Meet the editor behind EPT.
As promised, after the release of the exclusive footage for our backers - we have conducted an interview with our editor, Ditha Angraini about her process. We have included questions that you sent us on twitter, instagram and facebook.
You can read the FULL INTERVIEW over on our KICKSTARTER.
Here is a selection of the questions from the
Tell us about yourself and your background.
I’m Ditha, most people call me Dee. I’m an editor, a camera operator, and a photographer. Most of my work is corporate video productions and live events, specializing in (but not limited to) short form content. A big chunk of my professional work is live events related, I do a lot of on-screen content building for it and I do show ops as well.
Film is something that I’m passionate about, I’ve worked on quite a few short films in post-production as an editor, as well as in production, usually as a camera assist, and occasionally on screen, and more recently I have been working towards building experience in stunts and choreography.
How did you get involved with EPT and what is your role?
My role on EPT is as the editor. Prior to EPT, I worked with Robert Johansson, who plays Gunnur and is also the stunt coordinator on EPT. He brought up EPT in early 2019 when it was still in pre-production, and he asked if I’d be interested to be a part of it.
After hearing about the project, Robert and I basically geeked out about it over coffee, of course I told him that I’m interested. Shortly after, I met with Fil Kopelman, the Director, and after seeing the script and meeting other people involved - I knew I made the right decision. It does help that I’m a huge sci-fi geek myself too.
Which films inspire you in terms of their editing?
It’s hard to narrow it down, but in general, Sally Menke’s work; I absolutely love Inglourious Basterds, but the one that made me fall in love with her work was Kill Bill.
I also love the editing in Alien. It is my favourite film of all time anyway; I remember being so tense and glued to the screen while being scared to the point of having nightmares the first time I watched it. Though to be fair I was very young then, but that made me want to be able to grip audience attention like that.
Being an Asian and growing up in Indonesia, I also watch a lot of Asian films and dramas (tv series), which have their own flavours and rhythm that I’m influenced by.
It is often said that a film is made in three steps; in the writing, the directing and finally in the edit. What is your approach to editing EPT? Is it different from other projects you work on?
My basic approach to editing any project is the same, but I’ll do research on the films/series that have a similar feel to the film I’m editing. In EPT’s sense, I ended up re-watching a number of 80’s sci-fi films as well as character driven dramas. However, on any edit, I play it by ear - at least the first time I see the footage - seeing what I can come up with. Then I hone it in to a feeling that’s suitable for the film.
What does your and Director Fil Kopelman's communication look like? Can you provide any insight on how you translate the Directors vision?
Fil is good at communicating and is very clear about what he wants, which is great, because I get a clear direction of how to create his vision. We use an online reviewing platform for scene reviews, and often we jump on a call to discuss these. We also chat on Messenger quite a lot, sometimes when a random thought for EPT comes up, we end up chatting for hours about it. He’s also open to suggestions and my own interpretations, so it has been a very enjoyable collaboration.
Without spoiling the story of Excavation Point Thestias – talk about a scene that has been fun or challenging for you to edit.
The most fun must have been the argument/discussion between the MEV and ground crew, and it is actually my favourite scene. Basically because it has four people involved in the conversation happening at two different locations, and emotions are running high. I initially ended up with 3 or 4 versions of it before I presented 2 to Fil, and we discussed it further before nailing it down.
What is your hope for the future of Excavation Point Thestias?
I hope that this gets the recognition and attention it deserves. I wish to see EPT in film festivals and for it to be enjoyed by many.
I also hope that this will grow into something bigger, maybe a feature or a continuation? Or perhaps a story about another crew? Because I love the universe the story is in, and I would love to see and work on more.
Where can people find you and support your work?
For my work (what I can share publicly), you can find them at @SilverDuckNZ on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. And for everything else (the martial arts, the stunts/stage combat, the me), it’s at @bona92 on Instagram & Twitter.
You can find and follow Ditha at
Website: https://silverduck.co.nz / https://www.ditha-angraini.com/
Instagram: @SilverDuckNZ / @bona92
● Photos supplied by Silver Duck.
