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David Blewitt: Mastering the Motion Picture Narrative

An exploration of the career of an Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning film editor, whose meticulous craft shaped some of cinema's most memorable moments.

Biography ๐Ÿ‘ค Filmography ๐ŸŽž๏ธ

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Biographical Foundation

Early Life and Origins

David Edward Blewitt was born on August 7, 1928, in Los Angeles, California. His early engagement with the entertainment industry began at the age of fifteen when he worked as an usher at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles. This foundational experience in a cinematic environment foreshadowed his future career.

Wartime Service

During World War II, Blewitt enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces. His service included a vital role as an aerial reconnaissance photographer, a position that demanded precision and an eye for detailโ€”skills that would later prove invaluable in his film editing career.

Transition to Cinema

Upon returning to Los Angeles after the war, Blewitt initially pursued a career as a cinematographer, contributing to television programs such as Hollywood and the Stars. His path soon led him to film editing, a transition catalyzed by his work at David L. Wolper Productions. Here, he met and often collaborated with Jack Haley Jr., and his early work included projects like That's Entertainment! and The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau.

Family and Connections

David Blewitt passed away on July 8, 2010, in Sherman Oaks, California, at the age of 81, due to complications from Parkinson's disease. He was survived by his wife, Ann; his daughter, Risa Bastien; her husband, Steve Bastien; and his granddaughter, Annabel. Notably, Blewitt was a first cousin once removed to U.S. President Joe Biden, connected through his paternal grandfather, Edward Francis Blewitt.

Professional Trajectory

Early Collaborations

Blewitt's transition into film editing was marked by his association with David L. Wolper Productions. Here, he developed a working relationship with Jack Haley Jr., contributing to acclaimed documentaries and specials such as That's Entertainment! (1974), That's Entertainment, Part II (1976), and Life Goes to War: Hollywood and the Home Front. His early work also included Movin' with Nancy and The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau.

Feature Film Milestones

Blewitt's expertise extended to major feature films. He contributed to Butterflies Are Free (1972) and The Buddy Holly Story (1978). His significant contributions were recognized with an Academy Award nomination for his editing work on The Competition (1980). His involvement in the 1984 blockbuster Ghostbusters cemented his reputation as a key editor in Hollywood.

Television Contributions

Beyond feature films, Blewitt made substantial contributions to television. His later television credits included work on the popular series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. His editing prowess was further acknowledged with an Emmy Award in 1993 for the television special Bob Hope: The First 90 Years.

Accolades and Recognition

Academy Award Nomination

In 1980, David Blewitt received an Academy Award nomination for Best Film Editing for his work on the drama The Competition, directed by Joel Oliansky. This nomination underscored his significant talent and contribution to cinematic storytelling.

Emmy Award Win

Blewitt's exceptional skill in television editing was recognized with an Emmy Award in 1993 for his work on the television special Bob Hope: The First 90 Years. This award highlighted his versatility across different media formats.

ACE Eddie Awards and Career Achievement

Throughout his distinguished 40-year career, Blewitt was honored by the American Cinema Editors (ACE). He received two ACE Eddie Awards out of a total of five nominations. In recognition of his extensive contributions and impact on the craft, he was presented with the prestigious American Cinema Editors Career Achievement Award in 2004.

Comprehensive Filmography

Editor - Feature Films

David Blewitt's extensive work as an editor on feature films showcases his versatility and impact across various genres.

Editor
Year Film Director Notes
1971 The Love Machine Jack Haley Jr.
1972 Hammersmith Is Out Peter Ustinov
Butterflies Are Free Milton Katselas First collaboration with Milton Katselas
1973 40 Carats Second collaboration with Milton Katselas
1975 Report to the Commissioner Third collaboration with Milton Katselas
1978 The Buddy Holly Story Steve Rash First collaboration with Steve Rash
1979 Steel Steve Carver
1980 In God We Trust Marty Feldman
The Competition Joel Oliansky
1981 Under the Rainbow Steve Rash Second collaboration with Steve Rash
1983 Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 Dick Lowry
D.C. Cab Joel Schumacher First collaboration with Joel Schumacher
1984 Ghostbusters Ivan Reitman
1985 Fast Forward Sidney Poitier
1986 Psycho III Anthony Perkins
1987 Hell Hunters Ernst R. von Theumer
1988 Moonwalker Colin Chilvers "Smooth Criminal" segment

Editorial Department

Contributions in roles beyond lead editor, often involving additional or specialized editing tasks.

