One of Britain’s leading film editors, John Wilson’s films include Billy Elliot (2000), The History Boys (2006) and The Book Thief (2013). He has also edited 13 episodes of Downton Abbey. This evening he talks about how he became an editor, and gives an illustrated masterclass in “the invisible art” of editing: how the process varies in documentary, TV and feature work, the process from day one of the shoot to finished print and the editor/director relationship.
Cutting his teeth on documentaries, it was while working at the Central Office of Information that John met Peter Greenaway and began a long and fruitful collaboration which saw him editing all of Greenaway’s prolific output of music documentaries and arts programmes for television, as well as five feature films over the next eight years, beginning with The Draughtsman’s Contract (1981) and culminating in the highly acclaimed The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989).
John’s career then broadened into a raft of critically acclaimed feature films and television dramas including the massively successful Billy Elliot (2000) which gained 13 BAFTA and three Oscar nominations including a BAFTA and an American Eddie nomination for Best Film Editing. Following this US nomination, John was invited to join American Cinema Editors (ACE). He is one of the few British film editors to enjoy membership of this prestigious society.
In 2006, John edited the film version of Alan Bennett’s multi-award winning play The History Boys, directed by Nicholas Hytner for Fox Searchlight, BBC Films and DNA.
After working on From Time to Time (2009), directed by Julian Fellowes, he began a three year relationship with Fellowes (now as writer), Liz Trubridge (producer) and Brian Percival (director), editing thirteen episodes of three consecutive series of ITV’s Downton Abbey, gaining him nominations for a BAFTA, two Emmys and an Eddie, as well as winning two HPA awards.
John has recently completed Fox 2000’s The Book Thief, directed by Brian Percival.
Doors open at 18.30 for a 19.30 start.
Refreshments will be available in our licenced cafe/bar.
TICKETS & PRICING
Spring Season 2014 ticketing applies.
Advance tickets may be purchased from WeGotTickets, or direct from the Museum by calling 020 7840 2200 in office hours.
