E-NEWS

EDITION #017

February 2011

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greetings and welcome to this first edition of the ASE monthly ENews for 2011!

A new year, a new hope ... (sounds like a Star Wars film).
There is much excitement to the list of scheduled events for ASE members this year. We're looking to extend our activities to include a Q&A with the Editor and Assistant Editor of this year's Aussie local releases.  A wonderful opportunity to meet those involved and hear their unique experiences.

Stay tuned for email notification of a 'Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole' discussion and 'Sanctum 3D' too!

We have introduced a new section to the eNews to invite participation from our Members. You'll get to know two Editors each month.  Coupled with an interview with one of our highly valued Sponsors, and a round of questions for a Committee Member too.

Since the last ENews we've crowned many Editors through the enjoyment of our 2010 'Ellies' Awards Evening, early December. Read all about the Winners and bestowed Accreditees.

The ACE and Academy Awards have recently announced their 2011 nominees.  Big shout out to Aussie Editor Kirk Baxter with his nominations (with co-Editor Angus Wall ACE) for 'The Social Network'.  Also to Aussie Editor Lee Smith ACE (and Additional Editor, ASE member John Lee) with ACE recognition for 'Inception', if not The Academy.

The Sundowners social meet kicks off again in Sydney, Sunday 13th of February. Pop along, have a drink and chin wag with a budding Editor/Assistant Editor. Please refer to the details below.

The next Victorian event will be a Young Editors Night, again a very popular night for socialising, information sharing and education.

The social events extend to two wheels as well.  The next 'Great Postie Motorcycle Ride' is scheduled for Sunday 13th Feb, weather permitting.  This is a legal speed adventure exploring Sydney's twisties and cafes.

We would like to thank our Sponsors for their invaluable support of our Guild in the year ahead.  (See their links below)

Absolute best wishes for 2011.  May it be fulfilling and rewarding, with a spot of vitamin D sunlight.

And remember, it really is a matter of "what can you do for your Guild?". Let's find great comfort in supporting each other.

Regards,

Jason Ballantine ASE

ASE President
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEWS:

It’s the awards season and the ASE would like to congratulate the following editors on being nominated.

First off is just a reminder of who won our awards at the 2010 ASE Editing Awards:

2010 ASE Editing Awards Winners: 
Avid Award for Best Editing in a Feature Film
 - Dany Cooper ASE – “Beneath Hill 60”

The Lab Award for Best Editing in a Television Drama
 - James Manche ASE - “Packed to the Rafters, Ep 44”

Best Editing in a Documentary
 - Andrew Arestides ASE for “My Asian Heart”

Best Editing in a Television Non-Drama - 
Fiona Strain ASE - “Whatever: The Science of Teens, Ep 4 – Moods”

Best Editing in a Commercial
 - Peter Whitmore ASE - ANZ “The Chase”

Best Editing in a Short FIlm
 - Adrian Chiarella - “The Love Song of Iskra Prufrock”

Best Editing in a Music Video
 - Katie Hinsen - Goin' Home

2010 ASE ACCREDITATIONS

Harriet Clutterbuck ASE
Scott Gray ASE
Michael J Hagan ASE
Lindi Harrison ASE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2011 BEST EDITING OSCAR NOMINEES:

Andrew Weisblum, A.C.E. - “Black Swan”
Pamela Martin - “The Fighter”
Tariq Anwar - “The King's Speech”
Jon Harris - “127 Hours”
Angus Wall, A.C.E.  and Kirk Baxter - “The Social Network”
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2011 ACE EDDIE AWARDS NOMINEES:

BEST EDITED FEATURE FILM (DRAMATIC):
"Black Swan" Andrew Weisblum, A.C.E.
"The Fighter" Pamela Martin
"Inception" Lee Smith, A.C.E.
"The King’s Speech" Tariq Anwar
"The Social Network" Angus Wall, A.C.E. & Kirk Baxter

BEST EDITED FEATURE FILM (COMEDY OR MUSICAL):
"Alice in Wonderland" Chris Lebenzon, A.C.E.
"Easy A" Susan Littenberg
"The Kids Are All Right" Jeffrey M. Werner
"Made In Dagenham" Michael Parker
"Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" Jonathan Amos & Paul Machliss

BEST EDITED DOCUMENTARY:
"Exit Through the Gift Shop" Tom Fulford & Chris King
"Inside Job" Chad Beck & Adam Bolt
"Waiting for “Superman” Jay Cassidy, A.C.E., Greg Finton & Kim Roberts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Meet the Members'
…with Karen Johnson

Editor Karen Johnson & her son Coen

Karen Johnson is a highly experienced drama and documentary editor, she has been nominated for two IF awards in recognition for her work on “Beneath Clouds” and “One Night The Moon”. Recently, her body of work has included  feature film “Griff the Invisible” and documentary “The Long Goodbye” both scheduled for release 2011.

