Discussions About A Career In Cinema: Kevin Tent, Editor
Editor Kevin Tent’s credits include more than half a dozen films with Alexander Payne (Citizen Ruth, Election, Sideways, The Descendants, About Schmidt, Nebraska), as well as Girl, Interrupted; Mr. Woodcock; and The Golden Compass. In this conversation, Tent recalls his earliest endeavors in the film business, the winding path to success, and offers his hard-won lessons for those who hope to follow in his footsteps and succeed in the film industry. Tent reveals what he looks for in employees and collaborators, and reflects on how he has managed the crazy filmmaking lifestyle with a healthy home life.
0:00 – The beginnings of a career
1:54 – The value of getting any experience possible
2:58 – Working with cinematographers
3:45 – Advice for directors – “Give yourself a way out.”
4:41 – Choosing the shot or take
5:48 – Set notes and circled takes
6:25 – Technology acceleration and its impact on editing
8:27 – Working remotely, instant dailies
9:20 – Doing more in the same amount of time
10:58 – The importance of a reel in building a career
12:15 – Long hours and maintaining a family
14:55 – What do you look for when hiring?