Kelley Dixon, editor on Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Goldfinch, and Breaking Bad, shares her journey from the MGM/UA mailroom to becoming a successful editor. She discusses the application of visual effects in editing and how it expands creative possibilities. The episode explores editing as an invisible art and the role of editing in setting the audience's state-of-mind. The speaker also talks about working on flying sequences, collaborating with actors, and the dynamic relationship between editors and cinematographers.
Kelley Dixon discovered her passion for editing while observing editors on set and practicing her editing skills, leading her to a successful career in production assistance and editing.
Editing for television and feature films differ in terms of storytelling, collaboration, and adapting to different directorial styles and approaches.
Visual effects play a significant role in editing, enhancing storytelling and creating immersive experiences, requiring collaboration between editors, visual effects supervisors, and other departments.
Deep dives
Kelly Dixon's Unexpected Journey into Editing
Kelly Dixon shares her unconventional path into the world of editing, starting from her initial aspirations to work in advertising. She recounts how her cousin's connection got her an interview in the mailroom at MGM UA and eventually led her to a career in production assistance and editing. Despite initially wanting to be in camera, she discovered her passion for editing while observing editors on set and practicing her editing skills. She also discusses her experience as an assistant editor and the challenges she faced in trying to break into the feature film industry.
Navigating the Differences between Television and Feature Films
Kelly Dixon discusses the differences between editing for television and feature films. She highlights the evolving landscape of streaming services, which allows for more flexibility in storytelling and collaboration among directors, showrunners, and editors. Dixon explains how the role of the editor can vary depending on the project, the director's vision, and the showrunner's preferences. She shares her experiences working on shows like Breaking Bad and how the aesthetic and style of editing can change over time. Dixon also touches on the challenges of working within time limitations for television and the importance of adapting to different directorial styles and approaches.
The Art and Craft of Editing
Kelly Dixon discusses the artistry and craft of editing. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling and serving the script and the overall narrative. Dixon shares her process of collaborating and working with directors, visual effects teams, and other members of the production crew to bring scenes to life. She reflects on the role of editing in shaping performances and creating emotional impact for the audience. Dixon also touches on the challenges of working with multiple cameras, combining shots, and ensuring continuity in the editing process.
The Power of Visual Effects and Collaboration
Kelly Dixon reflects on the growing influence of visual effects in editing, especially in big-budget productions. She discusses how visual effects can enhance storytelling and create immersive experiences for audiences. Dixon shares her experiences working on projects with extensive visual effects and the collaboration required between editors, visual effects supervisors, and other departments. She explains how editors can work with visual effects teams to achieve desired shots and manipulations, while maintaining a cohesive and seamless flow. Dixon also highlights the value of involving the entire team in the editing process to foster collaboration and creative problem-solving.
The Evolving Role of Editing in the Digital Age
Kelly Dixon explores the changing landscape of editing in the digital age. She discusses the increasing reliance on technology, particularly in the realm of visual effects, and how it has expanded the possibilities for storytelling. Dixon reflects on the challenges and opportunities brought about by streaming services and the shift towards serialized storytelling. She also shares her experiences adapting to new technologies and workflows, and the importance of remaining flexible in the ever-changing editing landscape.
On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, editor Kelley Dixon (OBI-WAN KENOBI, THE GOLDFINCH, BREAKING BAD) joins us for a conversation about all things editing. Kelley starts by sharing her experience working in the MGM/UA mailroom and delivering script pages to the editorial department where she quickly found herself helping cut scenes. Kelley later describes learning the potential applications of visual effects if money is no object and how that insight expanded her way of thinking when approaching editorial problems on projects with relatively larger budgets. We discuss how editing can be used to bring the audience into the state-of-mind of a character and how Kelley works with a director to realize their vision in the edit. Throughout the episode, we debate whether or not editing is an invisible art, and we contemplate our favourite note: “Can you just make it better?”
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This episode is sponsored by Fiilex
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