Spotlighting Bidemi Popson

10 Nov Spotlighting Bidemi Popson

Starting off his career in a time where tutorials weren’t really a thing and being creative wasn’t as glamorized, Bidemi Popson is now one of our industry’s most seasoned new-age editors. He spoke to me about finding himself in the work he does and his inspiring career trajectory. After dedicating 10 years to this field, he’s constantly had to remind himself why and be conscious of his vision and goals. In that light, he began growing out his hair as a physical manifestation of his journey and growth as a creative. He dropped some gems he’s picked up over the years, from how he got into editing to working with big names to how he now juggles wearing his many hats. 

E: What was the career path you imagined for yourself in Uni?

B: In Uni, I was making music. I’ve always been creatively inclined, since I was in primary school to be honest but having such a career path wasn’t what I planned out. When I was in A-Levels, I thought I’d go into law then I segwayed into studying HR for my first degree and got a masters in Business Psychology. Afterwards, I owned a restaurant. But all that really wasn’t me until one random day I shut down the restaurant for a day, took a leap of faith even when I didn’t know how to work a camera or edit. 

 

E: When and how did you get into video editing ?

B: It started off as a necessity back when I was in the UK making music. I was part of a collective and was signed to a label. There was someone else the label was trying to get started that had a great song. Even though I didn’t know how to, I pushed to make a music video for him. I used Final Cut to chop up the video. Figuring out the software came easy to me. Years later, in the restaurant, when I was trying to figure myself out, I then remembered this instance and how easy editing came to me even in a time where tutorials weren’t a thing. 

 

E: Do you think it’s one of those things you can JUST do?

B: Nah, it’s not. I’ve seen a lot of editors quit and it’s not because of a lack of talent but the level of stress. It’s mentally tasking and requires a lot of passion for the craft. Sometimes you’d find yourself sitting in a chair for 18 hours straight and it’s not working so you have to take a break only to have to dedicate another 18 hours till it works. I don’t think there’s anything you can “naturally” do. Even though people have will power, it’s better to put yourself into things you’re more inclined towards so you can maximise your potential.

 

Damages by Tems, Music Video Edited by Bidemi Popson

E: Did you ever struggle with finding your niche or style in this field ?

B: I think I got lucky here. People actually pointed out to me first that I had a style & started demanding for it. I think the most important thing is having technical skills in your field so you know how to express yourself in the ways you want. 

 

E: Because you create an interesting range of video content from Commercials, to music videos, is there one you’d rather work on?

B: 4 years ago, I’d have said event videos. 2 years ago I’d have said Music Videos. Now, I’d say commercials just because of the bag. In this field, shooting commercials is very up there and is something every editor wants to get into. It’s also an excellent show of my career trajectory. I’ve gone from making videos that just wow people to making videos that evoke emotions and tell stories. In the editors hall of fame and hopefully my next step will be editing a movie. That’ll be a blessing in fact.

 

Abracadabra by Boj ft Davido & Mr. Eazi, Music Video Edited by Bidemi Popson

E: How do you juggle your other hustles that don’t always tie in with you being a creative? For instance you manage crocs and being a content editor ?

B: I just do it. The most important thing for me is my calendar. I schedule my time and book meetings ahead. I also try not to procrastinate. I live by certain mantras — if you don’t do it, someone else will. It’s the reality of things. I’ve also built a team and learnt to delegate because I can’t do it all on my own. As a perfectionist, I also want to see everything through myself and that’s not possible anymore. 

 

E: Is there any field you’d love to get into that you haven’t already?

B: I’ve pretty much done everything. Metaphorically, I’ve been around the world and back. It’s only brought me back to myself. That’s why I’m so sure of who I am now and what I do now. Now, I want to actualise being a mogul that has resources to push great ideas. I see myself being a facilitator for change in youth culture and to be able to invest my money in places the future lies.