I’m back ya’ll!
After spending the last two weeks trying to get Episode 2 finished, I’m finally satisfied with this current version. I still feel more could easily go, and when I tackle some v2’s I just might cut even more. But for now I’m just a bit fried on the episode and need to step away from it and finish Episode 4 for the time being.
One major change I did to Episode 2 was removing the return to Ferrix. I’ve watched through my Episode 2 cut so many times, and every single time I felt it started to drag on post-heist. I’m sure some won’t be happy with its removal, but I do believe it will be narratively stronger and improve the overall pacing without it.
So with that, the new Episode 2 is now available on the drive and Episode 3 should be up by tomorrow! I’m also waiting for Vol.3 of the soundtrack to be released before I can finish Episode 4.
Having seen the finale, I’d say it’s safe to cut out all the flashbacks now.
I’m going to keep the flashback in it’s heavily trimmed form that’s presented in my Episode 1 cut. While the sister plotline went nowhere, I think the scene of Maarva finding Cassian needs to be kept.
By now I’ve also watched Episodes 2 and 3. I found them equally smooth experiences. Top quality!
Personally, I didn’t encounter anything I’d cut from E2 (which is not to say that one couldn’t).The Episode benefits from all the little character moments before the heist, those really made me care, especially when things got tough later on. Even scenes like the Commandant at home with his family seem crucial to me: The latter is in line with the show portraying those who commit evil as leading ordinary lives. It humanizes the Commandant a bit and shows what’s at stake for him. Furthermore it also serves to underline how the rebels commit evil themselves, threatening the life of the ordinary, innocent boy we witnessed earlier. That kid is traumatized for life.
Thank you! Let me know if the new cuts work better than the old ones! All the things you mentioned, are left intact. I agree those are all moments that should stay!
I’ve just enjoyed your Episode 1 cut, combining the first four Andor’s into one movie length feature.
First and foremost, it’s a professional cut that never once jars or has any technical ‘tells’ that betray it as a fan edit. Watching it for the first time you’d never know this wasn’t a studio product, well done!
Did I like it? No, I loved it! Watching the combined episodes without the interruption of titles and credits felt seamless and your instincts of what could be carefully trimmed and tightened seemed to gel with my own. The cuts are not overdone, and the pacing is still measured and relatively slow to what we are accustomed to from Star Wars. Repetition of setting is a staple of television as the budget constraints dictate but you made this television show seem truly cinematic by prioritizing scenes that had visual interest and majesty, and by reducing the number of recycled settings. It really allows the set design, props and costume work to shine - and Andor is incredibly good in this regard.
I’m holding back on watching the second Episode as it sounds like you’re still working on a revision, but I’m looking forward to it already!
Thank you Matt! I’m glad Episode 1 worked so well for you! I’m pretty satisfied with how that episode turned out. It’s pretty much done in my book.
I’m really enjoying your work!
Any idea when you’ll finish your final episode?
Hey, thanks!
Sorry I haven’t finished Episode 4 yet. The last two weeks have been spent getting Episodes 2 and 3 to a satisfying point. Unfortunately the final soundtrack hasn’t been released yet. So I will have to wait before I can finish Episode 4.