Editors - Geoff Richman ACE, Joe Landauer, Keith Fraase ACE

The Severance editing team of Geoff Richman, Joe Landauer and Keith Fraase discuss their experiences and creative processes for the hit show's second season. They talk about their initial impressions of the project, preparation to join the show, and specific challenges in editing various episodes. Highlights include creating complex montages, handling visual effects, maintaining geographic and narrative coherence, and managing ambitious scenes like Mark's dual-dialogue via a DV camera. They also discuss the excitement of uncovering scripts and scenes as the series progresses. Created by Dan Erickson and exec produced (and often directed) by Ben Stiller, SEVERANCE follows employees at the biotechnology corporation Lumon Industries who have undergone "severance"—a medical procedure that ensures they retain no memories of the outside world while at work and have no recollection of their job once they leave. This results in two distinct personalities for each employee: the "innie", who exists solely within Lumon, and the "outie", who lives their personal life outside of work.

GEOFF RICHMAN, ACE

Geoffrey Richman, ACE, is a picture editor known for his work on both scripted and unscripted film and TV. Earlier credits include work on documentaries such as Murderball and Sicko, as well as documentary series such as Anthony Bourdain’s A Cook’s Tour. Geoffrey is also known for his work on the documentary The Cove, in addition to his editing work for Mike Birbiglia’s comedy specials Thank God For Jokes and The New One. Additional credits include work on scripted mini series such as Escape at Dannemora. Most recently Geoffrey has worked on 2020’s Tiger King, Til Kingdom Come, as well as Palmer for Apple TV+.

JOE LANDAUER

Joe Landauer is an editor known for Signs (2002), Time Cut (2024) and Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between (2022)

KEITH FRAASE, ACE

Originally intending to be an actor, Keith Fraase fell in love with behind-the-camera work while at the University of Texas at Austin. Then he thought he wanted to be a cinematographer, but eventually fell into an apprentice editor job with Sandra Adair, ACE, to replace a friend who was leaving that position on Elvis and Annabelle (2007). Since then, he has worked on projects such as This the Night, Naomi Osaka, and Past Lives, for which he was nominated for an ACE Eddie Award. 

The Credits

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Editor - Dan Rovetto, ACE

SUITS LA editor Dan Rovetto's career path was far from straightforward. Reflecting on his early days, he shares how intern experiences at MTV laid the foundation for his editing career.  Our conversation covers his transition from reality TV editing to scripted television, plus the impact of streaming, social media and Meghan Markle on the resurgence of the original 'Suits' series.  We also talk about the influence of music choices and the role of assistants in the editing process.  Dan further discusses the unique pressure of editing a pilot episode, especially for a series as anticipated as "Suits LA", including the high stakes involved and the need to set up a new world. Created by SUITS showrunner Aaron Korsh, SUITS LA centers on how Ted Black, a former federal prosecutor from New York, has reinvented himself representing the most powerful clients in Los Angeles. But his firm is at a crisis point, and in order to survive, he must embrace a role he held in contempt his entire career. Ted is surrounded by a stellar group of attorneys who test their loyalties to both Ted and each other while they can't help but mix their personal and professional lives. On top of it all, Ted must come to terms with the events that years ago led him to leave behind everything and everyone he loved.

DAN ROVETTO, ACE

SUITS LA editor Dan Rovetto, ACE is known for editing Suits, Pearson and Grey's Anatomy. He grew up on the east coast of the United States getting his start in entertainment at MTV in Times Square. Following his passion for editing and sense of adventure he moved to Los Angeles, CA in 2010. After a short time he made the transition into scripted and got his start editing on the hit USA Network series Suits where he quickly made a name for himself. In 2022 Dan Rovetto became a proud member of American Cinema Editors.

The Credits

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Editors - Federico Brioni, Diana Vasconcellos, Vicente Kubrusly and Guilherme Porto

A big series, about a bigger than life racing icon, takes a big team of talented editors and assistant editors to tell the story right.  And that is just what Federico, Diana, Gui and Vicente have to say about their experience on the series - that they were part of highly tuned, highly collaborative team of professionals, all working diligently to honor the life of a racing legend and national hero of their home country of Brazil. Created by Vicente Amorim and directed by Amorim and Júlia Rezende, the series is based on the life of legendary race car driver Ayrton Senna.  Starring Gabriel Leone as Senna, the series follows his life from the beginning of his racing career in karting to his untimely death at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

FEDERICO BRIONI

Federico Brioni is film editor with experience across various formats, and genres. Originally from Argentina, Federico has built his entire career in Brazil, where he continues to live and work. His contributions include "Senna," Netflix's series about the legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, "Jules and Dolores," which garnered acclaim and awards. "O Doutrinador: A Série" a Brazilian action-thriller adapted from the eponymous comic book, as well as "Anderson Spider Silva," Paramount's series chronicling the life and career of Brazil's MMA champion. Senna is his first collaboration with Vicente Amorim.

