Bio

I’ve been in the television business since 1971 and jumped to dramatic film in 1988 as a freelance editor (yeah, that makes me a little older than I care to admit). My background in studio and camera work has been an asset in understanding the difficulties of  film production. Before making the leap to film I cut many TV productions from lifestyle, variety, musical, documentary and even news in Toronto for both Global TV and CTV (Channel 9 CFTO). 

I’ve been very fortunate to work on some major Canadian TV series, E.N.G in the late ‘80’s early ‘90’s…Due South in ’97-98. Then there was Goosebumps in ’95-96  and Dark Oracle in 2004-5, winner of the International Emmy for Best Children’s Series. I was nominated in the Director’s Guild Awards for Outstanding Editing for Burn: The Robert Wraight Story, an MOW about Weibo Ludwig in Alberta.

Regardless of my disappearing hairline I plan on being around to do many more high end series in this country for some time to come.   

 

 

Philosophy

To be succinct when describing my beliefs regarding the craft of editing is challenging but I’ll try.

The first word that comes to mind is adaptation.  All stories have their own pace, setting and potential style.  That’s my job – to adapt  visually to the story.   Is it character driven, action driven, story driven?  Is there a place for a defining and distinctive style or is it best to allow the story to unfold in a classic and unobtrusive manner?  I always try and define this before making my first cut but often ideas arise during the process.  Having a director that communicates clearly and is open to different points of view is a great asset as well. 

I try to think of a script like a fine piece of classical music.  Most stories have moderately paced scenes accented by flurries of activity eventually culminating in an emotional climax.  Editing should reflect this and match the emotional state of the scene.  Sometimes (even within a slower scene) the cutting needs to be quick, sometimes it’s more prudent to let the shot play out.  It’s more important, I believe, to know when not to cut.  Although it’s not always possible, every cut should have motivation and purpose.  In many ways my job is to get out of the way and let the story play out but somehow enhance every single moment.  Contradiction?  I don’t think so.  The editor is the invisible person and should be.  If people are aware of the editing than I have failed.  I have a responsibility to tell the story as clearly and entertainingly as possible.  That is my goal.

That being said, on a practical level my job is to present a solid cut that allows the director and producer to get in and out, alleviating hours of recutting.  I have done that consistently for the past 20 years.  

 

   

Movies

Burn: The Robert Wraight Story

Tapestry Films and Alberta Filmworks for CTV Network

2002; TV Movie

Great project.  Nominated in the Directors Guild Awards for Outstanding Picture Editing.  There weren’t any specific scenes I can point out just a really solid script and solid acting that lead to a memorable presentation.  There is nothing more enjoyable for me than cutting strong actors that understand a scene and interpret the emotion of the character and a situation in a fresh and clear manner.  Thanks to Stefan Scaini for his insightful direction.

The Waiting Game

Alliance Communications for Showtime and CTV   

1998; TV Movie

Harlequin MOW that was surprisingly full of action, mystery and surprises.  Chris Potter and Chandra West’s acting complimented each other and made cutting interesting and energetic.  Great fun.

Loving Evangeline

Alliance Communications for Showtime and CTV Network

1998; TV Movie

My second-in-a-row Harlequin movie.  Shooting in Nova Scotia gave the mystery an interesting feel.  Beautifully shot by Tim Bond.  Nick Mancuso and Kelly Rowan made for solid cast. 

November

Point Blank Productions

1998; Indie Feature  

A low budget feature that I cut for George Fierrerra.  A gritty, violence laced independent project shot in rural Ontario.  Did some major reworking with regards to the story timeline. Challenging. 

Angels And Other Demons

Cloud Nine Films

2006; Indie Feature  

One of the most enjoyable experiences of my career.  A short film, shot to promote a full length feature script.  A David Lynch’ish tale that leaves you wondering what was fact and what was fiction. DVD available upon request.

Short Films

Here's a collection of short films that I've worked on.

Shudder

A Brett Sullivan film that explores the paranormal. Inspired by a true story of a man who could not live with the loss of his family and commits suicide. His spirit though would not leave this earth.

The Burger Joint

A stage production brought to film by Will Pascoe. A day in the life and just plain fun at the local burger joint.

String Theory

A Media Brat production. Explores the awkwardness of the internet dating scene with an unexpected twist that proves that all that ends oddly can still end well.

   

Series Television

Series' Pilots

Here's a collection of series' pilots that I've worked on.

Devil's Perch

Set on a ranch this character driven dramatic pilot was beautifully shot by Ron Murphy in the Caladen hills of Ontario. 

The Jane Show

Comedy set in a newsroom about a single woman in a big city.  Always challenging and fun to cut comedic moments. 

