Wonderful insight and gems of wisdom again Doug. As a doc editor, I really appreciate you writing “Before considering an editor, you need to be able to pay them.” Amen!
I admire you asking editors their favorite films as part of the interview process. It really reveals so much. I wish more directors asked me that. Usually we talk about docs, but it’s often me asking them. Yet narrative features, when well made, can be so moving, and reveal so much about our artistic sensibilities. The films that really touched me in my 20s are still some of my favorites: Bertolucci’s “The Conformist”, Pontecorvo’s “ Battle of Algiers”, Jane Campion’s “The Piano”, and Peter Greenaway’s “The Draughtsman’s Contract”, John Maybury’s “ Love is the Devil”, and many more. But these days, with a glut of franchise films made for teenagers in theatres, I would much rather watch a doc.
You're hired, Darianna! Battle of Algiers is in my top 5 and The Conformist is right up there. Between me and you only (look away everyone else), my list is 1. Citizen Kane, 2. Wild Strawberries, 3. Shoot the Piano Player, 4. Battle of Algiers, 5. 4-way tie between The General, Sherlock Jr., The Navigator and Steamboat Bill Jr.
Tirez Sur Le Pianiste is my favorite Truffaut. Charles Aznavour’s performance is a standout. I should probably add Le Samouraï by J-P Melville to that list.
Doug, just watched the work sample for 112 Weddings - I wouldn't be able to get to the link to the finished film fast enough! It TOTALLY told me what the story was about and left me hanging. Although I've seen (and loved) the film, I never saw the work sample There's another topic right there!
So, Doug...this was great. I've been doing this as long as you have, yet listening to an outline of the process was as helpful as it would have been to me in 1986 when I started. Part of it confirmation, and part of it a different method - like the spreadsheet idea which I like. Being more organized when making a decision speaks to my self-doubt a bit. I laughed when you said your editor DIDN'T laugh. I knew exactly what was coming. Thanks, Doug for the camaraderie, willingness to be transparent and not keeping your experience as precious guarded information. It was soothing reassurance that is really helpful when working in a vacuum in your own space.
Thanks, Connie. I haven't seen too many other directors talk about how they work with editors, so thought it worth sharing. I don't know if what I do is common. I'm writing this week about how I work with the editor once they're hired, and I'd be especially curious to know if what I do isn't normal practice. But it works for me.
Thanks, Eileen. Not sure why more directors don’t talk about their process so can’t compare how I work with editors to others. But glad you find it helpful.
What can I say, very enjoyable, informative and valuable insights. Thank you for sharing your much acquired knowledge through blood and sweat, so freely Mr. Block. Ilook forward to your next article.
Thanks for the kind words, Neville. I’m still not used to how little feedback my Substack posts get vs. social media posts, which get a ton. So much appreciated.
Wonderful insight and gems of wisdom again Doug. As a doc editor, I really appreciate you writing “Before considering an editor, you need to be able to pay them.” Amen!
I admire you asking editors their favorite films as part of the interview process. It really reveals so much. I wish more directors asked me that. Usually we talk about docs, but it’s often me asking them. Yet narrative features, when well made, can be so moving, and reveal so much about our artistic sensibilities. The films that really touched me in my 20s are still some of my favorites: Bertolucci’s “The Conformist”, Pontecorvo’s “ Battle of Algiers”, Jane Campion’s “The Piano”, and Peter Greenaway’s “The Draughtsman’s Contract”, John Maybury’s “ Love is the Devil”, and many more. But these days, with a glut of franchise films made for teenagers in theatres, I would much rather watch a doc.
You're hired, Darianna! Battle of Algiers is in my top 5 and The Conformist is right up there. Between me and you only (look away everyone else), my list is 1. Citizen Kane, 2. Wild Strawberries, 3. Shoot the Piano Player, 4. Battle of Algiers, 5. 4-way tie between The General, Sherlock Jr., The Navigator and Steamboat Bill Jr.
Tirez Sur Le Pianiste is my favorite Truffaut. Charles Aznavour’s performance is a standout. I should probably add Le Samouraï by J-P Melville to that list.
Doug, just watched the work sample for 112 Weddings - I wouldn't be able to get to the link to the finished film fast enough! It TOTALLY told me what the story was about and left me hanging. Although I've seen (and loved) the film, I never saw the work sample There's another topic right there!
If the link to rent it on my website isn't working (dougblock.com), lemme know and my director of sales (me) will make magic happen.
So, Doug...this was great. I've been doing this as long as you have, yet listening to an outline of the process was as helpful as it would have been to me in 1986 when I started. Part of it confirmation, and part of it a different method - like the spreadsheet idea which I like. Being more organized when making a decision speaks to my self-doubt a bit. I laughed when you said your editor DIDN'T laugh. I knew exactly what was coming. Thanks, Doug for the camaraderie, willingness to be transparent and not keeping your experience as precious guarded information. It was soothing reassurance that is really helpful when working in a vacuum in your own space.
Thanks, Connie. I haven't seen too many other directors talk about how they work with editors, so thought it worth sharing. I don't know if what I do is common. I'm writing this week about how I work with the editor once they're hired, and I'd be especially curious to know if what I do isn't normal practice. But it works for me.
I'm looking forward to read that one, too.
As a doc editor, I really appreciate you laying out your process for other directors! Very right on 👏👏👏
Thanks, Eileen. Not sure why more directors don’t talk about their process so can’t compare how I work with editors to others. But glad you find it helpful.
What can I say, very enjoyable, informative and valuable insights. Thank you for sharing your much acquired knowledge through blood and sweat, so freely Mr. Block. Ilook forward to your next article.
Thanks for the kind words, Neville. I’m still not used to how little feedback my Substack posts get vs. social media posts, which get a ton. So much appreciated.
Patience. it will come. Soon you will be amazed.