Editors of Succession discuss their Emmy nominations and selection process. They analyze the technical choices in an episode. The value of agents in the editing industry is explored. Their approach includes string outs and tweaking. Challenges and highlights include the shooting of the final scene and managing overlapping dialogue in a phone call scene.
The editors of Succession have the freedom to choose the episode that best represents their work for Emmy consideration, considering factors like performances, writing, and camera work.
Succession features a unique dialogue style where characters speak in a conversational and stammering manner, incorporating both scripted elements and occasional ad-libs, presenting a challenge for editors to maintain coherence while working with the show's handheld camera work.
Deep dives
Choosing Emmy Submission Episodes
The editors of Succession discuss how they choose which episode to submit for Emmy consideration. They generally have the freedom to choose the episode they feel best represents their work. They consider factors such as the quality of performances, writing, and camera work. Each editor selects an episode that they believe showcases their editing skills and highlights the standout moments from the series.
Editing Style and Challenges
The editors discuss the unique dialogue style of Succession, where characters often speak in a conversational and stammering manner. They clarify that while there may be occasional ad-libs, the actors generally stick to the script. The script itself incorporates conversational elements, including stutters, as a stylistic choice. The editors also mention the challenge of working with the show's handheld camera work, which requires them to not only focus on performances but also consider the camera movements in their editing decisions.
Collaboration and Continuity
The editors of Succession emphasize the importance of collaboration among the editing team. They regularly visit each other's cutting rooms, discuss scenes, and offer insights and feedback. They also mention the challenge of maintaining continuity in scenes due to the show's unique filming style, where every take is different. Despite this challenge, the editors work together to ensure that the story and character arcs remain consistent throughout the series.
The Role of Agents and Revising Scenes
The editors discuss the role of agents in their careers, highlighting the value of negotiation and representation. While most of their work comes through word-of-mouth and reputation, agents play a crucial role in negotiating contracts and providing support during challenging times. The editors also share their individual approaches to revising scenes, with some relying on string-outs and rough assemblies, while others prefer a polished approach from the start. They emphasize the importance of trusting their instincts and continuously refining scenes through revisions.
Today on Art of the Cut, Ken Eluto, ACE, Jane Rizzo, ACE and William Henry, ACE discuss cutting Succession, which has earned all three of them Emmy nominations for separate episodes this year.
Ken landed his first Emmy nomination in 1996 for American Experience. He was also nominated for an Emmy and an ACE Eddie for 30 Rock, then WON an Emmy and ACE Eddie the following year for 30 Rock again. More Emmy nominations and another ACE Eddie nomination came his way for 30 Rock in subsequent years, then additional Emmy nominations for Succession in 2020 and last year. Ken has also worked on Modern Love, Genius, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and others.
Jane Rizzo was nominated last year for an Emmy and an ACE Eddie for an episode of Succession. The also cut the recently released The Beanie Bubble movie, and the features Z for Zachariah, Maggie, The Hunt and Leave No Trace, as well as TV series including Dash and Lily and Dickinson.
William Henry was nominated for an Emmy in 2020 for Succession. He’s cut features, including Soul Men and TV series including The Gilded Age, Dickinson, and Monsterland.
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