Weapons
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...
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Film Geek
The Rough Cut
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...
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Eenie Meanie
The Rough Cut
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...
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The Naked Gun
The Rough Cut
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...
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The Fantastic Four - First Steps
The Rough Cut
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...
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Andor
The Rough Cut
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...
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Superman
The Rough Cut
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...
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Shakespearean Sound Design - Hamlet
The Rough Cut
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...
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F1
The Rough Cut
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...
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TRC Book Club - Every Frame Counts (An Assistant Editor's Reference Book)
The Rough Cut
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...
info_outlineEditors - Claire Simpson and Sam Restivo
GLADIATOR 2 editors Claire Simpson and Sam Restivo first teamed up when Sam worked as her assistant editor on the tv series RAISED BY WOLVES (2020). From there, Claire brought Sam as her assistant to his first Ridley Scott feature, THE LAST DUEL (2021). He would assist Claire one more time for Scott's HOUSE OF GUCCI (2021) before getting the promotion to co-editor for NAPOLEON (NAPOLEON). Released twenty-four years after the original GLADIATOR (2000) film, GLADITAOR 2 takes place sixteen years after young Lucius witnesses the death of Maximus at the hands of his uncle. In the long-awaited sequel, Lucius must enter the Colosseum after the powerful emperors of Rome conquer his home. With rage in his heart and the future of the empire at stake, he looks to the past to find the strength and honor needed to return the glory of Rome to its people.
CLAIRE SIMPSON
Claire first worked for Ridley Scott on his 1987 film SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME. Even though that was only her fifth film credit, she was already an Oscar-winning editor having won the big prize for cutting PLATOON (1986) the year prior. She also cut director Oliver Stone’s film SALVADOR (1986) during that time. Claire would go on to do other films with both Oliver Stone and obviously Ridley Scott, and she would also receive an Oscar nomination for her work on the 2006 film, THE CONSTANT GARDENER.
SAM RESTIVO
Aside from his work with Claire Simpson and Ridley Scott, Sam has worked as an assistant editor on TV series like THE WALKING DEAD (2014) and BETTER CALL SAUL (2015) as well as being an additional editor for features such as THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (2017) and ROBIN HOOD (2018).
Editing GLADIATOR 2
In our discussion with GLADIATOR 2 editors Claire Simpson and Sam Restivo, we talk about:
- Alternating big and small projects with Ridley Scott
- Working with baboons in suits
- How Ridley edits with a brick
- The built-in logic of action editing
- If all else fails, get a reaction from the royal box
The Credits
Visit ExtremeMusic for all your production audio needs Learn all about what's new with Avid Media Composer Hear Sam talk about cutting NAPOLEON Subscribe to The Rough Cut podcast and never miss an episode Visit The Rough Cut on YouTube