DIANA VASCONCELLOS

Diana Vasconcellos is a Brazilian film editor whose career began in the 1980s. Over the years, she garnered more than 60 credits across feature films, documentaries, and TV series. Her contributions to the craft have earned her 16 nominations and 2 prestigious industry awards. She previously collaborated with Vicente Amorim on the film "Dirty Hearts" and the TV series "Romance Policial Espinosa".

VICENTE KUBRUSLY

Vicente Kubrusly is a Brazilian film editor and director with over two decades of experience in the audiovisual industry. His career spans feature films, documentaries, and TV series, reflecting a profound understanding of the entire production process. Vicente's notable works include the series Dom (Amazon Prime Video), the film Dois Filhos de Francisco (dir. Breno Silveira), and  Eu Tu Eles (dir. Andrucha Waddington). A former executive producer and partner at Conspiração Filmes, Vicente has contributed to a range of acclaimed projects, such as Assédio (Globoplay), Magnífica 70 (HBO), and the documentary Universo ao Meu Redor featuring Marisa Monte. His diverse body of work demonstrates a dedication to storytelling across formats and platforms.  Vicente previously colaborated with director Vicente Amorim on the anthology film Rio, I Love You.

GUILHERME PORTO

Guilherme Porto is a Brazilian editor with experience in over 20 feature films and TV series, taking on various post-production roles. He served as the editor of the feature film Raquel 1,1, directed by Mariana Bastos, and worked on episodes for Brazilian TV series like Senna, Desperate Lies, Criminal Code, Brotherhood, and Lady Voyeur for Netflix, as well as other projects for Globoplay, HBO, and Disney+. Senna marks his first collaboration with Vicente Amorim

The Credits

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Editors - Brett W. Bachman, ACE and Josh Ethier, ACE

Long time friends, but first time co-editors, Brett and Josh are no strangers to working in the horror/thriller genre.  The same can't be said for COMPANION director Drew Hancock. Not only was this film Hancock's first feature as a director, but it was also his first real foray into genre filmmaking.  But that didn't stop either Brett or Josh from seeing how good this film was going to be right from the script.  What they couldn't predict, was how great a working experience the whole thing would be. Written and directed by Drew Hancock, COMPANION stars Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid as a couple on a weekend getaway with friends at a remote cabin that unravels into violence amid revelations that one of the guests is what’s known as a companion robot.

BRETT W. BACHMAN, ACE

Brett W. Bachman, ACE, is an editor of film & television with acclaimed titles such as Mandy, Pig, & The Fall of the House of Usher. He has worked with leading voices in genre film, such as Panos Cosmatos, Mike Flanagan, Josh Ruben, and Elijah Wood. Several of his feature films have premiered at renowned international festivals, including Sundance, TIFF, SXSW, and Cannes. He's also brought his talents to the small screen with numerous television and commercial projects. Recent & upcoming titles include: Companion, a thriller from writer/director Drew Hancock and New Line Cinema, Rabbit Trap starring Dev Patel, and Heart Eyes, a romcom-slasher hybrid from director Josh Ruben. Additional titles include Werewolves Within, Color Out of Space, The Toxic Avenger, The Vigil, Cooties, and many more. Bachman found his love of editing in his formative years, developing a passion for storytelling through three self-produced documentaries when he was just 19. At 22 years old, he was one of the youngest members of his AFI Conservatory editing program. Since then, he's nurtured his love of filmmaking with an array of eclectic projects as an Editor, Associate Producer, and Executive Producer

