Meet Oscar-Awarding Winning Editor of Ford v. Ferrari, Wolverine, Deadpool, The Amazing Spiderman, & more: Mike McCusker

If you want to work as an editor, this one-hour CWKP episode is for you

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“Coffee with KP” is my version of a talkshow/podcast, where industry professionals share their backstory, answer questions from my class and offer up career advice. Upgrade your subscription ($8/mo) to get access to this episode and all previously released.

Continuing our Coffee with KP: Covid Collection series, today we’re talking to Michael McCusker, the editor behind “Ford v. Ferrari” (which won him the Oscar for Best Film Editing), “Walk the Line,” “Get on Up,” “The Amazing Spiderman,” “Logan,” “The Wolverine,” “Deadpool 1 &2,” and many more. I always stay for the credits of every movie. When I saw “Walk the line” about Johnny Cash, I was surprised that to see my former upstairs’ neighbor’s name in the credits! His career has only exploded over the years. He is a self-proclaimed introvert and naturally networked his way into every single job he has had.

Mike graduated from Emerson College in 1988 and got his first job working at Gracie Films (Jim Brooks’s production company) which led to his assistant role on “The Simpsons.” As he worked his way up through the industry and learned what he liked/disliked, he found himself gravitating towards film editing. He eventually became the assistant editor under legendary film editor David Brenner (“Independence Day,” “Man of Steel,” “Avatar: The Way of Water”). Then in 2005, when Brenner wasn’t available to edit James Mangold’s “Walk the Line,” Mike stepped in to take his place. He received an Oscar-Nomination for his work - his first time editing a major motion picture too! Now, Mike is one of the most sought-after editors in Hollywood, with his latest project being the 2023 blockbuster “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.”

In this episode of “Coffee with KP,” you’ll be inspired to learn how he landed in the editing room at 28 years old (after many other jobs that just didn’t quite work,) what he looks for when he hires his department, and how one qualifies for the union (Motion Picture Editor’s Guild.)

Upgrade your subscription to paid below to unlock this 1-hour group informational meeting with Mike McCusker and get access to all previously released episodes of “Coffee with KP.”