by Nancy Jundi as originally published by CinemaEditor Magazine
Most people have a moment they can look back on as what spawned the curiosity into their field. Even more can tell you when and why they found the mentor or hero they did. After recapping the Invisible Art / Visible Artist Luncheon to a friend of mine, he relayed his story to me. “It was seeing the letters A.C.E. after Michael Kahns name at the end of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. That just stuck with me. I wanted to know what those letters meant and why they were there.” I have to admit, when I sat down next to Michael Kahn that afternoon, my friend’s story was the first thing to cross my mind.
In attendance that Saturday afternoon, prior to the 78th Annual Academy awards, were Munich’s Michael Kahn, A.C.E., Cinderella Man’s team, Dan Hanley, A.C.E. and Mike Hill, A.C.E., The Constant Gardner’s Claire Simpson, Crash’s Hughes Winborne and Walk the Line’s Mike McCusker. Also joining us were the production crew, IA/VA committee members, volunteers, sponsors and a few members of the A.C. E. board, such as President and IA/VA moderator, Alan Heim.
The stories told by each of this years six Oscar nominated editors left quite the mark on cinema and the millions of people who took in each film. Having just come from the panel, all of their experiences were still fresh in my mind. Sitting at Musso and Frank’s Grill, across from The Egyptian, where the production was held, I realized how much history and talent was in that room. Something else that circulated was a relieved ease. Each editor repeatedly expressed their gratitude to the sponsors for holding an event that allowed them to congratulate one another and enjoy the company of their peers instead of centering on a feeling of competition.
That afternoon also served as a great reminder to how and who these artists inspire. With each guest relaying their individual appreciation for the nominees work to the editors, the reward of a job well done, and often downplayed, was apparent. For the millions of people that herald directors and actors as a story’s backbone, it’s the work horse of an editor that forms those talents into the magic we see on screen. Listening to the humbled responses to questions and compliments from all six nominees was the greatest highlight of the day. It made me realize that it’s their talent that inspires people, like my friend, to research and dive into the art of editing. It isn’t just the final product people respect, but the passion behind it that draws more in with each viewing.
This marks the luncheons 5th successful year in a row. Gift boxes filled with truffles were provided by Ohio based Pure Imagination. Next years luncheon will certainly bring together another group of incredible talent, but looking back on this year’s event it will definitely be an exciting adventure to top.
