The Rough Cut

Editor - Joe Murphy Weapons editor Joe Murphy probably had no idea when he interviewed with Zach Cregger over a Zoom call that, in a relatively short amount of time, they would collaborate on not one, but two hit horror films.  Regardless, Joe says that call wasn't just about getting to know each other, but also about ensuring a supportive and frank collaboration; key ingredients for him in being able to articulate the director’s vision effectively.  Weapons unfolds in chapters around six main characters, which presented a unique challenge in introducing new characters multiple times throughout the film.  According to Joe, the key was finding the balance between familiarizing the audience with these characters while maintaining narrative momentum. Zach Cregger's Weapons follows the seemingly inexplicable case of seventeen children from the same classroom who mysteriously run away on the same night at the same time, having been apparently abducted by an unseen force. Joe Murphy Prior to his work on Weapons, Joe cut such films as On Swift Horses (2024), Paper Soldiers (2020), and Zach Cregger's first horror feature, Barbarian (2022). The Credits Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs See which model of Avid Media Composer is right for you Subscribe to The Rough Cut podcast and never miss an episode Visit The Rough Cut on YouTube

Director, Richard Shepard and Editor, Adam Lichtenstein FILM GEEK isn't just another notch on the IMDB belts of director, Richard Shepard and his friend and editor, Adam Lichtenstein.  This is the story of Richard's cinematic "life" and the mysterious father who was his guide into that world.  Deftly incoroporating clips from over 200 movies of the 70's and early 80's, FILM GEEK chronicles Richard's introduction and absorption into films both classic and forgotten, between the ages of 6 and 18.  From there, Richard would make the transition from amateur 8MM auteur, to being an "all-in" film student at NYU, where he would begin his over thirty-year friendship and collaboration with Adam.  And it is Adam whom Richard credits as drawing out the more personal aspects of his journey in FILM GEEK, most notably the story of his complicated but caring father. RICHARD SHEPARD Richard Shepard is an Emmy and DGA-winning director/writer whose feature films include the Golden Globe nominated The Matador starring Pierce Brosnan and Greg Kinnear, Dom Hemingway starring Jude Law and Richard E. Grant, and The Perfection starring Allison Williams and Logan Browning which was named one of the best horror films of the year by Rolling Stone, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and New York Magazine. In his career, Shepard has directed ten television pilots to pick-up including Criminal Minds, now entering its 17th season; Ugly Betty for which Shepard won the Director’s Guild award and Emmy award; the Golden Globe and Emmy nominated Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist; and Acapulco for Apple, now in its third season. Through its six seasons, Shepard directed twelve episodes of the Golden Globe winning HBO series Girls, including the controversial “American Bitch” episode for which Matthew Rhys received an Emmy nomination, as well as several Emmy nominated episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale. He recently directed the final two episodes of the multiple Emmy nominated Welcome to Chippendales a Hulu limited series. Shepard’s short film Tokyo Project starring Elisabeth Moss and Ebon Moss-Bachrach premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and was bought by HBO, and his HBO documentary I Knew It Was You: Rediscovering John Cazale was nominated for an Emmy award. ADAM LICHTENSTEIN Born with a natural love for time code, Adam showed an early preference for non-drop frame, then rose through the editorial ranks pretending to enjoy sports, overusing terms like "shots on goal", "swish", "in your face" and "that's what I'm talking about" without the slightest idea what he was talking about. The Credits Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs Listen to Adam's podcast about the post workflow for Jury Duty Check out what's new with Avid Media Composer Subscribe to The Rough Cut podcast and never miss an episode Visit The Rough Cut on YouTube

