For example, we loved the vibe of Lavish by TT The Artist for our first mirror montage and tracks from artists like Jazmine Sullivan, SZA and Moses Sumney became the template for our dramatic moments. We then used that music to drive our comedy, heighten our drama and transition between the two. Our amazing music supervisor Kier Lehman gave us weekly music packages to choose from for our cuts. Issa said in the first season that whatever happens with Insecure the music is ultimately going to be dope. It was key to have that luxury of time to end all of these stories in the right way.
#JAZMINE SULLIVAN INSECURE CHALLENGE SERIES#
Because it was essentially a series ending goodbye for Issa and Molly, I was able to add as much air as needed to make this scene as affecting as possible. A very emotional Molly turns to Issa and thanks her for always being there for her in the past. Editing the series finale was about bringing all of those character storylines and emotional journeys together in the most satisfying way.įor example, there’s a scene at the end of the series finale when Issa is helping Molly with her wedding dress after Molly’s wedding. The Insecure pilot process was about finding the right performances, edit pacing, and balance between comedy, drama and music that would then become the template for the series. It’s always the last cut, not the final cut. Then I placed my initial music choices and tried to beat those music and edit choices until time ran out for my editor’s cut. Once all of the scenes were cut I put them together for a complete episode and refined pacing, performance and pattern based on the episode as a whole. I then cut each scene for performance, pace and cutting pattern.
#JAZMINE SULLIVAN INSECURE CHALLENGE FULL#
I read the full script a few times for the episode and then each scene a few times before I started breaking down the story goals, POV and subtext for each character. I started the edit process the same way for both the pilot and series finale. Seeing our amazing actors evolve along with our character’s emotional journeys and storylines was extremely informative in the edit for performance choices, edit pacing and cutting patterns.
I’m so grateful to have been able to edit the Insecure beginning, ending and every premiere and finale in between. What was it like getting to edit both the pilot and series finale of the show? Describe your editing process on both. I got the call soon after from Issa and Prentice that I was hired. Prentice had just finished Brooklyn 99 with Mike Schur, so was able to use Mike as a reference for me. I met with creator Issa Rae and showrunner Prentice Penny and just wanted to make sure they understood the passion I had to help tell these great stories. I was instantly intrigued because there were extremely well written, everyday, three dimensional characters from a part of L.A. I had just finished editing Parks and Recreation and my agent sent me the script for Insecure. In this interview Sadlek dives into editing both the series premiere and finale, as well as what makes Insecure so special. The show just wrapped up its fifth and final season on December 26th.īelow, we spoke to editor and producer Mark Sadlek. Insecure, created by Issa Rae, follows Issa as she navigates her experience as a modern-day Black woman with her best friend Molly. Mark has worked on the series from start to finish, including editing every season premiere and finale. Awards Radar recently got the opportunity to chat with Mark Sadlek, one of the producers and editors on HBO Max’s Insecure.