DGC Ontario Production The Expanse Season 4 will premiere Friday on Amazon Prime. Season 4 has been called “more confident than ever, bolstered by the outpouring of love from its fans since its resurrection and the support that it has received from Amazon.”
We spoke with Picture and Sound Editor Roderick Deogrades about cutting the series and how being both a Picture and Sound Editor is an invaluable skill set.
You are a Picture and Sound Editor, how does this skill set help you in the editing room?
My training as a Sound Editor has given me a keen sense of detail when crafting sound in my picture work. When I’m editing picture, knowing what’s possible with editing dialogue, out-taking performances, building sound effect tracks that are complex, editing music in a way that is both seamless and dramatically effective — all while being able to mix these many elements in a way that supports the drama and pace is crucial.
I strive to have a soundtrack that is as pristine as possible so that there are no technical distractions when anyone is assessing a cut during the many stages of the picture edit. It’s a skill set I find invaluable and one I always strive to pay forward to assistants I’ve had the privilege of working with.
What is the most satisfying part of editing a show like The Expanse?
The most satisfying element is seeing the passion that everyone involved in the show has. It’s infectious and inspiring. The dedication I see from the cast and crew on a daily basis drives me to do the best work I possibly can. When I look at a finished show, I always marvel at the creativity everyone has put in to get it there.
Can you speak on your create collaborations with your fellow DGC Ontario Picture Editors?
One of the best things about working on a series is being a part of a team with other Picture Editors. To be able to discuss story and character, get their feedback on cuts, discover their personal tricks in doing things faster/better, etc., are collaborations that I find invaluable. I love getting another pair of Editor’s eyes (as well as assistants). It only makes the work that much better.
Fans of the show recently rallied to #SaveTheExpanse including Will Wheaton and Game of Thrones author George RR Martin, what makes The Expanse so special?
There’s so much about the show that is special — from the writing to the visual effects to the sound, just to name a few. But I think character is the reason why any show is successful with audiences. The Expanse draws me in personally because I care about the characters — thanks in a big part to the amazing actors on the show. And the diversity in its casting is unlike anything I’ve ever seen on television. Which is why I believe the show resonates with audiences around the world and why the support to save the show after being cancelled was so passionate. The fans were truly the reason we came back.
