An exclusive interview with editor MARK CZYZEWSKI discussing the approach and editing process for MASTERS OF THE AIR.
SYNOPSIS: Based on Donald L. Miller’s book of the same name, and scripted by John Orloff, “Masters of the Air” follows the men of the 100th Bomb Group (the “Bloody Hundredth”) as they conduct perilous bombing raids over Nazi Germany and grapple with the frigid conditions, lack of oxygen and sheer terror of combat conducted at 25,000 feet in the air. Portraying the psychological and emotional price paid by these young men as they helped destroy the horror of Hitler’s Third Reich, is at the heart of “Masters of the Air.” Some were shot down and captured; some were wounded or killed. And some were lucky enough to make it home. Regardless of individual fate, a toll was exacted on them all.
Boasting a cast led by, among others, Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Nate Mann, Anthony Boyle, Barry Keoghan, Nikolai Kinski, Stephen Campbell Moore, Sawyer Spielberg, and James Murray, in an undertaking almost as Herculean as that of the Allies in World War II, adapting MASTERS OF THE AIR for the screen was spearheaded by creators John Shiban and showrunner and co-executive producer John Orloff, who also served as chief writer of the series. As a point of reference, Orloff was previously responsible for writing some of the episodes for another acclaimed series about World War II, “Band of Brothers.” Joining Orloff in scripting duties for some of the nine episodes of MASTERS OF THE AIR episodes were Dee Rees and Joel Anderson Thompson. Directorial duties fell to Cary Joji Fukunga, Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, Dee Rees, and Timothy Van Patten. Also spreading the wealth among multiple cinematographers, lighting and lensing duties were handed over to Adam Arkapaw, Richard Rutkowski, David Franco, and Jac Fitzgerald. Overseeing the editing of all nine episodes was Mark Czyzewski.
Knowledgeable and generous with this time and insight, speaking with editor MARK CZYZEWSKI in this exclusive interview, it is quickly obvious that he has a passion for his craft, attention to detail as well an understanding of the big picture of the project, and the importance of storytelling within the editing process. Finding great appeal in telling true stories and doing justice to historical events, after this experience with MASTERS OF THE AIR, Mark intends to find more projects that explore history and even family history during WWII.
Editing long-form content can be challenging, especially when working with multiple directors and VFX artists as in MASTERS OF THE AIR. One of the biggest factors in editing this project was developing a strategy for maintaining continuity and historical accuracy, such as approaching the content as a single piece rather than episodic content. War dramas such as MASTERS OF THE AIR are their own beast and attention must be paid to character development, pacing, and balancing accuracy with entertainment value. Notable is Mark’s belief in the importance of investing time and effort into character development in the editing process.
As we dove into all things MASTERS OF THE AIR in this exclusive interview, Mark discussed, among others:
- editing a TV series with multiple directors and maintaining continuity while showcasing each director’s unique style
- challenges of pacing and continuity in a series with multiple directors and diverse episode content
- the importance of openness and flexibility in balancing action and pacing
- editing a historical drama TV series with multiple directors and maintaining a cohesive tone
- character development
- maintaining historical accuracy
- balancing history with entertainment value
- collaboration
- specific to MASTERS OF THE AIR, the generosity of each director in collaborating and delivering episodes, with ongoing screenings and notes throughout the editing process
- editing a historical drama film with VFX, including working with multiple editors and waiting for VFX to arrive
- the need to be open to changes and fluidity with the sequencing
- flexibility with VFX pieces; making the pieces work together with clarity while keeping the historical aspects real
- the daily work process with daily footage and aerial sequences “stamped” with visual representations of what might ultimately be there
- sound design and music and its impact on the narrative and editing process
- and more!
TAKE A LISTEN. . .
by debbie elias, exclusive interview 02/29/2024
MASTERS OF THE AIR is streaming on AppleTV+.