JOSH ETHIER, ACE

Josh Ethier is a renowned Los Angeles based film editor who has left a lasting mark on the horror, thriller and action genres; he literally wears his passion for the genres on his sleeve. His works have premiered at esteemed film festivals such as the Toronto International Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, SXSW, Tribeca Film Festival, Beyond Fest and Fantastic Fest.  Ethier is most well known for his frequent collaborations with director Joe Begos, with whom he has crafted a unique, LOUD and impactful cinematic style. Their partnership has resulted in several acclaimed films, including "Bliss," a psychedelic horror film that explores the descent of an artist into madness; "VFW," a gritty, action-packed thriller about war veterans defending their local VFW post from a drug-addled gang; and most recently, "Christmas Bloody Christmas," a festive yet terrifying holiday horror film that's streaming on Shudder. These collaborations have resonated with audiences and critics alike, showcasing Ethier's ability to enhance Begos' visionary storytelling through his editing.  Ethier's impressive filmography includes notable titles such as Oz Perkins' "Gretel & Hansel" for Orion Pictures and MGM, a dark reimagining of the classic fairy tale; William Brent Bell's "Orphan: First Kill," the prequel to the cult horror favorite for Paramount Pictures; Henry Dunham's "The Standoff at Sparrow Creek," a tense, dialogue-driven thriller about a mass shooting at a police funeral; and "Mayhem," a high-octane action horror film starring Steven Yeun that highlights his versatility as an editor of action and comedy. In 2021, Ethier's contributions to film editing were formally recognized when he was invited to join American Cinema Editors (ACE), an honor that signifies his standing in the industry amongst his peers. His career is marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for storytelling, making him one of the most respected and sought-after editors in independent genre cinema.

The Credits

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Editors - Andrew S. Eisen ACE, Terel Gibson ACE and Katheryn Naranjo

Hiring editors for SKELETON CREW was akin to casting actors, considering how essential each editor's background and style would be in shaping the series. Kat, for instance, found her mark through her work on STRANGER THINGS which resonated with the show's tone of adventure. Meanwhile, Terrell's experience with Marvel projects like HAWKEYE proved that he would be up to the demands and rigors of a VFX heavy tv series.  Finally, Andrew's extensive Star Wars history positioned him as invaluable in guiding the new team. Capturing the right tone was crucial for the editors, as the show combined elements of adventure and comedy with darker themes. Andrew, Kat and Terel discussed the significance of striking a balance, especially when the storyline demanded a shift from lightheartedness to seriousness. Jude Law’s transformation from a seemingly rogue character to a complex anti-hero was a key point of focus, with the team ensuring his evolution was believable and engaging. SKELETON CREW, created by Christopher Ford and Jon Watts, takes place in the same time frame as THE MANDALORIAN, post RETURN OF THE JEDI, pre-THE FORCE AWAKENS.  It’s a coming-of-age story about four kids who make a discovery on their home planet that leads them to getting lost in the galaxy and the adventure to find their way back home.

ANDREW S. EISEN, ACE

Considering the cinematic approach that Andrew applies to THE MANDALORIAN, THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT and SKELETON CREW, it’s no surprise to see his name in the credits of big sci-fi / action films like TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION and THE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL 2.

TEREL GIBSON, ACE

Prior to joining the Star Wars universe for SKELETON CREW, Terel dropped by the MCU to cut HAWKEYE. He's also known for his feature work on movies such as CUCKOO (2024), SORRY TO BOTHER YOU (2018), READY OR NOT (2019) and THE FIGHTER (2010).

KAT NARANJO

Kat started her journey on Season 1 of STRANGER THINGS as an assistant, but over the following seasons started picking up full time editorial duties as well.  She also assisted editor Dean Zimmerman ACE on the features, THE ADAM PROJECT and FREE GUY.  Earlier in her career, Kat assisted on HALT AND CATCH FIRE and served as post coordinator on ONE TREE HILL.

The Credits

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Editor - Derek Holland

In the ever-evolving landscape of television, few series manage to capture the complexities of human emotions while maintaining an appealing balance between humor and gravity. "Bad Sisters," an Irish dramedy, is one such show. Its unique ability to engage audiences with its attention to detail and complex character narratives is a testament to the creative minds behind it. In this episode of The Rough Cut, editor Derek Holland delves into the creative process behind the show. He discusses the unique elements that made the first season a hit, such as the character of JP and the audience's unified hatred towards him. Derek shares insights about the talented team of writers, directors, and cast that brought the show to life. He also talks about the challenges of working remotely in Season One during COVID-19, and the evolution of his role from a latecomer in the first season to leading the editing team in Season Two. The discussion touches on the balancing act between comedy and drama, the intricate storytelling, and the importance of authenticity and cultural nuances in the series. Additionally, Derek highlights the pivotal moments and significant scenes that shape the narrative, offering a glimpse into the meticulous work that goes into creating a compelling TV show.