Editors - Chris Patterson and Dirk Westervelt ACE EENIE MEANIE editors Chris Patterson and Dirk Westervelt reunite after a six-year break from their first co-editing effort, ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP.  From its indie vibe to its seventies-inspired aesthetic, EENIE MEANIE doesn’t shy away from its influences. Chris shares how both he and writer/director Shawn Simmons gravitated towards filmmakers like Steven Soderbergh, drawing inspiration from classics like OUT OF SIGHT and OCEAN'S ELEVEN. EENIE MEANIE tells the story of Edie, a reformed teenage getaway driver who gets dragged back into her unsavoury past when a former employer offers her an opportunity to save the life of her chronically unreliable ex-boyfriend.   The film was written and directed by Shawn Simmons, making his directorial debut. CHRIS PATTERSON On his way to co-editing ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP with Dirk, Chris began his career assisting on films such as THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS (2001), ANALYZE THAT (2002), THE TOWN (2010), ZERO DARK THIRTY (2012) and READY PLAYER ONE (2018). DIRK WESTERVELT ACE When he’s not cutting for James Mangold on projects such as; LOGAN (2017), FORD v FERRARI (2019), and INDIANA JONES and THE DIAL OF DESTINY (2023), Dirk’s editing chops can be seen in  DEADPOOL 2 (2018) and ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP (2019). The Credits Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs Hear Chris and Dirk talk about cutting Zombieland: Double Tap Listen to Dirk and editors Andrew Buckland and Mike McCusker discuss Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Check out what's new with Avid Media Composer Subscribe to The Rough Cut podcast and never miss an episode Visit The Rough Cut on YouTube

Editor - Brian Scott Olds The Naked Gun editor Brian Scott Olds knows that comedy thrives on the elements of surprise and timing.  He applied this philosophy to every aspect of the film—from physical gags to witty word play and silly sound design.  But making a film that respects the legacy of its predecessor while updating its essence for today is no laughing matter. Brian and director Akiva Schaffer had a clear mission: maintain the comedic tone and tenor from the original while spoofing modern-day blockbusters like Mission Impossible.  And stop calling me Shirley. Avika Schaffer's take on The Naked Gun features Lieutenant Frank Drebin Jr (Liam Neeson) working as a police officer like his legendary father. In order to save Police Squad from shutting down he must solve the mystery behind.....oh, who cares?!  This is The Naked Gun! The plot doesn't matter! Brian Scott Olds Editor Brian Scott Olds is known for his work on Central Intelligence (2016), The Happytime Murders (2018), The King of Staten Island (2020) and Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers (2022). The Credits Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs Streamline your postproduction pipeline with Shade See which model of Avid Media Composer is right for you Subscribe to The Rough Cut podcast and never miss an episode Visit The Rough Cut on YouTube

Editors - Nona Khodai ACE and Tim Roche The Fantastic Four: First Steps sees editors Nona Khodai and Tim Roche reunite for the 37th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the second reboot of the Fantastic Four film series.  The film also marks the first time the two have worked together since Marvel's live action series debut, WandaVision.  Although each had worked with him separately before, WandaVision was the first time both Nona and Tim worked with director Matt Shakman on a Marvel project. The Fantastic Four: First Steps takes place in 1964, as the world celebrates the fourth anniversary of astronauts Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm becoming the superhero team known as the Fantastic Four (Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch and the Thing).  But the celebration doesn't last for long as the four face their most daunting challenge yet as they defend Earth from Galactus and Silver Surfer. NONA KHODAI ACE A Southern California native and graduate of USC's Cinematic Arts school, Nona started her career as an assistant on such films as the Bad Robot production, Super 8.  Her first foray as an editor on a "superhero" project came courtesy of showrunner Eric Kripke who brought her aboard the The Boys, where she would work with director Matt Shakman for the first time.  Nona was twice nominted for an Emmy award for her work on Marvel's WandaVision, and nominated for another Emmy for Marvel's Ms. Marvel. TIM ROCHE Known for his work on comedy series like Silicon Valley and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, as well as for his contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including WandaVision, Thor: Love and Thunder and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Tim has received five Emmy nominations for his work, including one this year for Welcom To Wrexham, a show that has already brought him an ACE Eddie Award. The Credits Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs Streamline your postproduction pipeline with Shade Listen to Nona and Tim talk about cutting WandaVision Hear Nona share her experiences editing The Boys Check out Tim's podcast about the post workflow for Hawkeye Check out what's new with Avid Media Composer Subscribe to The Rough Cut podcast and never miss an episode Visit The Rough Cut on YouTube

