Episode Details

"We want to promote health and wellbeing to editors because they work so hard."

- Kevin Tent

As the recently elected President of American Cinema Editors (ACE), Kevin Tent is leading the charge to make working smarter instead of harder in the edit bay one of his top priorities. He's dedicated to making changes like taking regular walk breaks, adding in meditation, and even taking an occasional nap (the horror!!!!) to enhance your creativity and get you through the day with more energy left over for your family and yourself when work is done.

Kevin describes himself as a "somewhat professional film editor who has worked in Hollywood for nearly 30 years,” who is best known for his collaboration with director Alexander Payne having edited films like Citizen Ruth, Election, About Schmidt, Sideways, Nebraska, Blow, and Girl Interrupted. He has learned the value of taking care of his body and mind while trying to balance the demanding schedules of Hollywood feature films.

In our conversation, Kevin and I talk candidly about the habits he's implemented for better health and creativity while editing (many of which came about from learning the hard way from years of neglect). He also clears up the confusion about the American Cinema Editors organization and details how someone can qualify and become a member. And most importantly he speaks honestly about the value of becoming an ACE member and the benefits that doing so can have on your well-being and career (Hint: It's not to boost your career or find more jobs).

If you want to know how one of the top names in the feature editing game stays sharp and continues to work at such a high level, today’s conversation is for you.

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Here's What You'll Learn:

• Kevin's origin story of how he got started editing.
• How ten years of editing for Roger Corman made him an "overnight success" after the success of Election.
• The steps he took to avoid getting pigeonholed.
• Kevin wants to use ACE to promote healthy lifestyles in post production.
• KEY TAKEAWAY: Exercise and meditation habits stick when it is something you want to do rather than something you have to do.
• His morning bike ride often gets him out of creative blocks in scenes.
• Afternoon walks with Alexander Payne are creatively beneficial for both of them while working on a movie.
• Kevin uses naps to give him a renewed sense of energy.
• KEY TAKEAWAY: All the best ideas happen when you're away from the computer.
• He wants to influence people to understand it is healthy to take walks and breaks during your day.
• The political instigator that got Kevin to start a meditation practice.
• The types of meditation he's tried and the benefits he's gained from a regular practice.
• The myriad of soft skills necessary for an editor to have and how meditation compliments these skills.
• Why editors are so undervalued and not treated as the integral creatives that they are.
• Director Alexander Payne has a deep respect for editors on his films.
• Being invisible artists makes it hard to get the credit we deserve.
• Kevin describes what ACE is, the history of how it began, and how you can join.
• Best advice for anyone who wants