Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/855478
51 Q3 2017 / CINEMONTAGE Apparently, the only rule is to keep it entertaining, funny and emotional without being overly dramatic. "I think the most important thing I can do to tell the story is to be with the characters as their beat changes occur," Khatib offers. "It's important to see the look in someone's eyes change if she or he is going from sad to happy, or from happy to heartbroken." The editor says her job is to stay on characters so viewers see the shift as it happens, an important storytelling technique she learned from working with Soloway. As for crafting performances, Khatib chuckles when she says, "I'm editing Jeffrey Tambor [two-time Emmy Award winner and nominee again this year for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for the transgender character Maura], Gaby Hoffman, Judith Light [both Emmy nominees] and others. Every one of these actors is incredible. No one really needs a performance 'crafted,' but I can definitely help streamline the story." She describes the editing process as more of a "shaving away" of the performances: "I'm trimming the fat, while trying to stay with it when it's the really juicy, meaty portion of the performance." Transparent is more than just a TV — or web — show. "It's creating social change that we are seeing in the world right now," observes Hodge, "and it's so exciting and rare to be editing a show that is at the forefront of that change." Indeed, the series pushes the boundaries socially, politically — and editorially. As an overlap of artsy and feminist ideals, it's no wonder the show has been celebrated with many honors, including a 2015 Peabody Award "for its unflinching, kind and luminous examination of the meaning of love, family and truth," and GLAAD's (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Media Award for Outstanding Comedy Series for 2015 and 2016. It's not just Transparent's writing, directing, acting, cinematography, editing and sound for which the series has been honored, but something more. With the show's inclusive approach to staffing the crew for the series, including transgender and non-binary individuals, and many women, Soloway wants personal experience to be a part of the storytelling, explains Hodge. "Jill really encourages the editors, and all the creative forces on the crew, to bring our voices to the story," she attests. "[The producers] want to hear them. I think it's the culmination of all these voices that results in something really special and magical — and that is Transparent." f Christal Khatib.