Editor - Yan Miles ACE, BFE Andor editor Yan Miles partly attributes the decision not to extensively use the Stagecraft "volume" technology as the reason why his series has a distinctly different look and feel to other shows under the Star Wars banner. Instead, Andor leans into real-world environments, capturing the grit and authenticity that Yan believes enhances the narrative. Another significant factor in that differentiation is Tony Gilroy's writing, where the narrative complexity lies. Despite knowing the ultimate fate of characters like Cassian Andor, the series thrives on the uncertainty surrounding minor characters and their arcs. It's in these uncharted territories that the tension in Andor finds its heartbeat. Season 2 of Andor continues the chronicling of Cassian Andor's journey as he becomes a key figure in the burgeoning Rebel Alliance against the Galactic Empire. The season covers the four years leading up to the events of Rogue One, with each arc spanning a year.  Yan Miles ACE, BFE Yan Miles ACE, BFE is an acclaimed film and television editor whose work spans some of the most prestigious and visually dynamic series of the last decade. A member of both American Cinema Editors and British Film Editors, Yan has brought his keen sense of story and rhythm to internationally celebrated productions such as The Crown, Sherlock, and Game of Thrones. Known for his ability to blend emotional nuance with bold editorial choices, his work has helped define the tone and texture of modern prestige television.   The Credits Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs Streamline your postproduction pipeline with Shade See which model of Avid Media Composer is right for you Subscribe to The Rough Cut podcast and never miss an episode Visit The Rough Cut on YouTube

Editors - William Hoy, ACE and Craig Alpert, ACE Superman editors William Hoy ACE and Craig Alpert ACE didn't need to be told there was a lot riding on this movie.  Not only does it represent James Gunn's view on who Superman needs to be for modern movie-going audiences, it also kicks off Gunn's vision of the new DCU.  From the first minute of the film, viewers encounter a Superman who bleeds and is grappling with not just his limitations, but also his sense of purpose. It’s these complex layers that Bill and Craig balanced through their masterful editing. In James Gunn's new take on the most iconic character in the superhero realm, Superman must prove to the world that he is their protector and not a thread, after billionaire Lex Luthor enacts a plan to turn public opinion against him. William Hoy, ACE Bill is known for his work on No Way Out (1987), Dance with Wolves (1990), The Bone Collector (1999), Dawn of the Planet of The Apes (2014), War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) and The Batman (2022). Craig Alpert, ACE Craig is known for cutting Deadpool 2 (2018), Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm (2020), The Lost City (2022) and Blue Beetle (2023).  He was twice nominated for an ACE Eddie award in the category of Best Edited Feature Film: Comedy (Deadpool 2, Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm). The Credits Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs Streamline your postproduction pipeline with Shade Hear Craig talk about his work on BORAT: SUBSEQUENT MOVIEFILM Listen to Bill discuss cutting THE BATMAN and THE CALL OF THE WILD See which model of Avid Media Composer is right for you Subscribe to The Rough Cut podcast and never miss an episode Visit The Rough Cut on YouTube

Producer/Director - Jeremy McCarter, Sound Designer - Misha Fiksel Making its World Premiere at the venerable Tribeca Festival and featured on Apple Podcasts, MakeBelieve's revelatory new take on Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy drops you inside the fractured mind of the prince.  Produced and directed by Jeremy McCarter and with breathtaking binaural sound design by Tony-Award winner Mikhail "Misha" Fiksel, this is Hamlet as you’ve never heard it before. JEREMY McCARTER Jeremy is the founder and executive producer of Make-Believe Association, a nonprofit audio production company. Prior to Hamlet, he co-created, co-wrote, and executive produced Lake Song, the acclaimed audio-drama series that was an Official Selection of the Tribeca Festival, a Webby Award nominee, and the winner of three Signal Awards. He also co-wrote (with Natalie Moore) and executive-produced City on Fire: Chicago Race Riot 1919, an audio docudrama about the summer that ravaged and remade the city. It was co-produced by Make-Believe Association and WBEZ, and won the Headliner Award for Best in Show for radio broadcasts in 2019. Prior to founding Make-Believe, he spent five years on the artistic staff of the Public Theater in New York, where he created and ran the Public Forum series. These performances and conversations featured many of America's leading actors, writers, activists, and community leaders, exploring the intersection of arts and society. MISHA FIKSEL Initially a theatrical artist, Fiksel pursued his curiosity and appreciation of the screen, both as a composer and a sound designer. He has scored several independent feature films, including “Glitch” and “The Wise Kids” as well several shorts such as “Alien Queens”, “Both/And” and “The Learning Curve” (a short film inspired by an acclaimed immersive theatrical production exploring the high school experience). Misha has worked on several trailers and promotional videos for various corporate and non-for-profit clients and expanding on his collaboration with Albany Park Theatre Project, he worked with documentary director Dan Andries, scoring several film adaptions of APTP’s stage plays, including “Feast” which received the 2018 Emmy (Midwest) for Direction.   The Credits Listen to MakeBelieve's Hamlet here Subscribe to The Rough Cut podcast and never miss an episode Visit The Rough Cut on YouTube

