#452 – Emmy Contending Editors Talk (Extended Edition)

It's that time of year again when the Emmy nominations are up for consideration.

If you're eligible for either a nomination or to vote, then I'm sure you've already been researching what might be the most worthy shows this time around.

If (like me) you're not eligible to participate, hopefully, you've been watching some of this fine editorial craftsmanship with enough focus to be inspired in your own cutting.

In this extended edition of #452 – Emmy Contending Editors Talk, you can enjoy an unedited download of all of the editing wisdom shared by our four fine interviewees.

All of whom are contenders for an Emmy nomination!

But before we dive in, I have a question for you...

My favourite takeaways

Pace is everything. Pace and performance supersede continuity and shot choice.

There's a rhythm to the dialogue that needs to be honored even if it means breaking some rules. Learning how to hide it when you break the rules is the secret we have to master.
— Matthew Barbato

Plus, Matthew shares a ton of great tips in his answer to the first question below...

Experiment against instinct

Once the scene has shape, I leave it for an hour or so and look over the assemblies from the day before, then return back to the scene to see if it's a total car crash or somehow the foundations of where to begin.

Next I’ll likely roll around in different performances against my initial instincts, sometimes this unravels an alternative approach and other times it doesn’t.
— Yan Miles

There's no science to funny

Timing is essential in all genres: drama, documentaries, everything. But I’ve found that when I cut comedy, it’s really the cornerstone.

One frame off here or there can really ruin or make a joke. Staying on something too long can feel like you’re begging for a laugh, but also, sometimes, that linger can add an awkwardness that makes it even funnier.

It’s not a science at all; you really have to try things out to see where the biggest laugh is.
– Todd Downing, ACE

How to get hired

If someone is passionate about our craft, that will shine through above the rest.

When I’m hiring an assistant editor, I’m looking for a creative collaborator and someone who is passionate about the story.

Let that be the guiding light for a career, and it will be a success.
– Amelia Allwarden, ACE