Welcome back, Rebels!

In this episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we’re digging into one of the most transformative stages of filmmaking: editing. When you finally sit down with your footage, the real story emerges — tone, pace, and emotion all come together in the cut. Today’s guests share how they approach the edit as both a creative playground and a problem-solving tool, shaping their films into their strongest possible versions.

First up, I talk with Jason Zink, filmmaker behind Looky-Loo, about the meticulous planning required for found footage films and how to make sure the edit feels authentically first-person while still telling a compelling story.

Next, Trenton Judson, director of Bad B*tch, joins me to discuss analyzing your footage with a critical eye — what to cut, what to keep, and how studying other films can guide your tone. We also dive into choosing takes for action sequences and effects shots, and the tough decisions that come with shaping a final cut.

Then I sit down with Jaysen Buterin, writer/director of Kill Giggles, to talk about layering your film in post — from score and color to sound design — and the importance of trusting your editor to understand and elevate your vision.

Finally, Dennis Cahlo, director of The Trouble with Tessa, shares why having a fresh set of eyes on your cut can be invaluable. We also discuss finding the right tone during production so that color, mood, and performance all translate seamlessly into the edit.

This episode is all about seeing your film anew in the editing room — finding its true shape, refining its tone, and discovering the story you’re really telling.Thank you so much for supporting Low-Budget Rebels. Your support keeps the show alive and gives you ad-free access to these conversations. If you’re not already a member, head to patreon.com/flushstudios to join.

And don’t forget to follow and support this episode’s incredible guests:

• Jason Zink – Looky-Loo
• Trenton Judson – Bad B*tch
• Jaysen Buterin – Kill Giggles
• Dennis Cahlo – The Trouble with Tessa

Stay tuned for more conversation about the craft of low-budget filmmaking, keep kicking ass, making art, and stay rebellious.

Cheers,
Josh