Big Poppa! So glad you’re releasing your first edit! I hope you stick around here awhile. I’m looking forward to when IX is released and we could all share ideas for edits for the whole saga. I’d love a PM for your edit as well!

Wanted to make a few notes on what has been discussed. I think the amount of work needed on the hologram deleted scene should bring into question if it is really necessary, or worth the effort needed. I personally don’t think so, the moment Finn picks up the beacon to Rey is enough I think.

Regarding Phasma, I have said this before and I’m sure it is annoying to those who’ve read it repeatedly, but I still think the best way to improve Phasma’s character is to not have her be the one to take down the shields in TFA. I think that it is what made a lot of people not take her character seriously. If she only appeared briefly in TFA, then her appearance in TLJ and showdown with Finn would feel more appropriate and less of a letdown, because the way she was humiliated in TFA is what lead people to think she would get some payback in TLJ. Just my two cents though.

I think you handled it well in your edit though, because like you said removing it probably helps the pacing. And by not seeing what happened to her, we can either assume she died or was injured if she does show up in IX, unlikely but it’ll allow your edit to hold up regardless.
I think adding the vfx shot off BB-8 really helps make it work too. Solid job on that.