Editorial department
Year Film Director Role Notes
1990 Flatliners Joel Schumacher Additional editor Second collaboration with Joel Schumacher
1991 Dying Young Third collaboration with Joel Schumacher

Additional Crew

Roles that supported the production beyond direct editing responsibilities.

Additional crew
Year Film Director Role
1961 Night Tide Curtis Harrington Production assistant

Documentaries

Key editing contributions to significant documentary projects.

Editor
Year Film Director
1973 Wattstax Mel Stuart
1974 That's Entertainment! Jack Haley Jr.
1976 That's Entertainment, Part II Gene Kelly
1977 Life Goes to War: Hollywood and the Home Front Jack Haley Jr.

Shorts

Work on short films, showcasing early cinematography skills.

Cinematographer
Year Film Director
1974 Just One More Time Michael J. Shapiro

TV Documentaries

Editing and camera work for television documentary productions.

Editor
Year Film Director
1965 The Way Out Men Mel Stuart
The Teenage Revolution Kent Mackenzie
Pro Football: Mayhem on a Sunday Afternoon William Friedkin
In Search of Man Eugene S. Jones
1966 The Thin Blue Line William Friedkin
Wall Street: Where the Money Is Mel Stuart
The World of Animals: It's a Dog's World Alan Landsburg, Joseph L. Scanlan
The Making of a President: 1964 Mel Stuart
1967 A Nation of Immigrants Robert Abel, Aram Boyajian, Mel Stuart
1968 The World of Animals: The World of Horses Joseph L. Scanlan
1969 Hollywood: The Selznick Years Marshall Flaum
1970 The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau: Tragedy of the Red Salmon Jacques Renoir
1982 Hollywood: The Gift of Laughter Jack Haley Jr.
1990 The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: 50 Years of Magic Jack Haley Jr.
1993 Bob Hope: The First 90 Years Allan Kartun
Camera and electrical department
Year Film Director Role
1965 The Incredible World of James Bond Jack Haley Jr. Cinematographer: Hollywood
Cinematographer
Year Film Director
1965 Revolution in Our Time David H. Vowell
Pro Football: Mayhem on a Sunday Afternoon William Friedkin
1968 The World of Animals: The World of Horses Joseph L. Scanlan
The World of Animals: Big Cats, Little Cats Bud Wiser

TV Series

Significant contributions to episodic television.

Editor
Year Title Notes
1965 Men in Crisis 1 episode
1965โ€“66 Time-Life Specials: The March of Time 9 episodes
1967 Untamed Frontier 1 episode
1967โ€“69 National Geographic Specials 4 episodes
1970 The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau 2 episodes
1993 Key West 1 episode
1995โ€“99 Hercules: The Legendary Journeys 3 episodes
2000 Xena: Warrior Princess 1 episode
Editorial department
Year Title Role Notes
1963โ€“64 Hollywood and the Stars Assistant editor 6 episodes
Camera and electrical department
Year Title Role Notes
1974 ABC Late Night Special photography 1 episode
Cinematographer
Year Title Notes
1964 Hollywood and the Stars 6 episodes
Producer
Year Title Credit Notes
1993 Key West Associate producer 12 episodes

TV Specials

Editing and camera work for notable television specials.

Editor
Year Title Director
1967 With Love, Sophia Michael Pfleghar
Movin' with Nancy Jack Haley Jr.
1968 Monte Carlo: C'est La Rose Michael Pfleghar
The Beat of the Brass Jack Haley Jr.
Camera and electrical department
Year Film Director Role
1965 The Incredible World of James Bond Jack Haley Jr. Cinematographer: Hollywood

Enduring Impact

The Art of the Cut

David Blewitt's career spanned decades, marked by a consistent ability to shape narratives and enhance visual storytelling through precise editing. His work on iconic films like Ghostbusters and his numerous acclaimed documentaries and television programs demonstrate a profound understanding of pacing, rhythm, and emotional resonance. His accolades, including an Academy Award nomination and an Emmy Award, are testaments to his mastery of the craft and his significant contribution to the art of film editing.

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the David Blewitt Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While efforts have been made to ensure fidelity to the source material, the AI's interpretation and presentation may introduce nuances or omissions.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding film production, historical accuracy, or career guidance. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

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