DEREK HOLLAND

Derek Holland is an Irish film/tv editor and a member of BAFTA, Irish Screen Editors and British Film Editors. His latest projects include Sharon Horgan's Bad Sisters Season 1 and 2 for Apple TV+, The Chemistry of Death for Paramount+ and Academy Award long-listed short film Room Taken, for director TJ O'Grady Peyton. Less recent work includes award winning feature films The Drummer and the Keeper and A Brixton Tale and the documentary A Fanatic Heart, which premiered at the Telluride Film Festival. Derek loves working with bold, collaborative people, both at home and abroad.

The Credits

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DISCLAIMER editor, Adam Gough ACE, BFE began his journey with director Alfonso Cuarón over eighteen years ago as an editorial trainee on Cuarón's CHILDREN OF MEN (2006).  In 2018, Adam would co-edit Cuarón's ROMA, alongside the writer/director. This long-standing collaboration has evolved over time, reflecting the trust and synergy they've built together, leading to Adam working as the sole editor on Cuaron's first TV series, DISCLAIMER.

For a project that would end up spanning two years, assembling a reliable and passionate editorial team was crucial to Gough. Aiming to bring on individuals who were eager to step up in their roles and commit to the project's duration, his team's unwavering dedication was pivotal in navigating the intense workload they would endure. From the onset, Adam was aware of DISCLAIMER's magnitude—boasting 670 script pages that were ultimately condensed into seven episodes. The complexity wasn't just in the volume but in its narrative structure as well.  Using color-coded scripts and scene cards, the editorial team was effectively able to navigate the shifting perspectives and multiple narrators that took place throughout the series.

The Credits

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The Chapters

00:00 The Journey Begins: From Trainee to Sole Editor

00:46 Diving into the Script: First Impressions and Challenges

02:35 Synopsis: What is Disclaimer About?

05:18 Editing Process: Building the Team and Workflow

08:03 Challenges and Lessons: The Marathon of Editing

15:37 Narrative Techniques: Voiceovers and Perspectives

20:42 Organizing the Complex Narratives

23:21 Stylistic Choices: Adapting to Different Timelines

25:26 Balancing Visual Techniques and Audience Perception

26:24 Easter Eggs and Rewatch Value

27:02 Character Development and Narrative Techniques

30:38 The Impact of Music and Sound Design

38:36 Visual Effects

40:41 Audience Reactions and Screening Insights

47:51 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Editors - Anna Hauger ACE, Mark Hartzell ACE, Amelia Allwarden ACE, Sarah C. Reeves ACE

DUNE: PROPHECY editors Anna Hauger ACE, Mark Hartzell ACE, Amelia Allwarden ACE and Sarah C. Reeves ACE joined the new HBO Original Series having plenty of experience with big "IP" shows like WESTWORLD and LOST IN SPACE, but with the recent success of Denis Villeneueve's films, the expectations for their DUNE prequel series would be bigger than anything they've experienced before. DUNE: PROPHECY is a six-part series that just wrapped its first season on MAX and is a prequel to the Dune films.  Taking place 10,000 years prior to the Paul Atreides story line of the movies, it focuses on the origins of the Bene Gesserit, a powerful social, religious, and political force whose members possess superhuman powers and abilities after undergoing years of intense physical and mental conditioning.

ANNA HAUGER, ACE

Anna Hauger is known for Station Eleven (2021), Westworld (2016) and Watchmen (2019).

MARK HARTZELL, ACE

Mark Hartzell is known for The Last of Us (2023), Lost in Space (2018-21) and True Blood (2008).

AMELIA ALLWARDEN, ACE Amelia Allwarden is known for Westworld (2022), PEN15 (2021) and Little Fires Everywhere (2020). SARAH C. REEVES, ACE

Sarah C, Reeves is known for Westworld (2022), Invasion (2021), and Gotham (2018)

Editing Dune: Prophecy

In our discussion with DUNE: PROPHECY editors Amelia, Anna, Sarah and Mark, we talk about:

• Giving a "voice" to the sisterhood
• Keeping in ScriptSync
• The "agony" of building visuals
• Settling a score with Hans Zimmer
• Editorial resolutions

The Credits

Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs See what's new with Avid Media Composer Watch editor Joe Walker ACE and composer Hans Zimmer discuss their Oscar-winning work on DUNE. See Joe Walker ACE show you the secrets of how he builds scenes from the "sand" up in DUNE: PART TWO. Listen to Amelia Allwarden talk about her work on PEN15 and LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE. Subscribe to The Rough Cut for more great interviews with the heroes of the editing room Explore The Rough Cut on YouTube

Editor - Louise Ford, ACE

 

