my mentors, tell me I’d be a good producer. And now… here I am!
What advice would you give to someone starting out in this industry?
Patrick: It’s less about the job or role and more about how you carry yourself. No matter the stresses and pressures, just continue to be a good person. Stay grounded. Patience and respect for the post process go a long way. Be efficient with what you can control.
If you weren't in this industry, what weirdly specific job would you have?
Patrick: Man, I don't know the job title, but I stumbled upon this company that uses drones to deliver aid to those in need. I would be one of those drone pilots. I could fly drones as a professional helping people. That's sick.
How do you stay organized?
Patrick: I keep my calendar buttoned up, and I keep a notes doc constantly going. It’s how I keep track of things. I keep it simple.
When you're not working, how do you like to recharge?
Patrick: I gotta move. Some type of movement with the family, whether that’s the gym or getting outside for a hike or something. I like to take road trips. I like to explore. I like to see new places and stuff like that.
What's something you nerd out about outside of work that might surprise people?
Patrick: That's a tough one, man. I get weirdly obsessed with exercises for longevity.
Kyle: I LOVE that, dude.
Patrick: I almost pursued that career path in LA. I thought I wanted to do that because I've always been active. I've always played sports. Injuries happen and when I get injured, I go down the rabbit hole of rehabbing myself pretty hardcore.
Joining Lucky Day
So, you recently officially joined the LD staff. What are you most excited about?
Patrick: I think it's getting to know everybody beyond a freelance capacity because as a freelancer I think the amount that I've worked with y'all, I have an idea of the people and the personalities because I've been in and out, but it's not the same as like seeing people and talking to them every day. I'm just stoked to get to know everybody.
Who on the team would survive a zombie apocalypse?
Kyle: I love this question.
Patrick: Spencer and Molly would definitely survive. I think both of them are very resourceful, I lowkey think Spencer is waiting for it.
Kyle: I feel like Spencer probably has like a zombie bug-out kit ready to go.
Rapid fire round!
Three people to have dinner with?
Patrick: Andre 3000, Hank Aaron, Ocho Cinco
Favorites…
TV: Martin
Movie: Point Break
Book: The Art of Letting Go
Food: Popcorn
Restaurant: Little Beast in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles
Color: Gray
Music: Nas & Andre 3000
Place on Earth: Anywhere on the beach and ATL
