The editing process is usually seen as the process in filmmaking in which a film truly comes to life. Acclaimed director Alfred Hitchcock would beg to differ as would I since all my previous films are virtually shot for shot my original script (except for my recent short “The Old Woman & the Park(s)”). “Primal” would present an interesting problem as from the very start of principal photography it was decided to change the script around to better suit the fact that we only had two days combined at the location and I only had one day to film all the main action of the film. The scene that we filmed on the first day would actually get moved to earlier in the film rather than at the end and we cut down the rooms needed and the stunts required of the original script.
My editor Ron McLellen (who also served as producer and cinematographer on the film) had carte blanche on the editing of the film as we both re-crafted the story as we filmed. It was decided upon to elaborate more on the reason for the infection outbreak and less on the chase sequence. This caused the film to be shorter than originally expected but the film does have a sense of immediacy and is non-stop from beginning to end.
The amazing thing about this production is that when we finished principal photography we went straight into editing. McLellen and I had a rough edit of the film done that same day which is a mean feat as editing a film can be a daunting task that takes a long time. I had a great crew with Eric F. Burton on hand who helped out as the gaffer, grip, and generally everything else (he’s also Associate Producer on the film). Janlatae Mullins also came out to help in the makeup department as actress Jennifer Mercurio’s personal makeup artist.
Despite the changes made to the original script everyone on the production pulled together to deliver a film that I hope we can all be proud of and herein lies the great thing about film-making. This art form is collaboration and there can be no final film without the cooperation of the many people involved. Each and every person involved in the production of a film (whether it be a short or a feature) contribute to the final product of the process and in this lies the truly amazing thing about film-making. It brings people of all types together for a common goal. There is no other art form like that of producing a film and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
THE END.