Slashing and Burning...
Glendyn Ivin
I was well aware of the concept that the edit allows you to re-make your film (again). After writing it once, shooting it second and then editing (re-writing) third.
But what I wasn't aware of was that I would actually go through the process of making it again. The same levels of inspiration, exhaustion, excitement and anxiety...
Jack and I have had a few dark days and sleepless nights piecing together what is essentially a very simple story. One thing we have learnt, particularly at this half way point is to trust the script. Something I have had to do at every stage of the production so far. Especially when confidence is low and confusion abounds it's essential to go back to the written text and use it to navigate your way through.
We are still reducing scenes to their essential and bare minimum, but the beats and their function are still there on the screen. When we do totally cut (as in delete) a scene, particularly ones that I love, I know it's for the greater good for the film. Thank the lord for DVD's and 'deleted scenes', that way I dont have to ever let go totally.
We had a very special guest come to The Butchery this week. Super star Tom Russell popped in with his family to have a sneak peak of the edit, while they were in town for a weeks holiday from Adelaide. Tom was his usual self, unphased by the process but kind of curious to see himself on screen. He blocked his ears to the swear words and complained at the amount that appears to have been cut from the film. It was great to see him and family.
It was a weird experience for Jack to meet Tom in person, as apposed to watching him on screen for the past 10 weeks. "He's much shorter than I thought he would be. I felt a little starstruck." Jack said after they left.