I knew I wanted to work in post when… when I was studying Film and TV at Uni we were asked to make our own documentary (mine was about the effects of alcohol on my friends) I went into the little dark editing room to start putting my footage together and fell in love with the art of manipulating rushes to say what I wanted to say without really saying anything... I was instantly addicted!

My first break in the industry was… assisting Ted Otten on "Fatal Bond" (a film starring Linda Blair from "The Exorcist") at Spectrum Films in the early 90's. I was the third assistant on 35mm working at night (for free) whilst I supported myself during the day earning money as a dental nurse (but that’s another story).

The thing I love most about editing is… the magic that happens on some rare days when you are so in "the zone" that you look back at what you have been editing all day and you honestly can't remember cutting it, its as if someone else did it.

The best tip I’ve got for aspiring editors is… in the immortal words of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy " Don't Panic "

If I wasn’t in postproduction I’d be… in the loony bin somewhere- editing keeps me sane.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Meet the Members'
…with Henry Karjalainen


Henry Karjalainen is a freelance Post Production Supervisor & Assistant Editor working in film post for over 20 years. Henry was Post Producer on Mary and Max, and recently, Post Super/ First Assistant Editor on Legend Of The Guardians. Henry has recently started working on Happy Feet 2 for Dr. D Studios.

I knew I wanted to work in post when… I was in High School, I think? It's a long time ago now. I enjoyed editing cassette tapes and Super 8 film etc. When studying Year 12 in Canberra I exclusively chose media related units.

My first break in the industry was… after finishing my Communications degree I moved to Sydney. I found a job through the newspaper (!) at Negthink and started Neg Matching in 1989. I also worked at the National Film and Sound Archive as a Nitrate Film Restorer in the nineties. I've been an Assistant Editor since 1999 after moving to Melbourne.

The thing I love most about editing is… helping craft motion pictures for people's enjoyment with my peers. I enjoy the collaborative creative, technical, and political cut and thrust.

The best tip I’ve got for aspiring editors is... work hard, set long term goals, be persistent and then, hang on for the ride.

If I wasn’t in postproduction I’d be… definitely on Bob Dylan's tour group. I could also settle for a long tropical island getaway.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Meet your Committee'
…with ASE Secretary Adrian Barac


I specialise in… mostly commercials, with the odd dose of long-form.  The company I work for has me mostly alternating between Final Cut and Flame.

My first break in the industry was… landing an assistant job at Montage, which grew to bigger things.

The highlight of my career so far… 
I didn't expect to list a short film, but in many ways, it'd be "Ward 13".  It's an animated action film made by Peter Cornwell, and won 17 awards, including an Oscar-short listing and Best Editing at Flickerfest.

I was inspired to join the ASE committee… to get closer to our brilliant cutting community, to learn the ropes, and to help out in any way I can!

The ASE is important because… it's full of fantastic people and we editors are often an isolated bunch. If any field needs a guild - it's ours.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Meet our Sponsors'
….with DigiPics

Digital Pictures Head of Post Production, Rachel Knowles.   [Photo: Karen Fleming]
In the first of this series, we spotlight one of our longest supporting ASE Sponsors Digital Pictures.
Based in Melbourne, Digital Pictures has become an institution for Victorian Post Production ... and Australia, over the past 35 years (established as AAV till name change in 2002).

Head of Post Production Rachel Knowles (pictured) has been involved with the company over the past seven years.  In 2009 she succeeded Pamela Hammond, who you may remember fondly.

Rachel carries her own extensive knowledge of Post and is proud of the companies' achievements.
She stands for wanting to further develop the relationship with the broader editing community, thus values the association with the ASE and it's members.

Digital Pictures offers a true 'one-stop-shop' tailoring film and television workflows, 3D too, a huge range of equipment (including a custom built screening room with rotating silver screen for stereo projection), engineering and technical support, data wrangling, transcoding, colour management, all the way through to digital cinema services and Bluray mastering.  All proposed with consideration to Production budget.

