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Returning to the show is acclaimed director and editor Mike J. Nichols, here to talk about his latest feature doc John Waite - The Hard Way.Mike's latest feature was put together under incredible constraints, and was fully edited in just 9 weeks. Throughout the episode, we discuss some of the benefits and challenges of working this quickly, and Mike's creative workflow from end to end.Mike also shares some incredible advice for fixing problem areas. For instance - trimming a feature film to 20 minutes to identify issues, or using sound to find creative solutions to challenging scenes.Links from the show:Mike on TwitterMike on InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
Guests: John Waite & Mike J. Nichols, Alexander Wolff Singer-songwriter John Waite and filmmaker Mike J. Nichols discuss the documentary, “John Waite: The Hard Way”. Bruce Pratt talks with journalist Alexander Wolff about the reissue of his book, “Big Game, Small World”.
Full disclosure: I love John Waite! When he was making the rounds promoting his documentary "John Waite: The Hard Way" I jumped at the chance to speak with the legend. Not only is he super talented, he's also a very nice guy....which I speak of at the beginning. We didn't have a whole lot of time, so we pretty much stuck to the basics, along with the documentary producer, Mike J. Nichols. Since he's loves the intimacy of playing on stage, I asked him how this ranked releasing a video of his life. You can watch his answer below, as he also talks about how this project came to be, and more. The band Tempt you may not have heard of, but you will. 2023 is going to bust these guys open. First, they covered a Christmas classic and the reason they did this particular song is very unique. -Meltdown- http://www.johnwaiteworldwide.com/ https://wrif.com/2022/12/16/john-waite-on-the-lockdown-all-of-us-were-going-through-our-personal-hell-meltdown/ https://wrif.com/2022/12/16/the-band-tempt-covers-a-billy-squire-christmas-classic-meltdown/ https://wrif.com/podcasts/talkin-rock-with-meltdown/
On this episode, I’m joined by acclaimed filmmaker and editor Mike J. Nichols, known for his amazing work on countless documentary features like Last Play At Shea, Echo In The Canyon, and (most recently) Zappa. Mike generously shares his wealth of knowledge gained through an incredible career in post-production, leading off with a wild story about how he broke into the business by creating an unofficial edit of a Star Wars film. We also take a behind the scenes look at many of the iconic projects he’s worked on, his creative process, technical workflow, gear setup, and so much more. This is essential listening for documentary and narrative editors alike. Links from the show - Mike on Twitter Mike on Instagram For more content like this, sign up for my newsletter - www.noamkroll.com/newsletter
A couple weeks away from The Rise of Skywalker, you don't have to twist the arms of The Movie Guys to talk Star Wars, so this new interview invites film editor Paul Hirsch to The Admiral's Club. How do you know him? The title of his book answers that question: A Long Time Ago in a Cutting Room Far, Far Away: My Fifty Years Editing Hollywood Hits - Star Wars, Carrie, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Mission: Impossible and More. Paul, Adam and guest host Mike J. Nichols delve quite a bit into the more, including Blow Out, Falling Down and Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Much great movie talk ahead... Like good movie talk? Please subscribe! www.themovieguys.net iTunes: bit.ly/1l0hCpG Youtube.com/user/TheMovieGuys @TheMovieGuys Facebook.com/TheMovieGuys Instagram.com/themovieguys Vimeo.com/themovieguys Tumblr: themovieguys.tumblr.com/
This month, the COUNTDOWN TO NINE crew takes on the OG Rise of Skywalker - 1977's Star Wars. Paul and Sean dispense with the plot recap because there's much to discuss about this legendary fantasy film. Sitting in is editor (Phantom Editor!) and friend of The Movie Guys, Mike J. Nichols. Discussed - John Williams' inspiration and genius, ways you could enjoy the movie when there was no streaming (or VHS!), the legacy of this classic and why it changed moviemaking (and moviegoing) forever. Follow us:https://www.Instagram.com/CountdownToNinehttps://www.Twitter.com/CountdownToNinehttps://www.Facebook.com/CountdownToNineYouTube: https://bit.ly/2Fj1T5NiTunes: https://apple.co/2tQHe3CSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Y5CDsjGoogle Play: https://bit.ly/2UIbzgsTheMovieguys.netCreativeMotionEntertainment.comDigitalMindProductions.com
