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Before he became an editor, Sam grew up a classically trained pianist, tutored by a stern yet compassionate Russian teacher who encouraged artistic expression, even if it meant bending rules and making mistakes (Thanks, Miss Olga).

While he didn’t become a professional musician, a childhood spent sitting and pushing keys prepared him for the edit suite, where he has accumulated over a decade of experience. His work has shown on Al-Jazeera, CNN, Vice, eNews Africa, and PBS.

He finds it supremely satisfying putting order to chaos, especially when directors give him hours of footage and say “make something.”

He does not say this sarcastically.

Once in a while, Sam picks up a camera and works as a DP. Though wrist strains from years of piano and boxing have made holding his camera rig a rather painful exercise.

When he’s not in the edit suite, by the piano, or in the boxing ring, he is nowhere else, because he pretty much only does those things. Otherwise, he’s on gastronomical adventures, exploring Chicago neighbourhoods with his partner.

Sam speaks Mandarin Chinese, English, and Spanish. He can also curse in Zulu, having lived in South Africa during his younger and more rebellious years.

His favourite piece on the piano is Chopin’s Ballade No. 1 in g minor, Opus 23.