I have been editing like a mad man - putting in about 16 hour days. I have completed about 32 scenes thus far, averaging around 4 a day. Once again this cut is just the assembly or rough cut but I must say everything is looking great. My goal is to have the rough cut completed by the second week of December. My hats off to Tim Edwards, who is assisting me in editing the film. Tim has been able to stay two or three steps ahead of me, which helps keep the momentum going.

My favorite scene so far has to be the scene where Wes discovers he works for human smugglers. It’s a powerful and moving scene. Can’t wait to show it! I started working on a trailer but realized I want to wait for the rough cut to be finished. The rough cut will act as a reference for the trailer as well as help me choose which clips to use - instead of me having to sort through the ten+ hours of footage. More to come!

Below is the post production schedule for Cowboy Smoke.

Phase 1 - Logging and capturing

2 Weeks October 23-Nov 3

-Log and capture all footage and begin syncing up the sound. -Watch dailies and start edit log. Phase 2 - The assembly or Rough Cut

6 Weeks, Nov 6 - Dec 15 - Not worrying about any sound editing, assemble a rough cut of the film, no longer than 3 hours long. - Cut a 2-3 minute trailer for investor’s eyes only.

Phase 3 - 2nd Cut 4 Weeks, Dec 18 – Jan 19 -Sound edit and cut picture down to 2 hours with temp track. -Cut 1 minute trailer for website.

Phase 4 - Reshoots and Pick ups 1 Week, Jan 22-26 -Pick up scene number 1

Phase 5 - The Final Cut 4 Weeks, Jan 29-Feb 16 - Lock film at no more than 100 minutes.

-Add temp effects for reference. - Have opening title sequence completed. Phase 6 - Music and Sound

10 Weeks, Feb 19-April 20 - Film is scored -Sound effects are added. -Sound design

Phase 7 - Mastering the picture 4 Weeks, April 23-May 25 -HD Transfer

-Color Correction -Final Sound Mix -Two Student Test Screenings