For my Mom, Bebe Yuni Kranze, whose heart and soul enters each phrase of encouragement in this book, and for my Dad, Don Kranze, whose wisdom and work ethics are the construct of Make the Cut. Thank you. You were my first and best mentors.
For my amazing daughters, Deirdre and Allison, thank you for all your inspiration. And for their Dad, Charley Coleman, who taught me how to change the block on my very first coding machine.
For my better half, Scott Gordon, thank you for your support through all my absences.
For my assistant editors who guided me through the transition from film to current technology, Daniel Valverde and Jan Northrop, thank you for all that you have taught me.
Last, but not least, this book is dedicated to all the ACE internship applicants from around the world. This book is the internship program in a nutshell, and I hope it helps you on your journey.
Lori Jane Coleman
For my beloved husband Lionel, who has shared my passion for filmmaking and has been a constant inspiration during all our cinematic collaborations over the past 40 years. We dreamed the dream and crossed continents to make Hollywood a reality. Thank you for sharing the journey. It has been awesome and a privilege.
For my wonderful children, David and Amanda-Mae, thank you for playing such a vital role in my life and being my dearest companions. I will forever cherish happy memories of your participation in many of my film adventures. For Robby, I treasure your friendship and support.
Thank you to all the mentors in my life. Particularly Jackie le Cordeur in South Africa, who offered to train me as an assistant editor when I completed my university studies in Cape Town. Thank you for waiting. You ignited the fire, which is still burning brightly.
For all you aspiring assistants, to whom we hand down the flame of our experiences, you can make the cut.
Diana Friedberg