Before mid-June, earlier than planned, the crew transitioned into the post-production phase. Editor Jessica Felton followed the team into the post-production studio at Warner Bros. Studios.
Starting post-production early required paying extra, but in the face of saved time, Michael decided to be generous for once.
He wasn't stingy by nature and understood the immense motivational power of money. However, with limited funds at this stage, every penny had to be spent wisely.
"I've reviewed about two-thirds of the footage," Jessica said, efficiently tying her long hair back as she sat at the workstation. "I'll spend the next week thoroughly examining all the shots and then create an editing plan."
Michael nodded lightly, glancing at Jessica from the corner of his eye. Perhaps because she was sitting too close to the workstation, her ample chest seemed to rest on the table.
This could have reduced the strain on her body; after all, the weight couldn't be ignored.
"Great!" Michael pulled over a chair and sat at a nearby workstation. "I'll try to make time to review everything again."
With James Wong's direction, he'd already seen all the footage.
Jessica adjusted her chair backrest, finding the most comfortable position. Even with a tight t-shirt, those two massive mounds spread out like water bags on the desk.
"Don't trust me?" she asked.
Michael shrugged. "Not at all. I need to learn."
"Hmm?" Jessica didn't understand. "Why?"
Michael replied directly, "Because I'm not skilled enough."
Jessica nodded, saying, "Few men are as honest as you."
Michael smiled. "There's no shame in acknowledging one's shortcomings."
The door to the editing room was knocked, and Jessica called out for them to enter. Two people came in, carrying several large packages, mostly living supplies, including feminine hygiene products.
Jessica pointed to the empty space near the door. "Just leave them here; I'll sort them out later."
Then, another man dragged a large box, probably bedding based on the packaging.
Jessica directed him to place it behind the door.
Once they left, Michael curiously asked, "What are you doing? Moving in?"
"Something like that," Jessica replied straightforwardly. "This editing room has a rest area. For the next two months, I'll be living here."
Michael was quite surprised. "We have plenty of time."
Jessica raised a finger and shook it. "You don't understand. Editing requires 200% focus. I can't afford any distractions. So, you'll need to arrange for someone to bring me food and ensure no unrelated personnel disturb me."
She handed her phone to Michael. "Take my phone. If anyone contacts me, handle it. If it's something you can't handle, only inform me if it's from the professor. For everything else, don't bother me."
Michael took the phone and asked, "What about your family?"
"I told them yesterday," Jessica said, clearly well-prepared. "They won't disturb me during this period."
Meeting someone so dedicated and fully invested, Michael had nothing more to say but nodded. "Alright, no problem!"
She really was a super techie.
If every employee were as committed as Jessica Felton, how much easier would things be?
Unfortunately, not everyone can combine their hobbies with their work.
"Let's get started," Jessica said, turning her attention to the footage.
Michael, at the assistant's workstation, began reviewing it seriously, too.
Jessica was intensely focused as if the only thing in the editing room was the footage. After each scene, she made detailed notes in her notebook.
Sometimes, she would go back to a scene and watch it repeatedly, seemingly searching for every potential editing point.
Editing is the process of selecting, discarding, and assembling a vast amount of filmed material to create a coherent, meaningful, and emotionally engaging piece. It's a major component of film art and a crucial step in film production, transforming raw footage into a final product.
Initially, editing was a crucial aspect of the director's job.
With technological advances, from silent films to talkies, editing became increasingly complex. The evolving film techniques made directors' tasks more demanding, leaving them no time to edit films themselves. Thus, the role of the professional editor emerged.
In the last 20-30 years, with Hollywood's establishment of the producer-centered system, directing and editing have become distinct professions.
Under a producer's control, editing can transform a film into something entirely different from what the director intended.
Editing involves several steps, from raw footage to a complete movie: reviewing, rough cutting, refining, finalizing, and compiling.
Jessica Felton had no assistant and had to do everything herself, pouring herself into the work.
After two and a half hours, Michael's eyes grew tired. He rubbed them and glanced at Jessica, who still maintained her initial posture, eyes glued to the monitor, right-hand jotting notes.
No wonder she rested those massive mounds on the desk.
Holding such a pose for long, with those heavy weights, would indeed be a burden.
He remembered Amanda Seyfried's private complaint about backaches and leg cramps; it seemed quite possible.
Michael silently praised Jessica. Not only was she a seasoned techie with reliable skills, but she also considered ergonomic issues.
Diligent, technically adept, reasonably priced, exceptionally attractive, and self-sufficient.
Where could you find such an editor?
If "The Purge" turned out well, Michael considered establishing a long-term collaboration with this dedicated techie.
When his eyes felt better, he fetched two cups of water, placing one within Jessica's reach. As he was about to resume watching the footage, his phone rang.
The classic Nokia ringtone was unusually piercing in the quiet editing room. Jessica turned, her bright blue eyes glaring, seemingly ready to devour him.
Clearly, the ringtone disrupting her work was unwelcome.
"I'm Sorry," Michael quickly apologized, silencing the phone. I'll leave it outside next time."
Feeling like a student caught misbehaving, Michael hurried out.
Far enough from the editing room, he checked the phone, ready to call back, but realized he held Jessica's phone!
Damn, Nokia ringtone.
Michael shook his head, recalling her instructions, and redialed the missed call.
It connected immediately. A sweet female voice said, "Hello. This is Green Real Estate. We're offering seafront apartments with ocean views."
Michael hung up. Telemarketing was already this aggressive in the late '90s?
Switching both phones to silent, he quietly returned to the editing room.
Over the next few days, Michael spent several hours daily in the editing room, reviewing footage and occasionally discussing editing styles with Jessica during her breaks.
By July, other post-production staff had joined the process.
During this time, Michael had to handle company matters and was absent from the editing room for a while. When he returned, the place was in disarray.