Instinct-Driven Editing

core editing philosophy that advocates for cutting based on one's own internal sense of rhythm, pacing, and taste, rather than attempting to second-guess what a director, producer, or audience might want. Proponents like Lee Smith and Kelley Dixon argue that trying to reverse-engineer a cut to someone else's preferences is a 'dangerous game' that compromises the editor's unique contribution. The approach posits that an editor is hired for their specific instincts, and trusting them is the most direct path to a strong cut. Editor Lee Smith emphasizes the importance of instinct, recounting a time he felt obligated to use special coverage that he knew wasn't working. The director later validated his initial feeling, leading Smith to the conclusion: "if you know you’re doing something to please someone else, you’re going to make a mistake... Learn to go with your gut."