By Ozzi Ramirez
Let’s give a warm welcome to new NYWIFT member Amanda DiMartino! Amanda is a director, producer, and editor committed to audience engagement. Some of her career highlights include collaborations with brands such as Harper’s Bazaar, Peloton, NBCUniversal, SYFY, Complex, KIDZ BOP, The Berlin Film Festival, Standard and Poor’s, and The Hollywood Reporter. Altogether, the 500-plus videos she has worked on have garnered more than one billion clicks and views while generating more than $1 million in revenue.
Additionally, Amanda has participated in the production of the short films Kissing Kerouac, Plunder, Gone But Not Too Far, and Taffy, directing the latter!
She spoke to us about working with Bad Bunny and Usher, and why exploration is key to success!
NYWIFT Member Amanda DiMartino (Photo by Renna Gardner)
Tell us about yourself – Give us your elevator pitch!
Hello! My name is Amanda DiMartino and I am a Queer Director, Producer, and Editor from New York. I have created content ranging from commercials to one-woman band social media videos.
As a director, editor and producer you have worked on over 500 videos and your content has garnered more than one billion clicks! That’s quite impressive! What keeps you going?
I really love what I do and think it is so important to be passionate about the work you create. As a creative person working on content a lot of the time, sometimes it can become monotonous. And that is why I always try to foster a creative, diverse, and fun environment. We’re all here because we thought it was fun at one point, right?
Amanda Di Martino (Photo by Renna Gardner)
As of today, what are some of your career highlights? What has been your most rewarding experience so far?
I truly feel like every project I do has its highlights. However, if I had to choose one, I would say it was directing a video for Harper’s BAZAAR that features Bad Bunny and was shot in Puerto Rico. That video had many challenges, one being that it is entirely in Spanish and the concept changed one day prior to shooting. However, I am so proud of how it came out and very thankful to the incredible crew who helped me create it!
My most rewarding experience so far has been directing KIDZ BOP’s “7 Rings” music video. I had to cast five additional extras for the video, and for a lot of them, it was their first time on a “big set.” They were so appreciative to be there, and it was incredible to work with young talent thrilled for the opportunity. It also helps that this was definitely one of my favorite videos to work on.
Amanda DiMartino and Usher (Screenshot by Brendan Zoltowski)
You’ve worked with some familiar faces while creating a lot of your content. What are some of your most memorable encounters?
I’ve had a couple, but one of my favorites has to be Usher. I directed and produced a behind-the-scenes video for Peloton’s Dance Cardio class, where he was featured. He was very kind, came over and chatted with me, and told me he loved my sloth necklace.
Two of my other favorites have to be Renee Zellweger and Tessa Thompson. Both of them were so sweet! They asked each one of my crew members’ names and thanked them for their work on set.
The last one who comes to mind is Stephanie Hsu from Everything Everywhere All At Once. She has such good energy! We even had a party where we danced to the Spice Girls!
Amanda DiMartino and Usher
What brings you to NYWIFT?
I enjoy creating relationships with fellow individuals in this industry. When someone asks me to recommend someone for a role, I love having the ability to pull a bunch of names out of my pocket that I know could help cultivate a more diverse set. Doing so always makes the content stronger.
How did the pandemic shape influence your work experience?
The pandemic truly changed everything. When I got into film, I never thought I would be able to do my job from home and was constantly traveling and working on set for hours, days, weekends, holidays, etc. Then everything stopped and I was suddenly able to stay home and Zoom in to direct. Finally, I was able to decompress and take a much needed rest. Upon doing so, I reflected and created goals for myself.
Between 2020 to 2022, I was able to create more content, work with more talented creatives, direct more pieces, and push myself creatively more than ever before. It was a challenge that I was ready to take on after taking a beat.
Amanda DiMartino (Photo by Renna Gardner)
What is the best and worst advice you’ve received?
Hmmm. The best advice has to be, “Say yes to everything.” It is the reason why I am where I am today; I keep saying, “Yes.”
The worst advice I have ever received is, “Stay in your lane.” If you don’t explore, you will never know what you are capable of.
Connect with Amanda DiMartino on her website, www.amandadimartino.com.
Ozzi Ramirez
Ozzi Ramirez is a current intern at NYWIFT and aspiring film producer and programmer. He studied English Literature and Theater at the University of Vermont and later received a Master's Degree in Mass Communications from Florida International University in Miami. Having moved to NYC in 2019, his interests include moseying through Manhattan with his headphones on full blast, most dogs and cats, coffee, discovering good deals on theater tickets, politics, traveling, and of course, experiencing great storytelling through movies, TV shows, and books.
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