Susana Benaim

Editor and Director Susana Benaim grew up in Caracas, Venezuela, during the Hugo Chavez era, which had a tremendous impact on her life and how her career in entertainment unfolded. Susana would attend marches with her dad, filming what was going on in the streets. It opened her eyes to the importance of freedom of speech and communication, and the ability to tell stories in an honest and open way. Susana’s father had her shadow an editor in his production company, and so began her lifelong passion for storytelling. Hear more in our new Member Stories spotlight video and see how Susana is helping shape Hollywood history with her work on hits like The Dropout and Mayans M.C., to name a few, while partnering with First Entertainment on her financial journey.

What is the key to finding success in the entertainment industry?

“Don’t be afraid to reach out to people you admire. I would say 90% of the people who work in editing are very comfortable and happy to meet you for coffee to give you some advice and give you a leg up.”

What inspired you to want to pursue a career as a director/editor in the entertainment industry?

“I was very fortunate that my father was a producer, and so I grew up around sets and people in production. And that’s why I ended up with a film camera in my hands while marching the streets that weren’t particularly safe. I think to be a good editor, you must be an observer as much as a storyteller.”

How does First Entertainment benefit you as a creator of entertainment?

“First Entertainment understands how the entertainment world works, and because of that, they normalize the fact that my career is a little unorthodox.”

How would you compare your experiences with First Entertainment with other financial institutions you have banked with?

“Trust plays a really important role in choosing a financial institution. I grew up with a lot of insecurity in terms of the world I lived in, being that the political situation in Venezuela was somewhat chaotic. So, it’s imperative for me to find institutions that feel trustworthy and that I can feel cared for and safe.”

First Entertainment Credit Union membership is comprised of the people in entertainment whose individual stories are as unique as they are inspiring. Our Member Stories series* highlights these extraordinary stories. Building a network of supportive partnerships contributes to your story and can make all the difference in feeling a sense of genuinely belonging. At First Entertainment, you belong here and Your Story Matters^™.