Swell’s newest editor is Masayo Kaneko, who since 2001 was assistant editor in apprentice-like style under ace editor Ed Maroney. Originally from Kawasaki, Japan, Kaneko moved to the U.S. to attend Columbia College, graduating with a film degree.
At the same time, Swell hired creative assistants Matthew Stewart from Leo Burnett and Nikki Mueller of The Whitehouse.
Kaneko joined Swell as an intern and was quickly hired as an assistant editor. Calling Kaneko “a future superstar,” Swell president Mike Topel said she offers “an edgy, intriguing, and high quality creative edit that our clients relish.”
Kaneko assisted on McDonald’s, Sears, DeVry, Illinois Tourism and other spots. A filmmaker-in-the-making, she created her own spec spots, short films and music videos. In 2002 and 2003 Kaneko was a finalist for the AICE’s Trailer Park Award Show that recognizes junior editors.
