Behind Cutting the Perfect Crime

Go behind the edit as top film and TV editors reveal how suspense, pacing, and storytelling shape unforgettable crime dramas.
What does it take to create the perfect crime story on screen? Join an accomplished panel of editors as they discuss the creative choices behind some of today’s most compelling crime dramas and thrillers.
Moderated by Chad Anderson, this conversation features Byron Smith, ACE, Tyler L. Cook, Greg O’Bryant, and Stephanie Filo, ACE. Together, they’ll explore how editing shapes suspense, pacing, performance, and storytelling. The editors will share insights into their craft and creative process, from deciding what audiences should see—and what they shouldn’t—to building tension scene by scene.
From first cut to final frame, this panel offers a behind-the-scenes look at the editorial decisions that shape compelling crime stories and keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Panelists: Byron Smith, ACE (House of Cards, True Detective, 1923), Tyler L. Cook (Sword of Trust, Do Not Watch), Greg O’Bryant (Mr. & Mrs. Smith, The Report, Brand New Cherry Flavor), and Stephanie Filo, ACE (A Black Lady Sketch Show, Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story)
Moderator: Chad Anderson (Manhattan Edit Workshop, Brookdale Community College)