A Long Time Ago, in a Cutting Room Far, Far Away

My Fifty Years Editing Hollywood Hits - Star Wars, Carrie, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Mission: Impossible, and More

By: Paul Hirsch

Narrated by: Richard Ferrone

A Long Time Ago in a Cutting Room Far, Far Away is a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most influential films of the last 50 years by Paul Hirsch, a film editor who worked on more than 40 features.

Starting with his work on Carrie, Hirsch gives insight into the production process, touching upon casting, directing, cutting, and scoring. It’s a riveting look at the decisions that went into creating memorable and iconic scenes and offers fascinating portraits of filmmakers, stars, and composers.

Part film-school primer, part paean to legendary directors and professionals, the funny yet insightful writing will entertain and inform aficionados and casual moviegoers alike.

©2019 Paul Hirsch (P)2019 Blackstone Publishing

For a fellow Editor, this book is priceless

There’s not many books about film editing that are so entertaining and enlightening. As a fellow editor, this is priceless because we don’t get many opportunities to share our experiences, and to hear similar experiences from a great one with such amazing credits and talent, is so affirming and inspiring. This book made me smile a lot and made me think about some of my personal approaches to film editing and collaboration. Really great book!

Honesty with Humility & Gratefulness

For anyone interested in knowing how the film industry works, please listen to this. A simple memoir that feels down to earth, with many jokes to lighten a journey filled with many storms and broken paths.

Thank you for a wonderful memoir. It made me think deeply about many similar paths taken - or not - a long time ago.

If you like moviemaking, you’ll love this journey!

Well written and very interesting….it moves along at a pace that you’d expect from a great editor. Really enjoyed hearing about his career and interactions on movies.

Good editor. Good book.

A matter of fact description of how some of the most iconic movies I have loved-got made. It all makes sense now.

An outstanding story and narration!

I really enjoyed this book. Here are just a few reasons why:
1. The author structured the book chronologically, which made it easier to follow.

2. The stories told are very personal and offer a lot of behind-the-scenes information “outsiders” rarely hear.

3. The author started out on film and witnesses/shared some of the finer points of digital filmmaking.

4. You get a much better sense of the importance of a film editor when reading thr book.

5. I especially like how Mr. Hirsch described his relationships and interactions with different directors, producers, and musicians.

6. And I can’t overlook the narration, which I thought was wonderful. Just enough of a New York feel, combined with a worldliness and sense of gratitude and love of life.