PASSAGES
Charles E. Ireland
Picture Editor
June 11, 1961 – May 28, 2008
 Charles Ireland riding the famous Alpe d’Huez stage of the Tour de France. |
I am so saddened by the death of the film editor Charlie Ireland. I find
myself on the set thinking of him so many times in any given day.
I first met him when he did some additional editing on Town and Country back
in 2000. The film had been plagued with problems and I was immediately struck
by how clear-minded Charlie was amidst all the troubles. I made a decision
there and then that I would like to work with him again, even though he worked
on that movie for only a few weeks.
He was the second editor on Serendipity and impressed Miramax to the extent that they were in total agreement to hire him as the main editor on Shall We Dance (2004). Serendipity was not a hard film. Shall We Dance was a very hard film. It was during this post-production that I really got to know, admire and love Charlie.
It’s a funny thing determining who should be your editor on a feature film. Yes, you want someone who’s up to the job, talented, committed, great at the cutting room politics (all of which Charlie was in spades), but you start to realize that you are also looking for someone whose company you are going to enjoy over the ever-extending period of post-production. Lately, have you noticed how that period is getting longer and longer? A kind of “second development” opportunity for all concerned.
Editors, more than ever, are replaced with the same ease as writers and re-writers. Sure, sometimes, it might be necessary, but on the whole I really don’t like it, mostly because of the way that the threat of replacement is not exactly the atmosphere that should prevail. During that time, Charlie was everything I wanted and needed to make the film what it should be.
Apart from his incredible dedication to the job, he was a true and loyal friend. He stood by my side and I shall never forget that. A tiny room for months with a real “mate” with whom I could be totally myself. What a haven that was! Without those laughs (most of them very esoteric and British), I really don’t know what I would have done. I had so much fun with Charlie, as did all who worked with him.
The last time I saw him was when he joined an advanced Italian class that I attend on a regular basis with the editor and mutual friend, Corinne Villa, and a few other students of the language. Charlie was in LA for a short visit, mostly for reasons of his citizenship meetings, and we invited him along. I knew he spoke Italian as we had done a little in the cutting room when I first started learning. I was amazed at how good his Italian was. I don’t just mean his speaking but his very sophisticated knowledge of grammar. It was a joy to see him “at it.” The reason I mention this moment is because it is a good example of how modest Charlie was in most things he did.
I offer my sincere condolences to his wife, Molly, and his four daughters. I wish them strength in coming to terms with this. Charlie loved his wife and his girls. Charlie, may you rest in peace. I shall miss you so much.
Peter Chelsom
James T. Heckert
Picture Editor
November 18, 1926 – July 11, 2008
James T. (Jim) Heckert was born in Los Angeles. He had a long list of feature
and television editing credits.
Heckert received ACE Eddie Award nominations for Shogun (1980) and Roots (1977),
the latter miniseries for which he also received two Emmy Award nominations.
He was also nominated for an Emmy for Inside the Third Reich (1982). Other
miniseries and movies of the week he worked on include Peter the Great (1986),
Evita Peron (1981), “Wheels” (1978).
He served on the Editors Guild’s Board of Directors from 1979 to 1984.
Heckert is survived by his wife, Shirley, and son, Chris.
In Memoriam
Earl F. Bennett
Picture Editor
(November 5, 1919 – October 4, 2007)
51 years as a member
Michael Lemp
Assistant Editor
(February 18, 1981 – July 29, 2007)
8 months as a member
Bruce Lister
Story Analyst
(January 1, 1939 – June 13, 2008)
48 years as a member
Tony J. Magro
Sound Editor
(March 1, 1923 – November 17, 2004)
49 years as a member
Louise E. Rode
Librarian
(July 5, 1912 – February 26, 2008)
48 years as a member
NOTICE
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Also, if family members or friends would like to write an obituary for their loved ones in the “Passages” section of the magazine, please contact Tomm Carroll at 323-876-4770, ext. 222 for guidelines and due dates.