The Out of Sync Christmas Crackers

As we approach the final days of work this year—wrapping up projects, powering down our Avids for the first time in months, making our last exports, and setting up festive out-of-office emails—it’s a good moment to reflect on the year that was.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who’s been reading this newsletter over the past year. It’s been a joy to hear from those who enjoy and find value in this niche little project I started. From assistants I met at London roof parties to Canadians I encountered at Roman editorial gatherings; from readers who were inspired by the newsletter to watch the films of Michael Bay’s to those who “prefer the posts without the technical bits”—your kind words and feedback have made this year special.

As a token of my gratitude, here are a few festive “Christmas Cracker” trinkets to share with you.

1. Podcasts

For those embarking on long journeys home or cross-country drives to visit family, here are some tech-savvy podcasts (and one less-tech savy…) you can enjoy on the road.

AI in Hollywood

A year after the strikes and over two years since ChatGPT launched, The New York Times Daily Podcast explores how AI is being implemented in Hollywood. It delves into productive and unproductive uses of AI and the industry’s current attitudes toward it.

The AI Revolution

Also from The New York Times, this interview on Hard Fork features Kevin Roose (correct spelling?) in conversation with several AI experts, discussing the state and future of AI.

The Adam Buxton Christmas Special

No Christmas is complete without the Adam Buxton Christmas Special. Each year, Adam reunites with his old friend, now film director Joe Cornish, to share stories about Tom Cruise’s doodles and engage in general banter. Though many people tune in on Christmas, I often enjoy it in the days following, especially during a walk or when I need a breath of fresh air.

2. Audiobooks

If you have more time on your hands (or a longer car journey), here are a few standout audiobooks from my listening list this year:

Unscripted – James B. Stewart & Rachel Abrams

This book delves into the chaotic boardroom manoeuvres and power struggles at Paramount Pictures during Sumner Redstone’s later years. A fascinating look at the inner workings of one of the most iconic entertainment studios.

The Great Post Office Scandal – Nick Wallis

Based on this year’s groundbreaking ITV drama, the book is equally jaw-dropping and unforgettable.

Born Standing Up – Steve Martin

Not a new title, but I revisited this candid, humorous, and heartfelt memoir about Steve Martin’s early career in stand-up comedy. A rich exploration of fame, comedy, and personal growth.

3. Paperback Books

If you prefer a cozy read by the fire, I’m most excited about Art of the Cut Part 2 by Steve Hullfish this festive season. The second instalment of this excellent series includes invaluable insights, tips, and tricks from some of the world’s top editors, all gathered from Steve’s successful podcast.

4. TV Shows

Black Doves – Netflix

Looking forward to seeing what director Alex Gabassi and editors Richard Graham and Simon Brasse (among others) bring to Joe Barton’s festive London underworld drama.

Severance S2 – Apple TV+

Eager for the second season of Severance in early January. The first season’s memory-divided storytelling was a standout experience.

5. Newsletters

Notes from Post

I always look forward to Shawna Carroll’s Notes from Post. Shawna provides insights into the industry from a post-production supervisor's perspective, sharing experiences and invaluable post-production tips.

BFE Newsletter

This weekly roundup from the BFE community is a highlight. It features a virtual glass of wine, a roundup of all things editorial and editorial-adjacent, and more. You do need to be a BFE member (unfortunately) so I guess this is a more of a shoutout to the BFE to keep up the good work.

6. Something for the Oven – Recipe

I’ve always enjoyed the Cooke and Kate food blog and have a well-worn copy of Kathryn Taylor’s Love Real Food Cookbook. She offers a variety of delicious vegetarian recipes, including a standout lasagna, hummus, bean enchiladas, and festive vegetarian dishes perfect for the season.

Here is her December roundup of recipes.

7. The Out of Sync Old-Fashioned

Looking forward to a quiet cocktail evening during the holidays. Here’s the recipe for my favourite Old Fashioned:

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.

2. Pour in:

   • 3 parts Woodford Reserve Bourbon

   • 1 part Laphroaig Whiskey

   • 1 part Jack Rudy Cocktail Syrup

   • 1 dash Angostura Bitters

3. Stir until well chilled.

4. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.

5. Garnish with an orange peel.

8. Your Christmas Macro

It wouldn’t be the Out of Sync Christmas without a free Keyboard Maestro Macro (the mini-screwdriver of the editing world). Apologies to readers who aren’t keen on the techie bits, but here we go:

This macro creates VFX shots from a shot which has in to out marked. It matches back to the clip, marks an in to out to match the shot length, adds 8 frame handles and creates and names the subclip.

9. And Finally… Some Christmas Cracker Jokes

Thanks to all in the “Editors with Notions” WhatsApp group for their contributions.

How many editors does it take to change a lightbulb?

Do we really need to change it?

Why did the executive producer not put a stamp on his Christmas card?

Because he thought they’d fix it in post.

Why did the editor get into filmmaking?

Well, to cut a long story short…

What did the editor get for Christmas?

An ulcer

A horse editor walks into a bar…

and the barman says “Why the long fades?”

How many editors does it take to change a lightbulb?

We can change the lightbulb… but then we’d have to change the music.

What do editors and mushrooms have in common?

They both eat shit and sit in the dark.

Why was the disolve angry?

Cos it was a cross fade.

Did you hear about the two editors who married each other?

They were in sync.

How many editors does it take to change a lightbulb?

I know you really think that the lighting is wrong here but if you want more light in the room perhaps we could paint the walls a different colour!

Thanks for reading, and happy holidays!