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I only answered #1 because I don't feel anything needs to be changed. It's fine to put on your website. Joelle and Ikka were immensely helpful. When we sent them the rough cut, we knew that the film was in there but it wasn't coming through the way we wanted. Their constructive notes and specific suggestions helped us to continue to carve the footage, like a sculpture, to reveal the film. We would absolutely work with Rough Cut Service again.

What would I change?

I only answered #1 because I don't feel anything needs to be changed.

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Working with Iikka and Jean from a rough cut stage lifted the project. Their invaluable feedback and input made us rethink some difficult choices, and their dedication till the end, through several rounds, helped us immensely in reaching where the film needed to go. It was worth it - as the film has done very well all over the world! Jean and Iikka are great to work with, and I hope we get the chance to use this rough cut service for future projects as well. Thank you!

What would I change?

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Iika and Jakob were both amazing in how they worked with us delicately and wisely on carving out the main story-lines of the film. They made me and our team feel super safe and at ease during every review session. I loved how differently they coached us in their writings (straight forward advice) and the personal skype meetings (like a good therapy session with many open ears). We are now making the necessary changes so film's main character, an animated Saint from 251 AD, can finally come to life! I will definitely work with Roughcutservices again on finishing this and my next films.

What would I change?

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I am tremendously grateful to Iikka Vehkalahti and Jean Tsien for their valuable, input and thoughtful and skillful feedback and suggestions. The film improved vastly based on additional story structure discussions as well. The film enjoyed a sold-out world premiere at the LA Film Festival in 2016 and earned an 2017 NAACP Image nomination for outstanding documentary as well as countless screenings and festivals around the world before theatrical and VOD release. www.1936olympicsmovie.com

What would I change?

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We worked with Joelle Alexis and Iikka on the documentary at a very critical stage in the edit. I can say with absolute certainty they contributed significantly to turning the film around. Their proposed solutions, big and small, brought clarity to the storytelling. We had got to a point in the edit where we had run out of ideas on how to improve the film. With their input, the edit gained momentum and the storytelling leaped forward. They are film rescuers! I am a big fan!

What would I change?

Would love to have had more time with them and to have the opportunity to continue until picture lock. I suggest they develop a deluxe package.

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I met Joelle in a training session about how to do good teasers and when she looked at the teaser of the Mountain Pact she simply said: "nothing to say... perfect, professional". Now I'm back to Rough Cut Service and I hope the film will impact equally good, but I know your full support and help will make the difference!

What would I change?

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Rough Cut Service was one of the most important pieces of our puzzle during the editing process. We mean it because after many years shooting one story, we become kind of “blind” to really see some aspects of it. Iikka and Erez were very sensitive and accurate in terms of defining the boundaries between what we have lived during filming and what is within our images. They were exceptional in understanding our view as an auteurs and working from this aspect, exploring the potentials that we had within it. We had a very intense work filled up with many ideas and suggestions that we deeply discussed. It is an important tool in documentary world that gives the opportunity for young directors to connect with very talented and experienced editors throughout the world for brining up what we all have in common: love for documentaries! ☺

What would I change?

We wouldn’t change anything; we are very pleased with the work.

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Even before we sent the cut, the questions Iikka asked helped put a lot of things in perspective. One thing that really worked for us is that both Per and Iikka were acutely aware of what we wanted and they helped us get the best version of that. Having two mentors working on the film is an excellent idea. Sometimes they agree and sometimes they don't, but all of this helps create more and more possibilities for us to play with as story tellers.  Ideas and suggestions are one thing, but to be able to give them with a sense of humour and with a lot of love is of unbelievable help when one is questioning and doubting everything which is pretty much what happens while editing.  It is impossible to talk of an organisation without talking about the people who work in it. And these people love documentaries, and it shows.

What would I change?

Creating a unique platform such as this, keeping it affordable and helping with suggestions on how to fundraise, putting us in touch with people, all of this has made it one of the most fulfilling experiences for us. RCS actually went much beyond the brief of what they say they will do on the site, so I cant really say what they could add, they've got a really great process going! Its an honest, transparent, human way to work and we can’t imagine making a film without their support anymore. We wish you all the very best and hope to work with you again.

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Hiring an editor for several months for a feature length documentary can cost 10,000 to 20,000 euros. Often my budgets cannot sustain this cost. And yet I feel the need for editing help by people who know an international audience, who know documentary, and who are sensitive and understanding of stories faraway from their society, and know how to help bring out the universal elements in them while keeping the integrity and authenticity of the 'local'. The RoughCutSerice, which I have used twice now, answers all these needs. Their critique of the film is thorough, detail , and look at both the content (ie a faraway world) as well as the aesthetic and technical. The RCS responded to my roughcuts with a fine, nuanced critique, paying attention to all the seemingly small details that ultimate add or, their mishandling, spoil a film. Its comments are to the point, forceful, yet sympathetic, and leave room for the filmmaker to decide for herself the important decisions. ...

What would I change?

It is a most skilfull reading of the film and not heavy-handedly imposing. And the service is a fraction of the cost of hiring an editor from the start, and for months. For someone like me, who wants to be totally engaged in the process, specifically editing, which is the most vital part of making a documentary, the existence of such a service is a blessing. For it is the final stage of the documentary that makes or breaks a documentary. I have used the RoughCutService in my last two films and would use it again, without hesitation. Its affordability and ease of collaboration is a boon especially for filmmakers in the developing world

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We were lost at sea when we turned to Rough Cut Services - so much footage shot over so many years and a drawn out editing process had muffled and blinkered our ability to see our material objectively as a cinematic experience. Iikka wrangled with us through finding a new structure - suggesting a completely radical approach that we trusted and flew with. And yet, at no point was it an imposition - the few things we wanted to keep, we kept, and otherwise were blown away at how much the new ideas, the new input, not only shaved off all the unnecessary junk and helped clear up confusions, it also gave us tons of fresh insights on how to tell our story, re-energized our own creative approach to the material. Yael came in next and offered a subtler eye on the rhythms, the pacing, the filmic experience, bringing the scenes from rushed, pedestrian assemblies to living, breathing scenes. Such an incredibly valuable service!!!

What would I change?

A few times we felt like a Skype chat here and there along the way might be helpful. But would I turn to Rough Cut Services again? In a heartbeat...