The Power Strikers

Girls soccer team shoots for gold.  A lot of montage material with music.  I think TJ Scott had as much fun shooting it as I did editing it. 

View a clip

Dinosapien

Seven24 Films for BBC, NBC Discovery Kids  

2006-07; 15 Episodes

Very ambitious live action intermixed with animation series about smart dinosaurs.  Coordinating post was a major challenge.  It was shot in Alberta, off-lined in Toronto with the animation house, and finished in London, England at the BBC. I’ve included a clip of when the lead, Lauren first meets Eno, the most likable Dino you’ll ever come across.

View a clip

Dark Oracle

Shaftesbury Films for YTV and Family Channel

2004, 2005-06; 20 Episodes

This was one of the most unique concepts I’ve worked on.  A comic book that slowly reveals the future to twins, Lance and Cally.  I feel I contributed a great deal to the style and feel of the show and the composer enhanced it all.  Won the Emmy for Best International Children’s Series. 

 

In A Heartbeat

Produced by Alliance Atlantis for Disney

2000; 10 Episodes

Action packed paramedic show that Shawn Ashmore (X-men) sprung out of.  A lot of variety from a cutting stand point.  I’ve included a fun little montage.  Thanks to Stacey Curtis for the footage.

View a clip

 

Heartland

Seven24 Films for CBC

2007-08; 6 Episodes

I fell in love with this drama about a family trying to keep the ranch alive after the death of the matriarch and breadwinner.  Between the scenery of the Alberta Rockies, horses and a solid cast, editing was a dream. 

View a clip #1

View a clip #2

Life With Derek

Shaftesbury for Family Channel and Disney

2004-05; 9 Episodes

Very successful sitcom about five children of two families reluctantly brought together by their parents marriage.  Multi-camera shoots pose their own challenges and the first season was interesting setting the style and pace for the series.

Black Hole High

Produced by Fireworks for Discovery Kids

2002 & 2003; 19 Episodes

Ya’ gotta love sucking teenagers into a black hole.  Great fun.  Lots of special effects and picture manipulation.

 

Little Men

Produced by Alliance Atlantis for Paxnet

1998 & 1999; 13 Episodes

One of those series that never found it’s audience but deserved more than two seasons.  Period shows are always nostalgic and endearing.

 

 

 

   

Series Television (continued)

Due South

Alliance Communications for CTV Network

1997-98; 13 Episodes

The first Canadian drama to run on prime time American Television (CBS).  Gemini for Best Dramatic Series in 1995, 96 and 97.  Action, comedy and drama all rolled into one show.  A definite highlight in my career.  Robert Carney (producer) was beyond a pleasure to work to with.  Paul Gross has more energy than anyone I’ve ever worked with.

View a clip

Goosebumps

Produced by Protocol Entertainment and Scholastic for Fox TV

1995 & 1996; 18 Episodes

What can I say about this international hit.  Loved every bit of the experience.  One highlight was working with a very young Ryan Gosling in two episodes.  I’ve included a clip.

View a clip

E.N.G.

Produced by Alliance Communications for CTV Network

1989-1994 ; 44 Episodes

My first freelance job and it not only wins Gemini after Gemini for Canadian Best Series (1990, 92, 93, 94), it runs for five years.  I can’t tell you how much I learned through this time period. 

 

Black Harbour

Produced by Fogbound Productions for CBC

1996-97; 7 Episodes

Shot in Nova Scotia I spent five months in the Saint Margaret’s Area.  Incredibly beautiful and moody.  Working with Wayne Grigsby and Barbara Samuels was once again a pleasure.

 

Taking The Falls

Alliance Communications for CTV Network

1995; 4 Episodes

Only ran one season short season but I just loved what Bruce McDonald gave me for this simple fantasy scene.

View a clip

Friday The 13th

Produced by Paramount for syndication

1987-88; 6 Episodes

While working for CFTO-TV (CTV) in Toronto as a staff editor I was  fortunate to be able to edit this high end (and controversial) syndicated series.  I learned how to slice and dice more than just pictures. 

 

Testees

FX Network, Showcase

2008; 6 Episodes

An adult comedy that more often than not pushed all the boundaries.  Due to lack of qualifications, two roommates work as guinea pigs at a testing facility for a wide range of dangerous and unpredictable products.  The results ranged from memory loss, sex changes to out of control vacuums.

 

 

Heather Conkie – Producer

Jana Sinyor – Producer

Kevin May – Producer

Ron Murphy – Director

Don McBrearty – Director

Don McCutcheon  - Director

 

Contact info available upon request

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