Kevin Ray Joins TBD Post, Ben Montez Promoted to Editor
Post production and editorial studio TBD Post has brought editor Kevin Ray on board. Following years of project collaboration and recent freelance work, Ray and TBD Post have made the relationship official. The Austin-based facility has also promoted Ben Montez to editor — further expanding the company’s editorial roster and short form team.
“I’ve been lucky enough to work with Kevin on both the agency and vendor sides,” notes the studio’s executive producer, Rachel Kichler. “He's so great in the room. He's fast, so versatile, and he can do anything you put in front of him. He has an amazing rapport with everyone he works with, which is why he’s built so many strong client relationships throughout his career.”
Ray joins TBD Post following a nearly decade-long stint as an editor for Union Editorial. The Savannah College of Art and Design graduate started his career in Los Angeles, where he cut his teeth in the commercial world at White House Post and worked on multiple features. He then moved to Texas, where he served as an assistant editor for several years. Ray has worked with Preacher, GSD&M, McGarrah Jessee and others on brands including Google, Ram, ESPN and Shake Shack.
“I’m very excited to be working in a shop that does such wide-ranging work,” says Ray. “It’s creatively invigorating to be in the mix with all kinds of projects, and I’m looking forward to working on some long form projects in addition to my commercial work. The space is incredibly client-friendly, and the team could not be better to work with.”
Montez assumes the role of editor following a year stint with TBD Post as a junior editor and finish assist. The Texas native graduated from USC Film School, and like Ray, discovered a passion for editing that eclipsed an early directorial direction. A devout music lover, Montez got his start cutting music content for bands including Pearl Jam and My Morning Jacket, as well as extensive work with the LA Philharmonic. His commercial projects have included brands such as Walmart and Instagram.
“TBD has an amazing editorial team, and they also offer color, sound and VFX services,” says Montez. “Getting to work across that entire pipeline has made me a better editor. Being in the chair here, I’m able to collaborate and problem solve with an amazing team, and having everything under one roof is only a benefit to my clients.”
Ted Griffis, TBD Post’s co-founder and senior editor, notes, “Kevin and Ben both bring so much to our editorial division. They are super smart, incredibly talented, and they have great sensibilities. Most importantly, they are both great people. That’s a company rule — we have a “nice people” only policy here!
“Both editors are going to further strengthen our commercial department, but they will also have the opportunity to work on feature-length projects. TBD is woven into the fabric of both Austin’s indie film community and the Texas commercial market, which really sparks creativity and collaboration in our team. Kevin and Ben are a perfect fit, and we are very proud to have them join us.”
Notable accounts TBD Post has worked on include Fender, Chase, The Atlantic, Land Rover, GMC, Facebook, IBM, Bacardi, Crocs, EA Sports, The Container Store, Carvana and Dodge.
