The Canadian Connection: Unearthing the Roots of Autobots in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Assistant Editor on Autobots and the MCU

By Owen Danoff

Published 15 hours ago

Introduction

In the world of cinema, certain film franchises have become known for their sprawling cinematic universes, blockbuster status, and collaboration with acclaimed industry talents. Three such movies, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, share these commonalities. Notably, each features at least one Academy Award-winning actor: Michelle Yeoh in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Lupita Nyong’o in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Charlize Theron in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Another connection among these three movies is Alain Fleury, an up-and-coming filmmaker who served as Assistant Editor on Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and as Assistant VFX Editor on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Fleury, a Haitian-American born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, collaborated closely with Ryan Coogler to ensure the authenticity of Prince Toussaint’s scenes in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Fleury is also the primary editor of the upcoming film Restaveks, which was shot in Haiti.

A Fan First

In an interview with Screen Rant, Fleury expressed his passion for the films he has worked on, revealing that he was a fan before becoming involved in the industry. He explained how his upbringing and experiences shaped his love for storytelling and film. Fleury recalled making home videos and movies as a child, using his younger siblings as actors and even putting on plays for his grandparents. He also shared that his time in Haiti, where access to movie theaters was limited, further fueled his love for blockbuster films. He would return from trips to New York and enthusiastically explain the films he had seen to friends and family in Haiti.

From Film School to Editing

After attending film school at Full Sail University, Fleury initially aspired to become a director. However, he soon recognized the importance of understanding the editing process to enhance his directing skills. Falling in love with editing, he made the decision to pursue it as a career path. Fleury’s journey reflects the interconnectedness of different aspects of filmmaking and the value of gaining expertise in multiple areas.

Working on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Fleury’s role as Assistant Editor on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever presented him with the opportunity to contribute to a highly anticipated and culturally significant film. His work involved collaborating with a large editing team, including lead editors Mike Shawver and Jen Lame. Fleury played a crucial role in managing the dailies and preparing footage for the editors. He ensured that everything was in order and facilitated a smooth workflow between the set and the editing room. Additionally, Fleury assisted with sound design and dialogue in scenes set in Haiti, where his cultural background made him a valuable asset.

VFX Editing in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

In the realm of visual effects (VFX) editing, Fleury’s role as the bridge between the editors and the VFX vendors was vital. He coordinated with companies like Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) to ensure the seamless integration of visual effects into the film. With over 3,000 VFX shots in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Fleury was responsible for tracking each shot and overseeing the temp work to convey the desired visual vision. He highlighted the significance of seemingly simple scenes that required visual effects, emphasizing the complexity involved in perfecting even the most minute details.

Advice for Aspiring Editors

Drawing from his experience in the film industry, Fleury offered advice to aspiring editors. He emphasized the importance of consistency and actively seeking out new projects. Fleury shared that he would not wait for opportunities to come to him; instead, he took the initiative to create his path and seize his own opportunities. He also reflected on the current industry climate, noting the ongoing writer strike and the need to adapt by finding alternative ways to contribute and showcase his editing skills.

Looking ahead, Fleury expressed his desire to work on an innovative and groundbreaking horror film, emphasizing his love for the genre and his aspiration to make a significant impact within it.

Conclusion

Alain Fleury’s journey as an Assistant Editor on films like Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness showcases his dedication to storytelling and his commitment to enhancing the cinematic experience. His passion and ability to work across different roles within the film industry exemplify the interdisciplinary nature of filmmaking. Fleury’s advice to aspiring editors encapsulates the mindset needed to succeed in a dynamic and ever-evolving industry. As he continues to pursue his dream projects, his contributions to the world of cinema are sure to make a lasting impact.