Jason Ballantine

Jason Ballantine (born 1970) is an Australian film editor renowned for his work on major international productions, including The Great Gatsby (2013), Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019), The Flash (2023), and Superman (2025).^[1][2] Ballantine began his career in Australia after discovering the craft during university, starting as an assistant editor and visual effects editor on notable films such as Babe (1995), Dark City (1998), and Moulin Rouge! (2001).^[2][3] He has since transitioned to lead editor roles, collaborating with prominent directors including Baz Luhrmann, George Miller, Matthew Vaughn, Antoine Fuqua, and Andy Muschietti on projects like Australia (2008), The King's Man (2021), The Guilty (2021), and the John Wick spin-off Ballerina (2025).^[2][3] Based in Los Angeles since the early 2010s, he has contributed to both Australian and Hollywood cinema, emphasizing the "manipulative power of editing" in shaping narrative impact.^[2][4] From 2010 to 2013, Ballantine served as president of the Australian Screen Editors Guild (ASE), advocating for the profession during a period of industry growth.^[5][6] In 2019, he was inducted as a member of the American Cinema Editors (ACE). His editing has garnered critical recognition, including the Australian Screen Editors Guild Avid Award for Wish You Were Here (2012) and a nomination for The Great Gatsby (2013), as well as nominations for the Australian Film Institute Award for Wolf Creek (2005) and multiple ASE Avid Awards on films like Rogue (2007).^{[7][8][4][9][10]}

Early life and education

Upbringing in Australia

Jason Ballantine was born in 1970 in Adelaide, South Australia. He attended St. Michael’s College, Adelaide, completing his Matriculation School Certificate in 1988.^[11] Ballantine attended the University of South Australia from 1989 to 1992, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts, majoring in colour photography and minoring in film studies.^[11] His university coursework introduced him to film and video production, shifting his artistic focus from drawing and photography toward moving images. During this period, he first encountered what he described as the "manipulative power of editing," recognizing its potential to shape narrative and emotional impact invisibly.^[2] This early fascination deepened through practical experience gained after winning the South Australia Young Filmmakers Contest in consecutive years. The victories led to work experience at Network 8, Adelaide's leading television post-production facility, where in 1992 he first used Avid non-linear editing software (version 3). This hands-on exposure solidified his interest in editing as a blend of creative and technical storytelling, paving the way for formal training in the field.^[12]

Training at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School

From October 1995 to August 1996, Jason Ballantine served as AVID On-Call Support for in-school editors and assistants at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS), facilitating hands-on access to editing resources as part of AFTRS's in-house programs.^[11] In May 1996, he became an AVID Certified Instructor, delivering lectures on Media Composer 101, Film Composer, and Assistant Editor courses, which further solidified his practical skills through teaching and demonstration.^[11] He also presented an instructional video for assistant editors at AFTRS in June 1996.^[11] Through these experiences at AFTRS, Ballantine gained proficiency in core editing techniques, including the fundamentals of narrative construction and pacing to engage audiences emotionally and intellectually.^[13] He worked with industry-standard editing equipment and software, such as Avid systems, advancing his technical proficiency in non-linear editing. Additionally, his roles introduced integration of visual effects in post-production, teaching how to incorporate digital elements seamlessly into live-action footage for enhanced storytelling.^[13] These experiences built directly on his early interest in editing nurtured during his upbringing in Australia.^[3]

Professional career

Assistant and visual effects editing

Ballantine entered the film industry in 1992 as an assistant editor.^[4][3] In this entry-level role, he supported lead editors by performing essential post-production tasks, such as organizing raw footage and syncing dailies to facilitate the editing process.^[3] These responsibilities allowed him to gain practical experience in the collaborative environment of Australian film productions during the early 1990s transition to digital tools.^[1] His assistant editor credits include notable Australian and international co-productions, such as Babe (1995), where he assisted in managing the assembly of scenes for the film's innovative mix of live-action and animatronics.^[1] On Dark City (1998), Ballantine contributed to the synchronization of complex visual sequences, supporting the film's distinctive neo-noir aesthetic and practical effects.^[1] Similarly, for Moulin Rouge! (2001), he handled organizational duties amid the production's elaborate musical and period elements, working closely with director Baz Luhrmann's team.^[1] These roles honed his skills in maintaining workflow efficiency on high-profile projects.^[3] In addition to assistant editing, Ballantine served as a visual effects editor on several early projects, focusing on the integration of CGI elements into live-action footage.^[3] This involved overseeing the incorporation of digital assets, such as in Moulin Rouge!, where he managed the blending of computer-generated sets and effects with practical shots to create the film's opulent, dreamlike visuals.^[3] His work in this capacity contributed to the adoption of early digital workflows in Australian cinema, bridging traditional film techniques with emerging VFX technologies during a period of industry evolution.^[3]

