Craft

TV Editors Reveal How They Build Tension Without Falling Into Melodrama

By Catriona Vale, Craft & Criticism EditorFebruary 15, 2024

Cutting between genres from tense dramas to improvisational comedy, editors share their secrets to crafting suspenseful storytelling that never feels overdone.

At the recent IndieWire Craft Roundtables, a group of top television editors peeled back the curtain on their craft, emphasizing how subtlety and tone shape storytelling more than obvious spectacle. Despite working on vastly different shows—from the darkly comedic 'Beef' to the heartfelt documentary 'The Pitt'—each panelist stressed the importance of avoiding melodrama by grounding their edits in reality and humor.

Editor Mark Strand, working on 'The Pitt,' highlighted that grounding stories in authenticity is key to preventing emotional overreach. 'It's so easy to veer into melodramatic territory,' he said, 'but we focus on small, truthful moments that resonate without overplaying them.' Similarly, Lauren Connelly and Laura Zempel discussed their work on 'Beef,' where creator Lee Sung Jin’s humor helps keep tone balanced, even during intense or dark scenes. Connelly explained, 'Laughing in dark moments is part of human nature, and we want that authenticity in our editing.' !Sundance premiere Q&A for an indie drama The conversation also touched on how humor functions as a tension-release valve, allowing shows to explore difficult themes without overwhelming viewers. Christian Hoffman, editing the mockumentary 'Jury Duty Presents,' noted that timing and perspective are crucial tools in their arsenal, helping to keep scenes from tipping into melodrama. Editors emphasized that understanding the emotional beats and pacing is vital to creating suspense that feels earned. More context: Craft.

A clip from the panel showed editors discussing their approaches to tone, highlighting that tension in TV often hinges on the meticulous placement of cut points and the rhythm of scenes. They agreed that good editing can subtly influence audience perception, making moments feel more intense without resorting to melodramatic cues. This approach challenges the stereotype that tension must always be built through loud or obvious techniques, instead advocating for a nuanced, craft-driven method.

The panel underscored a broader lesson: great editing is invisible when done well. It’s about guiding viewers through emotional landscapes with precision and care, ensuring that the tension feels natural rather than forced. Whether working on a tense comedy or a serious documentary, these editors demonstrate that restraint and a keen sense of tone are what truly elevate storytelling.

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