Finding the rough cut of Alien Echo

I spent the entire weekend editing Alien Echo, and while it was intense, we are now very close to achieving a strong rough cut.

That’s often what it takes. Hours of editing, re-editing, and refining, with no shortcuts along the way. The process can be demanding, but it’s also where the film truly begins to reveal itself.

Reaching this stage means I’ve gone through the footage and selected the strongest takes, shaping the performances and making clear decisions about what works and what doesn’t. Sometimes that means letting go of moments you thought would shine on set, or “killing a few darlings” that once felt essential.

At the same time, the edit often uncovers unexpected magic. Those small, honest moments that emerge only when everything is placed together.

By the end of the weekend, the rough cut had come together, and that’s a hugely satisfying milestone. It signals that the foundation of the film is in place and that the story is finally taking shape.

Now it’s onwards and upwards into the next phase: refinement. Tightening scenes, sharpening rhythm, and continuing to shape Alien Echo into the strongest version of itself. The work continues, but reaching this point feels like a real step forward.