So, which do you believe more: that a well-connected newspaper-affiliated blog caught the exciting whiff of a nasty production situation and fell victim to a string of bullshit overblown-gossip, or that a production in tailspin has reacted to a spotlight on their genuine debacle by having everyone shut up and play solidarity?
Frankly, I’d say it’s a coin toss.
Regardless, this definitely brings around full-circle the rumors that Dredd director Pete Travis had been kicked out of the editing room, and perfectly parallels them with the Stephen Sommer’s G.I. Joe business a few years ago. That situation blew over and resulted in exactly the kind of film you would have always expected, and perhaps now this will too. The production is certainly playing it hardline with their rebutting statement (via SuperheroHype):
“During all stages of the filmmaking, ‘Dredd’ has been a collaboration between a number of dedicated creative parties. From the outset we decided on an unorthodox collaboration to make the film. This situation has been misinterpreted. To set the record straight, Pete was not fired and remains a central part of the collaboration, and Alex is not seeking a co-director credit. We are all extremely proud of the film we have made, and respectfully suggest that it is judged on viewing when its released next year.”
Again I could easily see this as a case of a production doing one thing a little different and it being blown out of proportion, as I could see a hushed up situation blowing up in their faces. There’s just no way to tell, though it’s always logical to assume incompetence in place of malice, and to depend on the answer forever lying somewhere in the middle.
The statement does quash the rumor that a writer and co-producer was seeking a co-director credit for his involvement in post-production, or at least indicate he’s been bought off the pursuit. Regardless, this will all blow over in about 6 hours and almost a year from now when the film finally comes out, all will be forgotten. Dredd will be able to fascist it up with a straight face and a clean slate (unless it sucks).
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I feel like this happens pretty often and the only reason we’re hearing about it is cuz we live in the information age. I could be wrong, but typically, what’s left for the director to do after the movie is put into post-production? Unless it’s some big time gotta-have-hands-in-all-the-pots director, I think they typically leave the editing to the editor.
Punisher: War Zone had this issue, as well, and it still turned out to be an enjoyable movie.
It’s quite simple though. This has been Rebellion’s, Garland’s & DNA’s project since the beginning. Garland’s the writer and a co-producer on it, he was always in charge of the edit and has final cut, he’s the ‘suit’. Travis was brought in for Garland since he, not having the experience, they needed a technical director to run the crew and gather the footage. Whatever disagreements ensued over supposed roles in post-prod. obviously spilled over.
The difference being, that Punisher (and GI Joe for that matter have a built in US audience) while Dredd, has well, Dredd has… <crickets chirping>
That’s why we live in world full of countries where foreigners (Brits) can make films (Dredd) of their own.
Anyway, had anyone heard of District 9 before it was released? The vast majority of films are unknown quantities since they aren’t adapted material.
A director directs the edit just like he does everything else. The editor shows him cuts and he approves and makes changes. Sometimes those changes are minor, other times it’s massive overhaul.
Not always, producer led projects are quite the oppposite where a director is hired to only direct the shoot but not contracted to stick around for the edit. This happens quite a lot but we only hear about ‘name’ directors who have an established record being in control ofthe whole process but they usually have co-producer credits ala Nolan, Cameron, Spielberg et al. Co-producing/financing a film secures clout, being a director doesn’t guarantee final cut or control of the edit.
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