The Healthy Edit

Chapter 16

Triage

Emergency Procedures

When asked to help with the editing of a motion picture where work has already been under way for many months, film doctors often find a producer or post supervisor who, at his wit’s end, is anxious for someone who can alleviate the pain. Yet many of these filmmakers feel that, having suffered as much as they have, they can no longer afford the time or expense that had previously been allotted. But this is the moment when it is most warranted. If the film becomes releasable in the hands of the new editor and garners a decent return, then the producers will be more than compensated for the cost of the intervention. In any case, the skittish producer or director may ask for a trial period, such as two weeks. ...