Our Chicago production community is grieving the loss of editor Mike Berg who passed away unexpectedly on November 9, 2024, after a brief illness.
Mike was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin and while attending UW-Madison, he was drawn to improv comedy and performed with ComedySportz. It was there that he discovered his passion for film and video editing, which was to become the foundation of his career.
After graduation, Mike moved to Chicago to pursue his career ambitions, gaining experience in advertising and working with various post-production companies. His journey eventually led him to Optimus, where he spent 13 years refining his skills.
In 2020, Mike transitioned to freelance editing of commercials, film, and TV — editing the Chicago-made Showtime series Work in Progress for two seasons. He thrived on the creative challenge of transforming hours of raw footage into compelling scenes, bringing the vision of directors, writers, cinematographers, and producers to life.
He is survived by his longtime partner, Claire Smalley, who works as a post producer at Optimus and his two daughters, Elsa, 17 and Sadie, 15. (link to full obituary below)
Optimus paid tribute on social media for the loss of a dear friend and exceptional person, who touched so may lives. Those who knew him were in shock, and responded with love and condolences.
“Mike was a talented Editor, and an even better person. He was thoughtful, sincere and fun, and his dry wit and smarts were unmatched. Mike was a kind and loyal friend and co-worker, and a curious observer of those around him. Mike looked at the world differently, to the betterment of all whose lives he touched, and we will forever be grateful to have known him, laughed with him and loved him.” — OPTIMUS
“As heartbreaking as you can imagine, just awful in every way. We love you, Mike!! Godspeed to your whole family!” — Tom Duff, President of Optimus
“His comedic voice and big heart is stamped all over the groundbreaking series Work in Progress. There simply wouldn’t have been a trip to Sundance or a series on Showtime without him. His magic touch in the edit suite will be missed, but more so, he will be. I’m heartbroken for Claire Smalley, his girls, and his family. The world lost an amazing talent, and an incredible man.” — Lisa Masseur, Founder of Tessa Films (Producer – Work in Progress)
Mike is survived by his daughters, Elsa and Sadie, partner Claire Smalley, parents William and Cindy Berg, sister Sara Berg, her husband Justin Griffith and their children, Macy, Cooper and Hudson. He is also mourned by his aunts and uncle, Alan and Barbara Berg, Donna Berg, Jean Miller and cousins and their families, Brenda Lowry, Sandra Miller, Julie Baker, Laurie Krenner, Tami Durant, Karen Thompson, Kathi Santeford, Karla Shymanski, and Nate Miller.
A memorial service for Mike Berg will be held on Saturday, December 7 at 11:00am, at Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 Division Street, River Forest, Illinois. Visitation is at 9:30am at the church.
If you rely on Reel Chicago for your news then please
keep The REEL alive by contributing here.
