A Long Time Ago, in a Cutting Room Far, Far Away cover art

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

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A Long Time Ago, in a Cutting Room Far, Far Away

By: Paul Hirsch
Narrated by: Richard Ferrone
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About this listen

A Long Time Ago in a Cutting Room Far, Far Away is a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most influential films of the last 50 years by Paul Hirsch, a film editor who worked on more than 40 features.

Starting with his work on Carrie, Hirsch gives insight into the production process, touching upon casting, directing, cutting, and scoring. It’s a riveting look at the decisions that went into creating memorable and iconic scenes and offers fascinating portraits of filmmakers, stars, and composers.

Part film-school primer, part paean to legendary directors and professionals, the funny yet insightful writing will entertain and inform aficionados and casual moviegoers alike.

©2019 Paul Hirsch (P)2019 Blackstone Publishing Art Entertainment & Celebrities Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV Celebrity Funny

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All stars
Most relevant  
I bought this book as I’m also a film editor and wanted to learn about the legend, Paul Hirsch. He’s rubbed shoulders with the greatest and remains grounded.

It did not disappoint in his anecdotes and is explained in a layman’s style suitable for anyone with an interest in the film industry. It was interesting to hear his approach to specific cuts which are now ingrained in film history.

The performance is well read and I can imagine Paul speaking in this way.

From one film editor to another, salute!

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Film editor has to be one of the most misunderstood jobs in movie making. For the longest time I thought it was just the person that put the bits together in the machine. It was years later before I understood their pivotal role in constructing the story, the atmosphere, creating the beats etc in a way possibly more profound than the director.

This book is an excellent read, covering a broad range of films and describes well the actual artistic processes, the thoughts, mindsets and even the politics that get wrapped up in it all. It was also interesting to discover more about the business side, financing, how people get involved in projects and why.

For any fan of film, this is a great read and highly recommended.

Excellent insights to a poorly understood role

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I didn’t want it to end, Paul is a fantastic storyteller and the book is packed with great advice and laugh out loud anecdotes. Top Banana!

Chock full of great stories. Recommended!

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Paul Hirsch has written an amazing in site to Paul’s work abd an interesting insight to the life of a film editor

Brilliant !!!

Editing an enigma

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I enjoyed this audiobook but felt it just went on a bit too long. (Thankfully, it didn't go on too long about editing Star Wars, which I worried it might). The book is full of interesting anecdotes about filmmaking and the people involved in it, with candid takes on personalities and stars involved in the process. Although the author could, I felt, claim much more credit on what an editor can add to a film, he allows the process to do the talking and you do leave the book thinking that this editing business has a much bigger influence on final cuts than previously thought (if you thought at all about it). The narrator has a very warm and comforting voice and by the end of the book I was pretty damn envious of Paul Hirsch's career, although it does seem that there were a lot of worrying times when the next project was never guaranteed. His personal network, editing skill and a little bit of luck played a much bigger role than any ambitious self-promotion, which the author is pleased to admit. In summary, I liked the book, the narrator and the man who wrote the story, so you can't ask for much more (except a bit of editing!)

Just a bit too Long

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I don’t know much about editing or the stuff behind “pictures” but the passion, the story and the narration really drew me in. There was a real humour and warmth to it and I’m pleased I picked this. If you’re looking to listen to something a bit different- give this a go.

A perfect listen

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What a terrific listen. Wonderful stories on some of the most iconic films of our time. It also gives a great insight about the craft, workflows and relationships with different directors. The narrator is fantastic also. With 13 houses of material this is real value for money - an incredible encyclopedia of film editing. Told with charm and humour.

Best book I've listened to this year by a country mile.

Simply wonderful

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This book gives a great insight into an area of filmmaking which is nearly always underrepresented. A fascinating deep dive into classic modern American Cinema. Deep technical descriptions of editing that preserves institutional knowledge and brings the sweaty edit room to life. If you’re interested in Star Wars there’s more than enough information in this book to make it Worth the read. A singular fascinating well written perspective on new wave Hollywood.

Not good but great

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This is a great book for those interested in the behind the scenes action, or if you're thinking of pursuing a career in editing.

Fascinating insight into Hollywood production

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Enjoyed the book a lot ,however towards the end the author comes across as smug and if I may say opinionated at his genre of films he desires to do but then again he has put in the years to be that way but to put down films such as the Lost Boys and World War Z is his opinion and not a person like me that would rather go see that genre as oposed to a musical which I find adhorent

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