Fine Cuts: Interviews on the Practice of European Film Editing, 2nd Edition

26Dave King

Dave King

(Photo courtesy of Paul Seed)

I was privileged to work as Dave King’s assistant at the start of my career in the cutting rooms. While Dave never became a noted feature film editor, his work in television on both fiction and documentary was outstanding. He was the editors’ editor—admired by all who understood the authentic value of the craft. I recorded his reminiscences in the cosy cottage he shared with his wife Stella. He knew my agenda inside out, so my job was basically to ensure the recording functioned.

RC: So Dave, start at the beginning.

DK: I was born in Birmingham which was then in Warwickshire: woody Warwickshire ...