Who Was Bert Kish? A Beginner's Guide to the Life and Legacy of a Talented Editor

Bert Kish might not be a household name, but within the world of television and film, he was a respected and deeply missed figure. This guide aims to introduce you to Bert Kish, exploring his life, career, and the impact he had on the industry, particularly his work on the popular series *Longmire*. We'll look at what an editor actually *does*, why Kish's contributions were significant, and how his legacy continues to inspire.

Who Was Bert Kish? The Basics

Bert Kish was a Canadian-born film and television editor. He spent his career shaping narratives, taking raw footage and crafting it into compelling stories. While he also directed and produced, editing was his primary craft and passion. He worked on a diverse range of projects, but he's perhaps best known for his work on the Western crime drama *Longmire*. Tragically, Bert Kish passed away unexpectedly in 2017 at the young age of 51, leaving behind a significant void in the industry and in the hearts of his colleagues and family.

Understanding the Role of a Film and Television Editor

Before diving deeper into Kish's career, it's crucial to understand what a film or television editor actually does. Think of the director as the architect who designs the building (the film or show) and the editor as the general contractor who puts all the pieces together. The editor receives all the footage shot by the director and the camera crew – often hours and hours of it – and is responsible for:

• Selecting the Best Takes: The editor chooses the best performances from each scene, picking the shots that convey the intended emotion and advance the story.


• Pacing and Rhythm: Editing dictates the rhythm and pace of the film. Are scenes fast-paced and action-packed, or slow and contemplative? The editor controls this.


• Storytelling: The editor helps tell the story by deciding the order in which scenes are presented, creating smooth transitions, and ensuring the narrative flows logically and engagingly.


• Emotional Impact: By carefully selecting shots, music cues, and sound effects, the editor can heighten the emotional impact of a scene, making the audience feel the characters' joy, sorrow, or fear.


• Technical Aspects: Editors are also responsible for technical aspects like color correction, sound mixing, and adding visual effects to enhance the overall quality of the final product.

In short, the editor is a crucial storyteller, shaping the raw material into a cohesive and compelling final product. A good editor can elevate a film or television show from mediocre to outstanding.

Bert Kish's Career: A Journey Through Different Genres

Bert Kish's career spanned several decades and included a wide variety of projects, showcasing his versatility and talent. He wasn't confined to a single genre, demonstrating his ability to adapt to different styles and narratives. Some notable examples of his work include:

• Longmire (TV Series): This is arguably the project he is most associated with. *Longmire* is a modern Western crime drama set in Wyoming. Kish's editing helped create the show's distinctive atmosphere, blending the rugged beauty of the landscape with the gritty reality of law enforcement. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to create a sense of suspense and tension.


• Murdoch Mysteries (TV Series): This Canadian historical crime drama is another example of Kish's diverse portfolio. *Murdoch Mysteries* requires a different editing style compared to *Longmire*, emphasizing the period setting and the intellectual pursuits of the main character.


• Haven (TV Series): This supernatural drama allowed Kish to explore a different side of storytelling, incorporating elements of fantasy and suspense.


• Against the Wild (Film Series): Kish also worked on family-friendly adventure films, showcasing his ability to craft engaging stories for a younger audience.

This varied resume demonstrates Kish's adaptability and his commitment to excellence across different genres. He wasn't just an editor; he was a storyteller who used his craft to bring different worlds and characters to life.

Why Was Bert Kish's Work on *Longmire* So Significant?

*Longmire* is a show known for its deliberate pacing, its stunning visuals of the Wyoming landscape, and its complex characters. Bert Kish's editing played a crucial role in establishing these key elements:

• Building Suspense: *Longmire* often features slow-burn mysteries and tense confrontations. Kish's editing helped build suspense by carefully controlling the flow of information and creating a sense of unease.


• Showcasing the Landscape: The Wyoming landscape is practically a character in *Longmire*. Kish's editing skillfully incorporated wide shots of the mountains and plains, emphasizing the vastness and isolation of the setting.


• Developing Character Relationships: *Longmire* is also about the relationships between its characters. Kish's editing highlighted the nuances of these relationships, conveying unspoken emotions and building emotional connections between the characters and the audience.


• Maintaining the Show's Tone: *Longmire* has a very specific tone – a blend of Western grit, modern crime drama, and quiet contemplation. Kish's editing was instrumental in maintaining this unique tone, ensuring that the show felt authentic and consistent.

His work on *Longmire* wasn't just about cutting scenes together; it was about shaping the show's identity and creating a viewing experience that was both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.

Common Pitfalls in Editing (and How Kish Avoided Them)

Editing is a complex process, and there are many common pitfalls that can derail a project. Bert Kish, as a seasoned professional, likely avoided these pitfalls through his experience and dedication to his craft:

• Rushing the Process: Editing requires patience and attention to detail. Rushing the process can lead to sloppy cuts, missed opportunities, and a final product that feels unfinished. Kish's meticulous approach suggests he always took the time necessary to get the job done right.


• Losing Sight of the Story: It's easy to get caught up in the technical aspects of editing and forget the underlying story. A good editor always keeps the story at the forefront, ensuring that every cut serves the narrative.


• Poor Pacing: Inconsistent pacing can make a film or show feel disjointed and boring. A good editor understands how to vary the pace to keep the audience engaged. Kish's work on *Longmire* demonstrates his mastery of pacing, creating a viewing experience that was both captivating and emotionally satisfying.


• Over-Editing: Sometimes, less is more. Over-editing can make a film or show feel cluttered and distracting. A good editor knows when to cut and when to let a scene breathe.

Bert Kish's Legacy: More Than Just an Editor

Bert Kish's legacy extends beyond his impressive filmography. He was known as a mentor to aspiring editors and filmmakers, sharing his knowledge and passion with the next generation. He was also remembered for his kindness, his humor, and his unwavering commitment to his craft. His passing was a significant loss to the industry, but his work continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

Conclusion

Bert Kish was a talented and dedicated film and television editor whose work helped shape some of the most popular shows of recent years. His contributions to *Longmire* in particular are a testament to his skill and his ability to tell stories through the art of editing. While he may not be a household name, his legacy as a skilled craftsman and a generous mentor will continue to inspire those who work in the film and television industry for years to come. By understanding the role of the editor and appreciating the nuances of Kish's work, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking and the people who bring our favorite stories to life.