Every editor faces ‘problem’ scenes from time to time.

For many it’s a source of frustration but I see it as a challenge I have to conquer.  However, I do agree that it’s incredibly frustrating to edit when you know in your gut the scene simply isn’t working.  It takes a lot to step away and rethink your approach.

I recently got stuck on the very first scene in my new short film.

I couldn’t get it.  I tried tons of different directions but nothing felt like it worked.  Frustration set in but it was accompanied by determination.  You really have to stick with it.  Continually trying different things that don’t work may be tiresome but it will always lead to the best possible solution.

I firmly believe that every editor has a little perfectionist in them. Each frame has to be flawless.  Every cut scrutinized and revised.  It’s because of this I felt compelled to work harder and find a way to get that scene together.

And then it hit me.

A single SHOT provided the spark I needed to finish the scene.

The first shot of the movie.  Why hadn’t I thought of it before? It just made sense to start the movie that way.

Once I discovered that one moment, it was easy.

All of the sudden, I found myself watching a scene I was beginning to think would never come together.  Yet there it was.

Take that opening scene!

I win.