In the early 2000’s The Phantom Edit was the most hyped VHS tape in Hollywood. The purpose of the edit, according to creator Mike J. Nichols, was to make a much stronger version of The Phantom Menace based on the previous execution and philosophies of film storytelling and editing of George Lucas. Whilst to the casual Star Wars viewer the difference to the film might be unnoticeable, many in the media misleadingly sensationalized the underground tape to have totally edited out Jar Jar Binks. Recently Ahmed Best on his exceptional field notes YouTube series spoke about the hurt the edit caused him. The Phantom Edit’s creator Mike J. Nichols returns to the podcast to discuss Ahmed's recent comments on the landmark fan edit and look at fan discourse and criticism then and now.Watch Ahmed Best's Field NotesField Notes Ep 3 Listen to the original Phantom Editor interview!Ep 016 : The Phantom Editor - The re-editor of Star Wars Episode 1 The Phantom Menace Watch Star Wars: Episode I.II - The Phantom EditDVD Commentary by Mike J. Nichols Get Your Snoke Theory Sucks & other Steele Wars merch at https://www.MerchoStore.com For bonus content and to help support the podcast please check out https://www.Patreon.com/SteeleWars For podcast advertising enquires contact Claire on claphamstreetmedia@gmail.com. Part of The Planet Broadcasting Podcast Network and The Making Star Wars Podcast Network. For more like minded pop culture podcasts https://www.PlanetBroadcasting.com For more like minded Star Wars podcasts https://makingstarwars.net/podcasts/ Follow the podcast: www.SteeleWars.com
For those who work in the filmmaking industry, ‘Below the Line’ is a pretty common term, but in case you’re not familiar with it, it originated as an accounting term to separate the fixed costs of a film’s budget (actors, director, writers, and producers, etc) from the variable hourly, daily, and weekly costs of those working in various crafts such as editing, costumes, or the art department, just to name a few examples. Unfortunately ‘Below the Line’ has become much more of a social status symbol rather than just a simple accounting term. Today’s interview is one of my favorites from way back in the ‘Fitness In Post’ archives where I had an in-depth chat with editor Mike J. Nichols, otherwise known as the ‘Edit Doctor’ about an article he wrote titled “Is the Term Below the Line Hitting Below the Belt?” In this very candid conversation we talk about the rampant idea that creative workers, film editors like myself being the perfect example, have simply become an extension of our workstations and how this affects the way we are treated by others, as well as our emotional involvement in our work. We also talk about what we need to do collectively to start standing up for ourselves. If you feel as if you’re being treated like a pair of hands chained to your desk and you want to know what you can do about it, this episode provides plenty of action steps. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: The rampant idea that we are a pair of hands chained to our desks Mike’s first encounter with the phrase “below the line” What is “below the line”? How the term went from an accounting term to a status term On getting emotionally involved in a project you have a limited say in On how the “below the line” status is felt differently in each subset of editing The feeling of your contributions being undervalued What do we do about this status term? Most people don't even know what editors do! Technology as a driving factor in our dwindling status as filmmakers The editor as the final writer -- especially in reality and documentary Where we can start with eliminating this “status” -- we need to stand up for ourselves and our health Search for the cause not just the symptoms We need to have a better perception of ourselves Useful Resources Mentioned: Ep. 53: From Rehab to Ultra Marathon with Wes Plate Whiteboard Discussion - Avid Editors of Facebook Group Whiteboard Discussion - Post Chat Kuleshov Effect Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger, a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Facebook|Twitter Mike J. Nichols – “A rare combination of artistry and technology – A young Walter Murch” – actor/director Larry Holden. As a teenager living in Ohio, Mike’s super-8 films garnered the attention of Frank Zappa’s son, Dweezil, who commissioned him for projects including work on a CBS network television series called, “Normal Life”. With the Zappa’s encouragement, Mike pursued film studies at Columbia College of Chicago winning two back to back short film first place awards which had never happened in the school’s student history. In Los Angles, Mike edited the award winning indie film, My Father’s House (directed by Larry Holden) which featured Cameron Diaz and Josh Charles. Martin Scorsese praised, “My Father’s House”, as one of his favorite independent films of that year. Alternately during this time, Mike’s anonymous editing work became famous in the Star Wars community with a video called, “Star Wars: The Phantom Edit”. “Star Wars: The Phantom Edit” became a phenomenon featured in numerous magazines, newspapers, and television news programs around the world. Chicago Tribune film critic, Michael Wilmington, wrote a 2 page