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Talking Editing with Freddy Filmmaker

I always seem to run into Freddy Filmmaker when I’m hungry and strolling Caroline Street. Actually, I was glad to see him and anxious to discuss the editing experience I gained completing my two-minute, silent film.

Freddy Filmmaker:  So you survived a week in New York and made your first film. Congratulations. How was that hotel I recommended?

me: Yep. Loved NYC. The hotel was o.k. Hot showers are so bourgeois anyway.

Freddy Filmmaker: Ouch. Maybe I owe you a Belgian beer. We’ll duck in here and you can tell me about the adventure.

me: I never knew so much happens in the editing room. Now I understand the director’s lament, “the film I shot is not what I got.” A skilled editor is a true artist. Of course, only the shots that were actually taken can be edited. Augh!

Freddy Filmmaker: Are you a skilled editor-artist now? Should Walter Murch, the god of screen editing, be worried about competition?

me: Funny. Where is your comedy act playing? I’ll get my dollar. Seriously, there is so much to learn and our student films did not have sound since the complexity of the editing process skyrockets 100%.  We had six hours to work with DVD Studio Pro, period. It was a fascinating and frustrating process. I do want to learn so In the Blink of an Eye is on order through Amazon.

Freddy Filmmaker: You were right to leave the film silent vs. forcing music that fits badly. Trying to find royalty free music that works perfectly with your piece is no picnic. 

me: Tell me about it. But check out my work, please, I’ve posted it on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOIq6xNz-eU You are the one who taught me shameless self- promotion, after all. Oh no, wait….that was The Angry Filmmaker. No matter. Just watch my movie.

Freddy Filmmaker: Do you want my professional opinion afterwards?

me: No, not really. It’s my first love-child, so be kind. I haven’t been able to watch a movie since without thinking about the angles and the shots. It’s most intriguing and I’m anxious to see the RIFF 2010 entries. They’re all so good.

Freddy Filmmaker: So now I guess you’re hooked. Hey, who’s picking up the tab today?

me: I suppose I will, tightwad.

Freddy Filmmaker: Who loves ya, doll?

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Freddy the Filmmaker

Fredericksburg is becoming so cosmopolitan; you just never know who you’ll bump into on Caroline Street these days. The other morning I ran into Freddy Filmmaker and his cuddly canine, Oscar. I was anxious to tell him about my upcoming trip to New York and weeklong seminar in digital filmmaking. We both love fish tacos so we brunched. Very glam.

Freddy Filmmaker: Wow. The New York Film Academy, that sounds exciting.

me: Thanks. I am excited. It seemed like a good way to spend my tax return in totality and learn lots of cool movie mogul stuff, like you.

Freddy Filmmaker: I’m not exactly a mogul, dear. I have good years and bad years. I hope your expectations aren’t unrealistic.

me: Well, we will certainly learn a few basics, play with some cool equipment, and discuss scriptwriting.

Freddy Filmmaker: I think everybody has to dream and certainly start someplace. Not a bad hobby, but if you’re thinking………

me: I’m keeping my day job. 

Freddy Filmmaker: Good. I wouldn’t want to worry about you. That’s not to say you cannot make a decent short for fun or artistic expression or……..

me: I just saw Paranormal Activity. That didn’t involve a lot of bells and whistles and they made 30 million. Then there’s this other guy who posted his clip on YouTube and sold it to a studio for 30 million and…

Freddy Filmmaker: You seem very hung up on $30 million. I’m worried.

me:  I’m not. I am just saying you never know who could have a great idea. It could be me or you or a student filmmaker. Great ideas are born every day and fans are waiting to see them. By the way, have any great ideas on how not to get mugged?

Freddy Filmmaker: Just don’t look like a tourist.

me: But I am a tourist! 

Freddy Filmmaker: Darling, New York is a state of mind.

me: That sounds like a commercial. Is it one of yours?

Freddy Filmmaker: (eye roll) Just go have a good time, O.K.? And if you learn anything cool, share it with the student filmmakers and fans. And if you have any really great, $30 million type ideas, share with me first.

me: Considering you left the $2 tip for the waitress that sound fair.

Freddy Filmmaker: Who’s your Daddy?

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