It really is a relaxed and 'cool' hub offering absolutely everything to alleviate the Production and Editorial crew of concern, allowing for pure cutting creativity ... heaven.

Rachel outlined a few of the impressive slate of latest film & television projects:
Snowtown - Editor Veronika Jenet ASE
Cleo - Editor Denise Haratzis ASE
Woodley - Editor Julie-Anne De Ruvo
Sanctum 3D - Editor Mark Warner
Dance Academy - Editors James Manche ASE, Mark Perry, Geoffrey Lamb, Simon Martin, Rodrigo Balart
Eye of the Storm - Editor Kate Williams
Small Time Gangster - Editor Stephen Evans

Amongst the South Melbourne art deco four level facility are VFX company Iloura, which seamlessly integrates with the Digital Pictures pipeline.  This company being another one of the sister companies, including Sydney's The Lab (a Gold ASE Sponsor), under the huge entity of Omnilab Media Group.

We sure are proud to be in partnership with Digital Pictures, thanking them for their support over nearly a decade and this 2011.

Take a moment to check out their website...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE GREAT POSTIE BIKE RIDE 2010 

The Inaugural 'Great Postie Bike Ride' 2010 took place on sunny Sunday 12th of December.  It was a wonderful turn-out of Post Production Rev Heads keen to swap editing and biker stories.

From left (back row) ... Editor Adrian Rostirolla, Editor Tim Steel, Editor Jason Ballantine ASE, Editor Peter Whitmore ASE, Editor Laurie Hughes, Editor Patrick Stewart.

From left (front row) ... Editor Marc Cosgrave, Animal Logic Supervisor Post Services Chris Swinbanks, Deluxe General Manager Anthos Simon and ex Tracks Facilities Technician Ant Bayliss.

 

The second outing of our 'Great Postie Bike Ride' included Editor Mark Perry, Editor Kristian Mather and Cutting Edge Facilities Technician Rob Puru.

We look forward to welcoming you on our next ride!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPCOMING EVENTS:

The Third Chinese Film Professional Forum 2011


The University of Sydney Confucius Institute and The Sydney Chinese Film Festival invite you to take a behind the scenes look at Chinese film making in their Third Chinese Film Professional Forum 2011, to be held on Sunday 6th February. From its birth in Shanghai in the late 19th Century with recordings of Beijing Opera, to the immensely popular Hong Kong action movies of the 1980’s and the lavish aesthetic beauty of recent historical epics - Chinese cinema has grown into a rich and immensely diverse art form.

Today, the steady output of internationally acclaimed big-budget dramas is accompanied by a growing ‘digital generation’ of independent films and documentaries. Chinese and Australian film makers and Chinese film academics from the University of Sydney will gather to compare and contrast the art of film making from Chinese and Australian cultures.

Guest speakers include: 
YANG Buting (Chairman of China Film Promotion International Group)
ZHOU Tiedong (President of China Film Promotion International Group)
Clara Law (Jury member of 2011 Golden Koala Awards and Director)
Pauline Chan (Jury member of 2011 Golden Koala Awards and Director/Producer)
Paul de Carvalho (Jury member of 2011 Golden Koala Awards and Director of Production Attraction, Screen NSW)
XUE Xiaolu (Director & Writer)
LIU Jie (Director)
Amanda Qin Hailu (Actress)
Wang Qianyuan (Actor)

Date:     Sunday 6th February

Time:    10 - 11am Guests’ Presentations  /  11 - 12pm

Discussion
 Venue:  Law Foyer, The New Law Building, University of Sydney Camperdown Campus

Cost:    FREE

please book your place by emailing: confucius.institute@sydney.edu.au

For more information visit the Sydney Chinese Film Festival website.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SCREENINGS:

QUEENSLAND
Windows on Europe Film Festival
Saturday 19th – 25th February

The best of European cinema will again grace Australian screens when the Windows on Europe Film Festival returns to Dendy Portside Cinemas in February, 2011.
Returning for its 6th season, the Windows on Europe Film Festival will showcase an outstanding line-up of award-winning films and talent from 14 countries. Website.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW SOUTH WALES

Screening of Iranian film “Offside” 5th March
The Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne Film Festivals are joining forces to protest the imprisonment of award-winning Iranian Director Jafar Panahi and his colleague Mohammad Rasoulof. The festivals are presenting special fundraising screenings of Panahi's film, Offside, with all proceeds going toward the campaign to free these two filmmakers. Website.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