review of Mike’s work summed up in the articles final thesis statement, “…done by someone with a gift for editing”. Chris Nolan’s film editor, Dody Dorn, was featured in a segment on NPR’s Studio 360 about the impact of Mike’s editing. J.J. Abrams gleamed about Mike’s edit to Entertainment Weekly and director Kevin Smith went on record in an interview calling it “Smart editing ”. HBO penned the largest syndication deal in history for their hit series, “Sex and the City” but editing out 9 minutes of show content proved to be a difficult endeavor. After two trial run episodes, Mike’s editing and attention to story integrity became the missing piece they were seeking and HBO wrote a exclusive contract making him PREditor for the original syndicated versions of “Sex and the City” . Musician Billy Joel and Exclusive Media/Spitfire Pictures were looking for a more narrative approach to their feature length documentary and Nichols was signed to be the Editor of “The Last Play At Shea” – written by Academy Award winning writer, Mark Monroe. “Last Play At Shea” featured three different stories editorially woven into one complete narrative and it premiered at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival. “The Last Play at Shea’s” world premiere was the largest documentary opening in film history taking place at New York’s Citi Field Stadium for an audience upwards of 60,000 before playing in theaters around the country. In addition to hundreds of hours of broadcast film and television, Mike has also worked on the Emmy Award winning, “Vito: The Vito Russo Story”, AFI Audience Choice Award winner, “SpineTingler” and the editor on The Zappa Movie, a current film in production directed by Alex Winter. Mike is known throughout the industry as “The Edit Doctor”. He is an influential speaker regarding post production techniques and the “art of editing”. He has invented a new post production processes and currently has two patents for advanced post production techniques. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Ep. 181: The Movie Guys' Seventh Annual Holiday Special! Much like Itchy, Malia & Lumpy waited breathlessly for Chewbacca, The Movie Guys anxiously await the arrival of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Guests include The Phantom Editor Mike J. Nichols, who brings classic Star Wars outtakes and Luke Skywalker, who eventually gets an interview pried out of him. There are previews of Fences and 20th Century Women, a Holiday Negotiator stops by show how a movie like Why Him? can improve family dynamics during the holidays, there's a Life Day gift exchange, a Bantha rump cooking segment, Star Wars-themed Christmas carols and Adam tries in vein to explain the plot of Rogue One. Happy Life Day! The Movie Guys are Paul Preston, Karen Volpe, Adam Witt & Bart Kias Like good movie talk? Please subscribe! www.themovieguys.net iTunes: bit.ly/1l0hCpG @TheMovieGuys Facebook.com/TheMovieGuys Instagram.com/themovieguys Vimeo.com/themovieguys Tumblr: themovieguys.tumblr.com/ Youtube.com/user/TheMovieGuys
Ep. 131: The Movie Guys' Sixth Annual Holiday Special! "Star Wars"...holiday special...this stuff writes itself. It's a full-on party in The Admiral's Club as The Movie Guys welcome The Phantom Editor Mike J. Nichols and The Christmas Ewok to give a full once-over to "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and longtime friend of the show Steven Lewis, telling the tale of the Christmas classic, "Concussion". The Boobé Sisters give expert analysis to the movie "Sisters", being sisters themselves, and they blow the roof off the joint with their rendition of "Christmas in Hollis". Plus, a "Daddy's Home" gift exchange, a "Point Break" re-gift exchange, a "Joy" informercial, a "The Hateful Eight" Tarantino-laced holiday poem and previews of "Anomalisa" and "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip"! Also, The Scrooge Tracker, a look at "Star Wars" marketing and more ending 2015 with a bang. The Movie Guys are Paul Preston, Karen Volpe, Adam Witt & Bart Kias Like good movie talk? Please subscribe! www.themovieguys.net @TheMovieGuys Vimeo.com/themovieguys iTunes: bit.ly/1l0hCpG Tumblr: themovieguys.tumblr.com/ Instagram.com/themovieguys Youtube.com/user/TheMovieGuysOnline
Showcast Episode 81: The Movie Guys look back on the great guests of 2014 with some highlights that include: - Jill Benjamin, Ike Barinholtz, Tony Sam, Ron Babcock & MC of The Hater Nation- Pete Gardner, Heath Corson, Matt Craig & Lew Temple with great industry stories- Mick Foley breaks down the most dickish Santa of all- John DiDomenico & Ross Marquand pull out some classic impersonations- Maribeth Monroe, Andy Cobb & Alex Albrecht dig into some comedy sketches- Andrew DeWitt tells a story that got his episode kicked off of YouTube- David Minkin brings a "duh fu--?" illusion- Mike J. Nichols teaches about sound effects- David Krumholtz, Thomas Beatty, Caitlin Keats & Sarah Butler talk about their favorite movies of all time.- Mark Borchardt speaks!- And Ithamar Enriquez storms off the show, just as planned. Catch full-length Showcasts at the links below! The Movie Guys are Paul Preston, Karen Volpe, Adam Witt & Lee KiasLike good movie talk? Please subscribe!www.themovieguys.net@TheMovieGuysYoutube.com/user/TheMovieGuysOnlineiTunes: http://bit.ly/1l0hCpGInstagram.com/themovieguys
