Cutting Quote by Barry Sonnenfeld
“The first cut I do is usually between five and 10 minutes shorter then the cut that we release. Anything I think isn't working or might not work, I don't even put it in the director's cut. And usually it's the studio suggesting I put stuff back in, as opposed to studios saying, "You got to lose 40 minutes," they are always saying, "You've got to gain five minutes."”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Audio commentary on "The Addams Family", 1991
He trims his cuts to be shorter than the final release, avoiding anything he doubts, while studios often push for longer runtimes.
In simple terms: He prefers tighter edits and resists studio pressure for longer cuts.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize quality over length.
Themes
editing
creative control
studio pressure
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
advice
industry insight
When to use this quote
- film editing
- director's cut negotiations
- studio meetings
Key Concepts
filmmaking
decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance artistic vision with commercial demands?
- When is it acceptable to compromise on length?
A Different Perspective
Studios may prioritize marketability over artistic integrity, limiting creative freedom.
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