The Den Adds Editor Nate Cali to Roster

The Den has announced Nate Cali as the newest member of their editor rooster. Cali brings a distinctive passion for cars and automotive filmmaking to his work and is recognised for his highly collaborative approach with directors and agencies.

An Orange County native, Nate attended Los Angeles Film School where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Editing. He credits SoCal culture for sparking his love of classic cars, and also inspiring his focus on automotive editorial. When Nate isn’t in the editing room, he’s driving out in the canyons, on the track, or down the Pacific Coast Highway at sunrise. 

Cali started his career in the business 16 years ago, and has worked at numerous shops, most recently PS260, a diversity of past experience that informs his work today. He has overseen features, music videos, digital content, and commercials, editing campaigns for top brand clients including Reebok, Funny or Die, Nike, Levi’s, and Apple. More recently, his clients have focused on international automotive brands including Corvette, Audi, RAM, Jeep, Chevy, and BMW.

For Cali, there’s an emotional component to his editing, especially with his automotive work. A car is a machine that moves us, transporting us from place to place in a kind of narrative. Cali enjoys the process of finding the emotional feeling of this, bringing heart to the work. Cali’s favourite ad to date is his work for Dodge. Performance Made Us Do It highlights the American stalwart’s new electric car. He was able to pitch the idea with the agency and help create the voice around how Dodge will move into the electrical chapter of their story. His ability to truly collaborate with the agency, Sheet Metal Arts, was a game-changer and Cali hopes to work more closely with agencies going forward. 

'Nate’s enthusiasm is contagious and his talent undeniable,' says Rachel Seitel, co-founder of The Den. “His gift for outstanding and innovative automotive work is an immensely valuable addition to our roster.”

Cali says, “Joining the team at The Den is more than just coming on as an editor. What they are doing is very special. They have given me an opportunity to take car work to another level. We want to be at the forefront of the next era of post houses adapting to the changing needs of car advertising. Also, getting to work with my wife, Katie, and my pal from Nomad, Val, makes me feel right at home. I’m living my dream at this moment, and The Den is helping me celebrate. They are helping shine a light on what makes me happy.” 

“We are dedicated to growing our business with the addition of Nate, who is one of the best car editors in the country,” says president and managing director Vic Palumbo. “I’m thrilled that we have added him to our incredibly strong team and are expanding our vision for the future of The Den.”

Cali’s latest project, a Maserati spot with ex-soccer superstar David Beckham, launched December 15.

The woman-owned edit house, which launched last year, has expanded notably in recent months, adding Palumbo as president and managing director, and Michael “Middy” Ofori-Attah, Val Thrasher, and Matthew Hilber as editors. The Den’s roster of talent also includes Christjan Jordan, Tobias Suhm, Kate Owen, Andrew Ratzlaff, and Katie Cali.