The Rough Cut

Editors - Cedric Nairn-Smith, Melissa Lawson Cheung and Stephanie Filo ACE DAREDEVIL BORN AGAIN editors Cedric, Melissa and Stephanie open up about their experiences and the unique challenges they faced while working to bring back Matt Murdock and his crime fighting alter ego under the Marvel Television banner.  Assembling this team of super editors happened through various means.  Stephanie credits her introduction to Marvel through a mentor, while Melissa explains how her work in Marvel's SECRET INVASION showcased her skills in creating grounded action sequences, helping to streamline both budgets and timelines. MOON KNIGHT veteran Cedric, on the other hand, found his way to the series through fortuitous timing during a project lull. DAREDEVIL BORN AGAIN begins several years after the events of the Netflix-hosted DAREDEVIL (2015–2018) and a year after blind lawyer Matt Murdock stopped his activities as the masked vigilante Daredevil.  In the new series, Murdock continues his fight for justice as a lawyer while former crime boss Wilson Fisk is elected mayor of New York City, putting the pair on a collision course. CEDRIC NAIRN-SMITH In addition to his work on DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN, Cedric is known for his work as an editor on; MOON KNIGHT (2022), LISEY’S STORY (2021), THE BOYS (2019-2020) and BATES MOTEL (2015-2017). STEPHANIE FILO, ACE Stephanie Filo, ACE is a four-time Emmy, as well as Peabody and ACE Eddie Award-winning Film/TV Editor and activist based in Los Angeles, CA and Sierra Leone, West Africa. She serves on the board for Girls Empowerment Sierra Leone, a social impact and feminist-based organization for Sierra Leonean girls aged 11-16. She is one of the co-founders of End Ebola Now, and organization created in 2014 to spread accurate information and awareness about the Ebola Virus and its impact through artistic community activism. MELISSA LAWSON CHEUNG Prior to her work on DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN, Melissa's work could be seen in shows such as MR. ROBOT (2015) and OUTLANDER (2016-2017), as well as features like MILE 22 (2018). The Credits Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs Listen to Ced talk about THE BOYS and MOON KNIGHT Hear Stephanie discuss cutting A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW 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 - Eric Kissack, ACE THE STUDIO editor Eric Kissack began journey his journey with series co-creator and star, Seth Rogen, on the Sasha Baron Cohen film, Bruno.  From there their partnership would continue, spanning projects like Sausage Party, Black Monday and others.  For their current project, they would be working closer than ever before, as Seth's vision for THE STUDIO necessitated Eric's presence on set, fostering a tighter creative process that brought editorial not only on location, but into aspects of prouction. THE STUDIO tells the story of Matt Remick, the newly appointed head of the floundering film production company Continental Studios. A self-described cinephile, Matt struggles to balance Continental's corporate aims in an increasingly IP-driven entertainment landscape with his own ambition to produce quality films. ERIC KISSACK, ACE Born and raised in New York City, Eric Kissack fell in love with movies when he went to see The Empire Strikes Back at the tender age of 4, a questionable parenting decision but a pivotal career moment. He spent every free moment after that watching films and went on to study film at Brown University. After school, Eric bumbled about for a bit but then got an early break as a film editor and spent 20 years cutting funny films in New York and Los Angeles. He had the pleasure of working on Role Models, Brüno, Cedar Rapids, The Dictator, Horrible Bosses 2, Daddy’s Home, Instant Family, Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar and Bottoms. In 2012, he directed his first feature, Love, Sex & Missed Connections, an independent comedy that won several festival awards including Best Narrative Feature at the Cleveland International Film Festival and the Special Jury Award for First Time Filmmaker at the Traverse City Film Festival. In 2014, he directed a short film called The Gunfighter that won over two dozen awards including the Audience Award for Best Short at the 2014 Los Angeles Film Festival and was included in the 2015 Saatchi & Saatchi’s New Director’s Showcase at the Cannes Lions. In 2016, Eric decided to spend more time in television. He edited Black Monday, Rutherford Falls and Pam & Tommy among other shows. He was nominated for an Emmy for his work editing Veep and an ACE Award for his work editing The Good Place. Eric directed his first episode of television for the show Rutherford Falls on Peacock which premiered in June 2022.  He is currently working on a new television show for Amazon based on the Spider-Noir character starring Nicolas Cage. It premieres in 2026. The Credits Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs 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 - Peggy Tachdjian, ACE MONSTERS editor Peggy Tachdjian will tell you that, in the world of television, few things are more daunting than delivering a true crime story that is both gripping and respectful. Her work on the second season of the Netflix series delves deep into the infamous tale of the Menendez brothers, weaving in elements of humor, trauma, and the complexities of the human condition.  