FlickerFest 2011 comes to the Mercury Cinema12th – 13th February

Following screenings at the iconic Bondi Beach pavilion in January, Flickerfest will bring the best short films from Australia and abroad to Adelaide’s home of cutting edge screen culture, The Mercury Cinema from 12 to 13 February 2011. Website.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TASMANIA

Free Screening of Tasmanian Tropfest Entries - Sunday 20th February

All Tasmanian entries in the World's Largest Short Film Festival - Movie Extra Tropfest will be screened at the Peacock Theatre in Salamanca Arts Centre, Hobart. One off, free event. Email info@wideangle.org.au or phone 0362 238 344 to reserve your seat - otherwise, first come, first served.Website.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VICTORIA

127 Hours + Q&A with Aron Ralston, Wednesday 9th February

Join Cinema Nova for a preview screening of Academy Award winner Danny Boyle’s (Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting) epic new film 127 Hours.  Followed by a Q&A with the man the film is based on - American mountain climber Aron Ralston, who famously amputated his own arm in order to stay alive. Don’t miss the only chance in Melbourne to hear Ralston discuss his fascinating, courageous journey. Hosted by author and broadcaster Tony Wilson. Website.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 

Local Focus presents The Toll (M) 13th February

Meet the filmmaker at Bohemia. Director Zak Hiltditch will present his internationally acclaimed feature film The Toll. The screening will followed by a Q&A session with the Director. Website.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASE FEBRUARY SUNDOWNER, NSW (CHANGE OF DATE):

The Sundowners are back for 2011. This time we will be heading back to the Courthouse Hotel in Newtown. Come on down and enjoy a casual drink and a chat about editing and all things film. All are welcome at this very informal get together. We will have a table out in the back garden with somered balloons so you can spot us.

If you can’t find us give us a call:
Melanie (0402 248 831) and Chris (0420 361 500)

Where: The Courthouse (back beer garden) - 202 Australia St, Newtown
When: Sunday 13th February @ 3pm

For more details of sundowners please check emails or the ASE Facebook page.

And as always if you have any great pubs that you think we should visit we'd love to hear from you. Please send requests to:
newsletter@screeneditors.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:

Palace Cinemas in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney are now offering ASE members $13.50 entry to any film, any session (not including festivals or special events) upon presentation of membership cards.

Did you know ASE members get concession rate at Popcorn Taxi events? We do! So just remember to show your ASE members card.

Online Membership Payment:

There’s never been an easier way to join or re-new your membership to the ASE! We are excited to announce our new online payment facility. You are now able to pay online with your credit card. If you would like to join the guild follow the link for Online Application Form. Or if you are renewing your membership access to all the ASE benefits will be yours at the click of a button.

Discounted AFI membership, check this link for details

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EDITING ON THE WEB:

ASE Event Videos at Art Of The Guillotine Website
 Check out recent videos from ASE events on Documentary Editing, Demystifying Codecs and Colour Grading in FCP at “the Art of the Guillotine” website. There's some other great videos there too, including Walter Murch, Dan Katz and Thelma Shcoonmaker. Please share the link and encourage your colleagues to watch the videos as well.

Cut Notes for iPad
“Cut Notes” offers more use for the iPad in the edit suite - Great note taking app for screenings.

TVC’s
 - When you go to the premiere of your next project you might want to take a few pointers from this commercial for Heineken.

MUSIC VIDEOS
 - A great music video for Spanish artist El Guincho with some pretty striking imagery that you could only really get away with in Europe!
A cool music video for Chromeo's latest single - "Hot Mess"


VIRAL VIDEOS - 
One of the funniest videos I've seen recently... worth a watch as three blondes enter the test labs for a new smart phone. Watch.
Funny Talking Animals - Walk On The Wild Side - BBC One
.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“I've been a director myself, and the lesson I've learned is that my job as the editor is to help the director (George Lucas) get what he wants. It isn't to compete or to twist his arm, because I recognize that there are different approaches to every scene. It's such a creative and flexible medium. My influence is prevalent in all of it anyway. I don't feel left out even if he wants to change something, because I know that the only reason we're making that change is that we got there because of what I had done. You pioneer something and make the cut work, and then it gives you a new direction to go.”
Ben Burtt (Editor: Star Wars 1-3 & Sound Designer: Star Wars 1-6, Indiana Jones 1-4, Munich, Wall-E, Star Trek)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Until next time,
The ASE Committee