David Fincher’s Editor Reveals The Key To Make ANY Edit Work

12 snips

Nov 22, 2023

In this entertaining episode, Kirk Baxter, the editor behind David Fincher's films, discusses his editing style and collaboration. The topics covered include the importance of hiding blinks, choreographing fight scenes, using sound and music to guide edits, hooking the audience in the first 5 minutes, cutting with intention, and breaking down key scenes in 'The Killer' and 'Gone Girl'.

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Introduction

00:00 • 2min

Discussion on Recording Remote Interviews and Post-Production Tools

01:49 • 3min

The Art of Film Editing

04:39 • 5min

Approach to Editing and Creative Cuts

09:15 • 9min

Understanding the Intention

17:46 • 15min

We use Riverside both for meetings and remote interviews, try it for free use code EDITINGPODCAST for 20% off.

Thanks to Storyblocks for sponsoring this video! Download unlimited stock media at one set price with Storyblocks: 0:00 David Fincher’s Editor Kirk Baxter 01:00 Use Riverside 02:18 Why Hiding Blinks Creates Intention 05:05 - The David Fincher Editing Style 09:50 - Choreographing The Vicious Fight Scene in The Killer 12:29 - Letting Sound & Music Guide Your Edit 13:57 - Comment “Storyblocks is cool” 15:00 - Hooking Your Audience In The First 5 Minutes 16:23 - How To Cut With Intention 18:14 - Breaking Down The Sniper Scene in The Killer 25:15 - The Magic Of Vertical Sound Cutting 27:53 - Breaking Down The “Cool Girl” Sequence in Gone Girl Hosts: ⁠ @JordanOrme and @HillierSmith Guests: ⁠Kirk Baxter Editor: ⁠ @tysonpellegrini @hilliersmith Executive Producer: Vishnu Vallabhaneni Thumbnail: @davidaltizer Welcome to The Editing Podcast, where storytelling meets the art of post-production. In this riveting episode, hosts Hayden Hillier Smith and Jordan Orme sit down with none other than the master editor behind the brilliance of David Fincher's cinematic wonders—Kirk Baxter. We delve deep into Kirk's illustrious career, spanning iconic films that have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. From “The Social Network” to “Gone Girl” to his most recent thriller, “The Killer”, Kirk Baxter's editorial prowess has shaped some of the most memorable moments in film history and has influenced the editing landscape forever. In this episode, we dissect the mesmerizing opening sniper scene, a sequence that hooks audiences from the first frame. Kirk takes us behind the scenes, sharing the secrets of crafting tension and suspense that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. We also explore the intricacies of "The Killer's" visceral fight scene, a jaw-dropping display of editing finesse that elevates the film to a new level of intensity. Kirk Baxter's insights into the creative decisions behind each cut and the rhythmic flow of the sequence offer a rare glimpse into the mind of a true editing maestro.