Peggy gives us an insider's perspective on this challenging editing journey, her working relationship with co-creator Ryan Murphy, and the emotional landscape navigated throughout the project. Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is the second season of the American biographical crime drama anthology television series Monster, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan for Netflix. The season centers on the 1989 parricides of José (Javier Bardem) and Kitty Menendez (Chloë Sevigny), who were killed by their sons, Lyle (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) and Erik (Cooper Koch). It incorporates the Rashomon effect by presenting the story from multiple perspectives, with the brothers' viewpoint serving as the central narrative. PEGGY TACHDJIAN, ACE An Emmy Award-winning Lebanese-American film and television editor, most recently Peggy was nominated for an Emmy for her work on the Hulu comedy series Only Murders in the Building.  With over 20 years’ experience editing across multiple formats and genres, Peggy began her career in documentary and unscripted before transitioning to scripted television and film. Some of her recent credits include Shrinking on Apple TV+, FX's American Horror Story, the Netflix hit Ratched, and the musical feature The Prom, starring Meryl Streep. She has also worked on many beloved reality shows like Project Runway, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, and Born This Way, for which she earned four Primetime Emmy nominations for editing. In 2006 she won a Daytime Emmy for her work on NBC’s Starting Over. The Credits Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs 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 - Harry Yoon, ACE and Angela M. Catanzaro, ACE THUNDERBOLTS editors Harry Yoon and Angela M. Catanzaro each gained a whole new appreciation for production crews, having spent considerable time themselves cutting on-set and as a integral part of the process. Harry reflects on his previous working relationship with director Jake Schreier on Beef and how he came on board for THUNDERBOLTS.  Angela also shares her excitement about joining the MCU after working on the feature film Prey. The editors delve into the collaborative process and the importance of depicting mental health themes, and also touch on the critical balancing act of creating a film that feels both intimate and action-packed. The discussion includes the unique musical approach of involving the composers early in the production and the nuances of fine-tuning comedic timing in the edit. Directed by Jake Schreier from a screenplay by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo, THUNDERBOLTS* is the 36th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  The story follows former black widow Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) as she carries out deadly operations for CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). De Fontaine faces imminent impeachment for her work with O.X.E. Group, so she dispatches Yelena, John Walker, Ava Starr, and Taskmaster to a covert O.X.E. facility under the pretense of a special assignment. Once there, they find themselves ensnared in a death trap, uniting the unconventional team of antiheroes as they take on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts. HARRY YOON, ACE THUNDERBOLTS* marks Harry's second stint in the MCU with the first being Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021).  Immediately prior to his work on that film, Harry was being lauded for his work with director Lee Isaac Chung on the Oscar®-nominated film, Minari (2020).  Harry’s other work includes the films The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019), First Man (2018) and Detroit (2017). ANGELA M. CATANZARO, ACE Angela Catanzaro is a Los Angeles-based Emmy and Eddie Award-nominated editor who works in both television and feature films. Angela is a member of The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the Motion Picture Editors Guild, American Cinema Editors, and serves on the editing faculty at the American Film Institute.  Prior to THUNDERBOLTS*, Angela worked on the film Prey (2022) and such TV shows as Suits and The Man in the High Castle. The Credits Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs Listen to Harry talk about MINARI and SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS 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 - Mark Strand ACE, Joey Reinisch, Lauren Pendergrass and Annie Eifrig In this episode, we explore how THE PITT editing team of Mark, Annie, Joey, and Lauren navigated the unique challenges of cutting this intense medical drama. From their experiences working with producer John Wells to dealing with emotionally charged scenes, they reveal their techniques for maintaining authenticity and managing the show's fast-paced environment. They also share their personal connections to the material and how they balance relentless action with powerful storytelling. Created by R. Scott Gemmill and executive produced by John Wells and Noah Wyle, THE PITT follows an emergency department staff as they attempt to overcome the hardships of a single 15-hour work shift at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital. They do this while having to navigate staff shortages, underfunding, insufficient resources and a handful of rats run amok in the ER. Each episode of the season covers approximately one hour of the work shift. MARK STRAND, ACE Mark Strand is a Los Angeles-based editor with 25 years of experience in scripted drama, comedy, and procedurals, as well as long format documentaries, reality television, clip shows, news programs, television commercials, and everything in between.  