Editor - Stephen Mirrione, ACE F1 editor Stephen Mirrione ACE, known for his exceptional work in films like Traffic and The Revenant, took on a whole new challenge with F1, an adrenaline-fueled project that demanded innovation and intricacy at every turn.  One of the many tasks for Mirrione was ensuring the emotional weight and authenticity within F1's racing scenes. Every cut, every transition was made with the intention of drawing the audience deeper into the world of racing. The commitment to authenticity was evident in using Formula One track cameras and high-speed car mounts, which provided unparalleled realism. F1 stars Brad Pitt as race car driver, Sonny Hayes. In the 1990s, Hayes was Formula 1's most promising driver until an accident on the track nearly ended his career. Thirty years later, the owner of a struggling Formula 1 team convinces Sonny to return to racing and become the best in the world. Driving alongside the team's hotshot rookie, Sonny soon learns that the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone. Stephen Mirrione, ACE Stephen has spent the past thirty years building an impressive body of work.  Unlike many editors who begin their journey into postproduction as assistants, Stephen made a name for himself right away as an editor in the indie film world.  His work with directors Doug Liman (Getting in, Swingers, Go) and Jill Sprecher (Clockwatchers, Thirteen Conversations About One Thing) quickly established Stephen as a creative force to be reckoned with in the cutting room. Soon after Stephen would meet a director who would have a significant impact on his career...Steven Soderbergh.  Their time together would begin with the film Traffic.  This would not only be the first of Stephen's three Oscar nominations, but also his first Oscar win.  Following Traffic, Stephen would take on the duties of editing Soderbergh's "Ocean's" films, starring an actor that would eventually become a prominent director in his own right, George Clooney. When Clooney began looking for an editor for his first project, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Soderbergh recommended Mirrione.  The creative partnership between Clooney and Mirrione would result in seven feature films.  Not one to rest on his laurels too long, over that same time period Mirrione would also edit five of Alejandro G. Iñárritu's films (21 Grams, Babel, Biutiful, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) and The Revenant). The Credits Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs Streamline your postproduction pipeline with Shade Hear Stephen talk about his work with George Clooney on THE MIDNIGHT SKY See which model of Avid Media Composer is right for you Subscribe to The Rough Cut podcast and never miss an episode Visit The Rough Cut on YouTube

Assistant Editor - Jared Simon Assistant Editor Jared Simon's new book, Every Frame Counts - An Assistant Editor's Reference Book, covers everything an assistant editor needs to know, and then some.  Topics covered in Jared's book include: Setting Up The Show - Everything you need to know to get up and running for the first day on the job—from setting up the printer to setting up the NEXIS. Media Composer and FileMaker - A deep technical dive into the tools assistants use in the context of a cutting room. Dailies Workflow - Soup to nuts coverage of the dailies process in excruciating detail, including a nifty downloadable checklist! You’ll love it. Audio - ADR, full 5.1 workflow tips, how to address complex music sync notes, and an overview of the mix stage. VFX - Tips for creating temp VFX and managing the workload of a VFX editor. Yeah, we’re gonna talk about FileMaker. Digital Intermediate - What to expect when you’re expecting to spend time in the DI. Color pipelines, Titles, Review sessions… you name it. Screenings - How to prepare for screenings—internal, external, and preview screenings. Turnovers - Let’s make sure our naming conventions are consistent, and our encoding is efficient. Best Practices - What do we do when the editor is, well, editing? Manage versions, communicate using markers, make sure the project is backed up… and more!   JARED SIMON Jared Simon is an editor and assistant editor with selected credits including Ad Astra, The Piano Lesson, Chevalier, and Come From Away. He frequently works with editors John Axelrad, ACE and Leslie Jones, ACE.  Jared earned a BFA in Film Editing from the School of Visual Arts. In addition to his professional pursuits, he's tried every flavor of La Croix and enjoys collecting physical media.   The Credits Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs Get your copy of Jared's book in Kindle or Paperback! Hear Jared and editor John Axelrad ACE discuss their work together on ANTEBELLUM Check out what's new with Avid Media Composer Subscribe to The Rough Cut podcast and never miss an episode Visit The Rough Cut on YouTube