Creative Calm for High-Stakes Stories

When timelines are tight and the story still feels unclear, I help purpose-driven teams bring emotional clarity and impact to every frame—transforming raw footage into work that resonates.

Max Partain is a freelance video editor and story producer helping purpose-driven brands and filmmakers turn raw footage into emotionally powerful stories. Based in Chicago.
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About Max

I’m a freelance video editor and story producer who helps purpose-driven teams turn raw footage into emotionally resonant stories that don’t just look polished. They feel right.

Clients come to me when the stakes are high, timelines are tight, and the story still feels a little unclear. I bring calm to the process by helping teams find clarity, shape the emotional arc, and deliver a message that connects with authenticity and impact.

Whether we’re building a donor appeal, a brand anthem, or a documentary short, I serve as a narrative partner. I help clarify intent, anticipate how the audience will respond, and craft edits that align with both the message and the emotion behind it. My goal is to make sure the story works in every sense, not just that it looks good.

You’ll find my work behind award-winning projects for clients like Convoy of Hope, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and Westfall Gold. I move quickly without rushing, think creatively while staying focused, and bring sharp emotional instincts to every frame. With experience across both production and post, I have the range to stay aligned with the big picture while refining the smallest details.

If you’re looking for someone who offers creative clarity, emotional intelligence, and steady, dependable support throughout the process, I’d love to talk.

Read more.

Contact

Phone: (630) 740-0909

Email: max@maxpartain.com

Kind Words

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Freelance Video Editor gets a compliment again!
Freelance Video Editor gets a compliment
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Finally a Freelance Video Editor gets a compliment
Freelance Video Editor Max Partain gets praise!
max partain freelance video editor gets some well deserved praise!
Freelance Video Editor gets a compliment
Freelance Video Editor
Freelance Video Editor
Freelance Video Editor
Freelance Video Editor
Freelance Video Editor
Freelance Video Editor
Freelance Video Editor
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Awards & Recognitions

Over the past few years, I’ve been lucky to work on some meaningful projects with producers and directors I really admire. Together, we’ve made work that’s gone on to receive recognition for storytelling, sound design, writing, and emotional clarity — across documentaries, branded content, nonprofit, and commercial campaigns.

Recent Highlights:

My work’s also been part of festivals like:

  • Capital City Film Festival

  • Mosaic Film Festival

  • BEA Festival of Media Arts – 1st Place

  • IASB – 1st Place Music Video

Contact

(630) 740-0909

max@maxpartain.com