Past projects include ANIMAL KINGDOM, RIZZOLI & ISLES and SHAMELESS. JOEY REINISCH Joey Reinisch is a seasoned editor known for his work on "Better Call Saul," with extensive experience in editing various genres including one-hour films, features, drama, dramedy, and horror. LAUREN PENDERGRASS Editor and director Lauren Pendergrass is known for her work on NEW AMSTERDAM, MAYANS MC and THE SONS OF ANARCHY. ANNIE EIFRIG Annie fell in love with editing at the Minneapolis College of Art & Design where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Since then she’s worked with a wide variety of directorial talents, always striving to bring an internal vision to the screen.  Past projects include MAID, BETTER THINGS and TOO OLD TO DIE YOUNG. The Credits Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs 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 - Geoff Richman ACE, Joe Landauer, Keith Fraase ACE The Severance editing team of Geoff Richman, Joe Landauer and Keith Fraase discuss their experiences and creative processes for the hit show's second season. They talk about their initial impressions of the project, preparation to join the show, and specific challenges in editing various episodes. Highlights include creating complex montages, handling visual effects, maintaining geographic and narrative coherence, and managing ambitious scenes like Mark's dual-dialogue via a DV camera. They also discuss the excitement of uncovering scripts and scenes as the series progresses. Created by Dan Erickson and exec produced (and often directed) by Ben Stiller, SEVERANCE follows employees at the biotechnology corporation Lumon Industries who have undergone "severance"—a medical procedure that ensures they retain no memories of the outside world while at work and have no recollection of their job once they leave. This results in two distinct personalities for each employee: the "innie", who exists solely within Lumon, and the "outie", who lives their personal life outside of work. GEOFF RICHMAN, ACE Geoffrey Richman, ACE, is a picture editor known for his work on both scripted and unscripted film and TV. Earlier credits include work on documentaries such as Murderball and Sicko, as well as documentary series such as Anthony Bourdain’s A Cook’s Tour. Geoffrey is also known for his work on the documentary The Cove, in addition to his editing work for Mike Birbiglia’s comedy specials Thank God For Jokes and The New One. Additional credits include work on scripted mini series such as Escape at Dannemora. Most recently Geoffrey has worked on 2020’s Tiger King, Til Kingdom Come, as well as Palmer for Apple TV+. JOE LANDAUER Joe Landauer is an editor known for Signs (2002), Time Cut (2024) and Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between (2022) KEITH FRAASE, ACE Originally intending to be an actor, Keith Fraase fell in love with behind-the-camera work while at the University of Texas at Austin. Then he thought he wanted to be a cinematographer, but eventually fell into an apprentice editor job with Sandra Adair, ACE, to replace a friend who was leaving that position on Elvis and Annabelle (2007). Since then, he has worked on projects such as This the Night, Naomi Osaka, and Past Lives, for which he was nominated for an ACE Eddie Award.  The Credits Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs 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 - Dan Rovetto, ACE SUITS LA editor Dan Rovetto's career path was far from straightforward. Reflecting on his early days, he shares how intern experiences at MTV laid the foundation for his editing career.  Our conversation covers his transition from reality TV editing to scripted television, plus the impact of streaming, social media and Meghan Markle on the resurgence of the original 'Suits' series.  We also talk about the influence of music choices and the role of assistants in the editing process.  Dan further discusses the unique pressure of editing a pilot episode, especially for a series as anticipated as "Suits LA", including the high stakes involved and the need to set up a new world. Created by SUITS showrunner Aaron Korsh, SUITS LA centers on how Ted Black, a former federal prosecutor from New York, has reinvented himself representing the most powerful clients in Los Angeles. But his firm is at a crisis point, and in order to survive, he must embrace a role he held in contempt his entire career. Ted is surrounded by a stellar group of attorneys who test their loyalties to both Ted and each other while they can't help but mix their personal and professional lives. On top of it all, Ted must come to terms with the events that years ago led him to leave behind everything and everyone he loved. DAN ROVETTO, ACE SUITS LA editor Dan Rovetto, ACE is known for editing Suits, Pearson and Grey's Anatomy. He grew up on the east coast of the United States getting his start in entertainment at MTV in Times Square. Following his passion for editing and sense of adventure he moved to Los Angeles, CA in 2010. After a short time he made the transition into scripted and got his start editing on the hit USA Network series Suits where he quickly made a name for himself. In 2022 Dan Rovetto became a proud member of American Cinema Editors. The Credits Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs 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 - Federico Brioni, Diana Vasconcellos, Vicente Kubrusly and Guilherme Porto A big series, about a bigger than life racing icon, takes a big team of talented editors and assistant editors to tell the story right.  