When film editor Mike J. Nichols passed on his VHS re-edit of The Phantom Menace to a Hollywood friend, he had no idea it would lead to the him being the target of the biggest real life bounty hunt in Star Wars history. The man behind the The Phantom Edit opens up about his love of Star Wars, the toll the publicity around the edit took on him. Plus his thoughts on ep7 and his interactions with J.J. Abrams. CLASSIC EPISODE SIZZLE! TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE AND HUNDREDS OF SUPPORTER EXCLUSIVE EPISODES BECOME A STEELE WARS SUPPORTER ON PATREON! Enjoy all our bonus shows and full back catalogue direct to the podcast player or app of your choice while ensuring the continuing production of the Steele Wars Star Wars podcast. Bonus content shows include Making Steele Wars, Steele Wars Live Movie Commentaries, Live Call In Bonus Show, Patreon Q&A Show, full length insert free versions of all Steele Wars episodes and Gonk & Steele's Trash Compactor (when Gonk isn't so busy). www.patreon.com/SteeleWars LISTEN LIVE AND PARTICPATE IN THE STEELE WARS CALL I N SHOW STREAMLIVE BlogTalkRadio.com/SteeleWars CALL IN (646) 668-8360 USA SKYPE IN +1 (646) 668-8360 WORLDWIDE www.SteeleWars.com www.SteeleWars.com/iTunes YOU CAN HELP Steele Wars a sweet 5 star review on iTunes or plug the show on Facebook or Twitter. I really appreciate it. TheMidichlorianCount.com IT'S THE ONION FOR STAR WARS FANS! YOUR SNOKE THEORY SUCKS T-SHIRTS & STICKERS HAVE YOU SEEN HIM T-SHIRTS & STICKERS Purchasing through iTunes or Amazon? PLEASE USE THESE LINKS iTunes Amazon GET A FREE STAR WARS AUDIO BOOK & HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW!FOR A FREE 1 MONTH AUDIBLE TRIAL AND A FREE AUDIBLE BOOK CLICK Get an audiobook of your choice, free, with a 30-day trial. Cancel before your trial ends and you will not be charged. Listen to Steele's award winning comedy podcast: I Love Green Guide... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Showcast Episode 60: Just in time for Woody Allen's "Magic in the Moonlight", magician David Minkin joins The Movie Guys in studio to talk movies and blow our minds with a couple of tricks. Plus, previews of "Hercules", "And So It Goes" and "Lucy" with guest co-host, and "Mom On Movies" podcaster Mike J. Nichols, who brings more "Star Wars" archives to the show. The Movie Guys are Paul Preston, Karen Volpe, Adam Witt & Lee KiasLike good movie talk? Please subscribe!www.themovieguys.net@TheMovieGuysYoutube.com/user/TheMovieGuysOnlineiTunes: http://bit.ly/1l0hCpGInstagram.com/themovieguys
In this first episode, @TheEditDoctor (Mike J. Nichols) chats with his Mom about the Netflix movies, Thor and Frozen.
Showcast Episode 32: The Movie Guys kick off 2014 with a fresh batch of New Year's resolutions, then launch into previews of "The Legend of Hercules" and "Lone Survivor". Then guest and "Star Wars" fan filmmaker Robert Reeves stops by The Admiral's Club for a crap-ton of "Star Wars" talk. Also, guest co-host Mike J. Nichols sits in the whole show! The Movie Guys are Paul Preston, Karen Volpe, Adam Witt & Lee KiasLike good movie talk? Please subscribe!www.themovieguys.net@TheMovieGuyswww.youtube.com/user/TheMovieGuysOnline
Wayne revels in the Red Sox World Series championship. Natalie plays "Fashion Police" for celebrity Halloween costumes. The Edit Doctor, Mike J. Nichols discusses the Gravity movie trailer, today's editing world and The Phantom Edit. Be sure to rate and comment about our show on iTunes. Thanks for listening.
We talk about the history of Star Wars, and what's next for Lucas' properties, now that they're owned by Disney. Guests: Josh Diamond, Jason Diamond, Mike J. Nichols, and Michael Scott This episode sponsored by Red Giant Software
Showcast Episode 2: This week's Showcast gets all Shyamalan-y with previews of "After Earth" and "Now You See Me". Plus, The Movie Guys take to the street to talk celebrity children, the triumphant return of radio magician The Amazing Mono and guest Mike J. Nichols talks up the 30th anniversary of "Return of the Jedi", including a tribute to little-known legend and Millenium Falcon co-pilot, Nien Nunb.
Guests Josh and Jason Diamond and Mike J. Nichols talk about HFR, or High Frame Rate film, including our thoughts on the Hobbit. Alternative title: Eagles are Assholes. This episode sponsored by Red Giant Software
Our guest is Mike J. Nichols, aka The Edit Doctor, aka The Phantom Editor. We talk about TV, film, what it took to edit The Phantom Menace into something watchable, and why we can't have nice things.