Thoughts on the Emmys

by Michael Jablow

Editors are all, to some degree, troglodytes, which is not to say that we are pale, malformed creatures living in caves, hiding from the rays of the sun. However, all of us thrive on long hours alone in the dark with our Avids, and fresh scenes to cut. We do like to be appreciated, though, so it was a huge thrill to be nominated for an Emmy for editing 61*.

The call came in around 8 a.m., as I sat in my editing room, starting another day. Norm Hollyn, one of my oldest friends in the business, had seen the nominations on the Television Academy web site. I was blown away and immediately called my wife and children to tell them that we were going to the Emmys.

Then the dread set in. What was I going to wear? What was I going to say if I won? Would I forget to thank someone important and have to apologize to them for the rest of my life? Monumental questions.

The day finally arrived. My wife and I, dressed in our finest, arrived at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. The invitation said that no one would be admitted after 4:45. So we arrived at 4:00, only to discover that we were locked out of the building, along with the best-dressed milling crowd we’d ever seen. After finding many friends and having a few drinks at a bar on the patio, we were all rushed into the hall at the last minute.

Finally seated, nerves really kicked in. I reached into my pocket to feel the acceptance speech I had been working on for two days: a comprehensive list of everyone that had helped me, going back to kindergarten. The host for the evening then came out to warm up the audience. He said that we’d best keep our speeches short, and that if we wanted to be seen on the TV broadcast, we’d better make our acceptances funny. Funny! I thought I was supposed to be grateful and humble.

Luckily, the award for Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Miniseries, Movie or Special was the third presentation. As they announced the nominees (naturally mispronouncing my name), I crushed my wife’s hand. “And the Emmy goes to John Bloom. John can’t be here tonight, so we accept the award in his behalf.” After being given condolences by Billy Crystal and Haskell Wexler, my fellow nominees, I was filled with alternating waves of sadness and relief. At least I didn’t have to get up there and make a fool of myself. I enjoyed the rest of the three-hour show. Next time: professional comedy writers for my acceptance speech!

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