And that is just what Federico, Diana, Gui and Vicente have to say about their experience on the series - that they were part of highly tuned, highly collaborative team of professionals, all working diligently to honor the life of a racing legend and national hero of their home country of Brazil. Created by Vicente Amorim and directed by Amorim and Júlia Rezende, the series is based on the life of legendary race car driver Ayrton Senna.  Starring Gabriel Leone as Senna, the series follows his life from the beginning of his racing career in karting to his untimely death at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. FEDERICO BRIONI Federico Brioni is film editor with experience across various formats, and genres. Originally from Argentina, Federico has built his entire career in Brazil, where he continues to live and work. His contributions include "Senna," Netflix's series about the legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, "Jules and Dolores," which garnered acclaim and awards. "O Doutrinador: A Série" a Brazilian action-thriller adapted from the eponymous comic book, as well as "Anderson Spider Silva," Paramount's series chronicling the life and career of Brazil's MMA champion. Senna is his first collaboration with Vicente Amorim. DIANA VASCONCELLOS Diana Vasconcellos is a Brazilian film editor whose career began in the 1980s. Over the years, she garnered more than 60 credits across feature films, documentaries, and TV series. Her contributions to the craft have earned her 16 nominations and 2 prestigious industry awards. She previously collaborated with Vicente Amorim on the film "Dirty Hearts" and the TV series "Romance Policial Espinosa". VICENTE KUBRUSLY Vicente Kubrusly is a Brazilian film editor and director with over two decades of experience in the audiovisual industry. His career spans feature films, documentaries, and TV series, reflecting a profound understanding of the entire production process. Vicente's notable works include the series Dom (Amazon Prime Video), the film Dois Filhos de Francisco (dir. Breno Silveira), and  Eu Tu Eles (dir. Andrucha Waddington). A former executive producer and partner at Conspiração Filmes, Vicente has contributed to a range of acclaimed projects, such as Assédio (Globoplay), Magnífica 70 (HBO), and the documentary Universo ao Meu Redor featuring Marisa Monte. His diverse body of work demonstrates a dedication to storytelling across formats and platforms.  Vicente previously colaborated with director Vicente Amorim on the anthology film Rio, I Love You. GUILHERME PORTO Guilherme Porto is a Brazilian editor with experience in over 20 feature films and TV series, taking on various post-production roles. He served as the editor of the feature film Raquel 1,1, directed by Mariana Bastos, and worked on episodes for Brazilian TV series like Senna, Desperate Lies, Criminal Code, Brotherhood, and Lady Voyeur for Netflix, as well as other projects for Globoplay, HBO, and Disney+. Senna marks his first collaboration with Vicente Amorim The Credits Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs 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 - Brett W. Bachman, ACE and Josh Ethier, ACE Long time friends, but first time co-editors, Brett and Josh are no strangers to working in the horror/thriller genre.  The same can't be said for COMPANION director Drew Hancock. Not only was this film Hancock's first feature as a director, but it was also his first real foray into genre filmmaking.  But that didn't stop either Brett or Josh from seeing how good this film was going to be right from the script.  What they couldn't predict, was how great a working experience the whole thing would be. Written and directed by Drew Hancock, COMPANION stars Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid as a couple on a weekend getaway with friends at a remote cabin that unravels into violence amid revelations that one of the guests is what’s known as a companion robot. BRETT W. BACHMAN, ACE Brett W. Bachman, ACE, is an editor of film & television with acclaimed titles such as Mandy, Pig, & The Fall of the House of Usher. He has worked with leading voices in genre film, such as Panos Cosmatos, Mike Flanagan, Josh Ruben, and Elijah Wood. Several of his feature films have premiered at renowned international festivals, including Sundance, TIFF, SXSW, and Cannes. He's also brought his talents to the small screen with numerous television and commercial projects. Recent & upcoming titles include: Companion, a thriller from writer/director Drew Hancock and New Line Cinema, Rabbit Trap starring Dev Patel, and Heart Eyes, a romcom-slasher hybrid from director Josh Ruben. Additional titles include Werewolves