NOSFERATU editor Louise Ford, ACE and writer/director Robert Eggers have reunited once again to take on the not-so-simple task of remaking FW Murnau's horror classic.  Considering "Lou's" disdain for cover songs, it was important that this film could stand on its own merits and add something new to the world of cinema.  And although she has a few supernatural/horror films to her credit, "Lou" insists she doesn't seek them out.  She's just looking for great stories to tell.  With NOSFERATU, she told one. NOSFERATU - In the 1830s, estate agent Thomas Hutter travels to Transylvania for a fateful meeting with Count Orlok, a prospective client. In his absence, Hutter's new bride, Ellen, is left under the care of their friends, Friedrich and Anna Harding. Plagued by horrific visions and an increasing sense of dread, Ellen soon encounters an evil force that's far beyond her control.

Louise Ford, ACE

NOSFERATU is the fourth feature film Lou has edited for Robert Eggers since their first collaboration in 2008 on his short film, The Tell-Tale Heart . She edited Eggers’ The Witch , The Lighthouse , and The Northman . Other films she has edited include Don’t Breathe , Wildlife , and three films with the director Cory Finley - Thoroughbreds , Bad Education , and Landscape with Invisible Hand .

Editing NOSFERATU

In our discussion with NOSFERATU editor Louise Ford, ACE we talk about:

• Giving a gift to the Goths
• How most things are bad, especially cover songs
• Tapping into the footage during production
• Being a bastard in the cutting room
• Raiding the David Lynch Library

The Credits

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UNSTOPPABLE director Billy Goldenberg and editor Brett Reed have had a working relationship for over twenty years, going back to their time together on COYOTE UGLY (2000).  Since that film, they've logged a lot of hours as "editor and assistant" or "editor and additional editor", but their new film brings about a whole new dynamic, "director and editor". UNSTOPPABLE is the inspiring true story of Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome) who was born with one leg but whose indomitable spirit and unbreakable resolve empowered him to defy the odds and pursue his dreams. With the unwavering love and support of his devoted mother Judy (Jennifer Lopez) and the encouragement of his coaches, Anthony fights through adversity to earn a spot on the Arizona State Wrestling team. But it will demand everything he has, physically and mentally, to achieve his ultimate quest to become an NCAA Champion.

WILLIAM GOLDENBERG, ACE

While UNSTOPPABLE is Billy's first shot at directing, he is one of the most well-respected and sought-after film editors working today. He won an Academy Award, BAFTA Award, and the American Cinema Editors’ (ACE) Eddie Award for his outstanding work on the 2013 Best Picture winner, Argo, directed by Ben Affleck. His recent editing credits include Air, 22 July, Unbroken, and Concussion.

Goldenberg received dual Oscar nominations in 2013, also being nominated, along with editor Dylan Tichenor, for his work on Kathryn Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty.  In 2015, Billy was again nominated for an Oscar, a BAFTA Award, and an Eddie Award for the historical thriller The Imitation Game, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley.  He was previously Oscar-nominated for his editing work on Seabiscuit, and on Michael Mann’s controversial film The Insider (with Paul Rubell and David Rosenbloom). Goldenberg was also part of the editing team on Mann’s Heat, Ali, and Miami Vice

BRETT M. REED

Prior to cutting UNSTOPPABLE for Billy, Brett also collaborated with Artists Equity on Doug Liman’s film THE INSTIGATORS, starring Matt Damon, Casey Affleck and Hong Chau. Additionally, he edited OLD, directed by M. Night Shyamalan for Universal Pictures, as well as several episodes of Shyamalan’s television show THE SERVANT for Apple TV+.  Previously Reed cut CLOUDS directed by Justin Baldoni for Disney+; Christoph Waltz’ GEORGETOWN; Automatik's DREAMLAND directed by Miles Joris-Peyrafitte and starring Margot Robbie; and Nick Hamm's bio-thriller DRIVEN, starring Erin Moriarty and Lee Pace. Brett's earlier work with Billy Goldenberg included supporting him as an Additional Editor on TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS, LIVE BY NIGHT, CONCUSSION, UNBROKEN and ARGO. Reed was also a First Assistant Editor on THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2, ZERO DARK THIRTY, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES, NATIONAL TREASURE, amongst others.

Directing and editing UNSTOPPABLE

In our discussion with Billy and Brett, we talk about:

• Editors as first-time directors
• Cutting for a director who's an Oscar-winning editor
• Seeing double on the wrestling mat
• Obsessing and finessing an L-cut
• Making the most of a montage

The Credits

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