Within, Color Out of Space, The Toxic Avenger, The Vigil, Cooties, and many more. Bachman found his love of editing in his formative years, developing a passion for storytelling through three self-produced documentaries when he was just 19. At 22 years old, he was one of the youngest members of his AFI Conservatory editing program. Since then, he's nurtured his love of filmmaking with an array of eclectic projects as an Editor, Associate Producer, and Executive Producer JOSH ETHIER, ACE Josh Ethier is a renowned Los Angeles based film editor who has left a lasting mark on the horror, thriller and action genres; he literally wears his passion for the genres on his sleeve. His works have premiered at esteemed film festivals such as the Toronto International Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, SXSW, Tribeca Film Festival, Beyond Fest and Fantastic Fest.  Ethier is most well known for his frequent collaborations with director Joe Begos, with whom he has crafted a unique, LOUD and impactful cinematic style. Their partnership has resulted in several acclaimed films, including "Bliss," a psychedelic horror film that explores the descent of an artist into madness; "VFW," a gritty, action-packed thriller about war veterans defending their local VFW post from a drug-addled gang; and most recently, "Christmas Bloody Christmas," a festive yet terrifying holiday horror film that's streaming on Shudder. These collaborations have resonated with audiences and critics alike, showcasing Ethier's ability to enhance Begos' visionary storytelling through his editing.  Ethier's impressive filmography includes notable titles such as Oz Perkins' "Gretel & Hansel" for Orion Pictures and MGM, a dark reimagining of the classic fairy tale; William Brent Bell's "Orphan: First Kill," the prequel to the cult horror favorite for Paramount Pictures; Henry Dunham's "The Standoff at Sparrow Creek," a tense, dialogue-driven thriller about a mass shooting at a police funeral; and "Mayhem," a high-octane action horror film starring Steven Yeun that highlights his versatility as an editor of action and comedy. In 2021, Ethier's contributions to film editing were formally recognized when he was invited to join American Cinema Editors (ACE), an honor that signifies his standing in the industry amongst his peers. His career is marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for storytelling, making him one of the most respected and sought-after editors in independent genre cinema. The Credits Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs 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 - Andrew S. Eisen ACE, Terel Gibson ACE and Katheryn Naranjo Hiring editors for SKELETON CREW was akin to casting actors, considering how essential each editor's background and style would be in shaping the series. Kat, for instance, found her mark through her work on STRANGER THINGS which resonated with the show's tone of adventure. Meanwhile, Terrell's experience with Marvel projects like HAWKEYE proved that he would be up to the demands and rigors of a VFX heavy tv series.  Finally, Andrew's extensive Star Wars history positioned him as invaluable in guiding the new team. Capturing the right tone was crucial for the editors, as the show combined elements of adventure and comedy with darker themes. Andrew, Kat and Terel discussed the significance of striking a balance, especially when the storyline demanded a shift from lightheartedness to seriousness. Jude Law’s transformation from a seemingly rogue character to a complex anti-hero was a key point of focus, with the team ensuring his evolution was believable and engaging. SKELETON CREW, created by Christopher Ford and Jon Watts, takes place in the same time frame as THE MANDALORIAN, post RETURN OF THE JEDI, pre-THE FORCE AWAKENS.  It’s a coming-of-age story about four kids who make a discovery on their home planet that leads them to getting lost in the galaxy and the adventure to find their way back home. ANDREW S. EISEN, ACE Considering the cinematic approach that Andrew applies to THE MANDALORIAN, THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT and SKELETON CREW, it’s no surprise to see his name in the credits of big sci-fi / action films like TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION and THE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL 2. TEREL GIBSON, ACE Prior to joining the Star Wars universe for SKELETON CREW, Terel dropped by the MCU to cut HAWKEYE. He's also known for his feature work on movies such as CUCKOO (2024), SORRY TO BOTHER YOU (2018), READY OR NOT (2019) and THE FIGHTER (2010). KAT NARANJO Kat started her journey on Season 1 of STRANGER THINGS as an assistant, but over the following seasons started picking up full time editorial duties as well.  She also assisted editor Dean Zimmerman ACE on the features, THE ADAM PROJECT and FREE GUY.  Earlier in her career, Kat assisted on HALT AND CATCH FIRE and served as post coordinator on ONE TREE HILL. The Credits Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs Listen to Andrew talk about his work on THE MANDALORIAN Season One (Part One and Two) and Season Two, as well as THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT Hear Terel discuss cutting the Marvel series, HAWKEYE Check out Kat's interview for STRANGER THINGS 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