Lead editing on Australian films

Ballantine's transition to lead editor marked a pivotal phase in his career, building on his foundational assistant experience to take on full editorial responsibility for Australian productions. His first major lead credit came with the 2005 horror-thriller Wolf Creek, directed by Greg McLean, where he crafted tense pacing through terse, rhythmic cuts that heightened the film's documentary-style realism and outback terror. Collaborating closely with McLean, Ballantine selected takes that prioritized authentic sound capture to avoid costly ADR, integrating early sound design elements like dialogue and ambient effects to sustain suspense without disrupting the narrative flow.^[14][3] In 2007, Ballantine edited Rogue, another McLean-directed survival thriller set in Australia's crocodile-infested Northern Territory, focusing on rhythmic narrative construction to build environmental tension. With a larger budget than Wolf Creek, he benefited from pre-production animatics and an extended edit, allowing him to piece together optimal shots that amplified the story's isolation and peril, while emphasizing authentic Australian landscapes filmed on location. His approach ensured a balanced escalation of dread, drawing on local VFX collaboration to seamless integrate creature threats into the survival rhythm.^[12] Ballantine's work on the 2012 drama-thriller Wish You Were Here, directed by Kieran Darcy-Smith, showcased his skill in emotional character development and non-linear storytelling. He refined the film's puzzle-like structure by adjusting flashback placements and scene lengths to maintain tension through gradual reveals of a traumatic incident, while an opening montage fostered deep audience attachment to the protagonists' arcs. Collaborating with Darcy-Smith, a former actor, Ballantine prioritized truthful performances to underscore the emotional fallout, blending thriller elements with intimate relational dynamics in a narrative rooted in Australian experiences abroad.^[15] Across these Australian genre films, Ballantine's editing emphasized sound design integration from the outset, selecting footage that harmonized with Foley, score, and effects to enhance immersion without post-hoc fixes, as seen in Wolf Creek's budget-conscious authenticity. His style also captured cultural storytelling nuances, such as the vast, unforgiving Australian wilderness in Wolf Creek and Rogue, and the raw interpersonal vulnerabilities of modern Aussie characters in Wish You Were Here, contributing to their domestic impact through grounded, location-specific rhythms.^[14][4]

Hollywood and international projects

Ballantine's transition to major Hollywood productions began in the mid-2000s, including his work as editor on the Australian-American co-production Happy Feet (2006). He relocated to Los Angeles in the early 2010s.^[2][3] His first significant Hollywood credit came as one of three lead editors on Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby (2013), where he collaborated with Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond to manage the film's opulent period visuals, intricate 3D sequences, and ensemble performances across lavish party scenes and dramatic narrative arcs.^[16] The team divided post-production duties, with Ballantine handling key reels in Australia while integrating footage shot in both Sydney and New York, ensuring rhythmic pacing for the film's stylistic flourishes.^[17] Ballantine served as lead editor on Andrés Muschietti's horror adaptation It (2017), focusing on crafting tense horror sequences that balanced the coming-of-age vulnerability of the child protagonists with precise jump-scare timing and supernatural elements.^[18] He continued in this role for the sequel It Chapter Two (2019), navigating the dual timelines between the children's 1980s experiences and the adults' 2016 confrontation with Pennywise, while synchronizing elaborate VFX-driven horror set pieces and emotional reunions.^[19] Post-production for the sequel extended nine months at Warner Bros. in Los Angeles, emphasizing seamless transitions between the timelines to heighten psychological terror.^[19] As co-editor with Paul Machliss on The Flash (2023), Ballantine managed the film's multiverse-spanning action sequences and VFX-intensive scenes, including high-speed chases and dimension-shifting effects, while maintaining narrative coherence across multiple timelines and character variants.^[20] The editing process involved on-set supervision in Los Angeles and extensive collaboration with director Muschietti—his third project together—to refine the superhero spectacle's pacing and Easter egg integrations.^[21] Ballantine continued his Hollywood collaborations with projects such as The Guilty (2021) directed by Antoine Fuqua, The King's Man (2021) for Matthew Vaughn, the John Wick spin-off Ballerina (2025), and James Gunn's Superman (2025).^[3][2]

Leadership roles

Presidency of the Australian Screen Editors Guild

Jason Ballantine was elected president of the Australian Screen Editors Guild (ASE) in December 2010 at the organization's annual awards ceremony, succeeding Karen Pearlman after an 18-year career that positioned him to lead with a focus on inclusivity and modernization.^[22] He served a three-year term until 2013, during which he prioritized advocacy for editors' rights and professional development amid evolving digital workflows.^[11] Under his leadership, the guild lobbied successfully for enhanced recognition of local post-production in Western Australia, resulting in updated drama funding guidelines from ScreenWest that included incentives for Australian-based editing work.^[23] Ballantine's initiatives emphasized promoting diversity in editing roles by expanding membership across states and formalizing committees in South Australia and Queensland to better represent regional and underrepresented voices.^[23] He also advanced training programs for emerging editors through nationwide Avid Media Composer courses in cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane, alongside a funded mentorship scheme and events like Young Editors Nights for skill-sharing and networking.^[23][24] These efforts included masterclasses, such as those led by editors Jill Bilcock and Nick Meyers, and Q&A sessions on projects like The Slap to foster practical professional growth.^[23][25] To elevate the guild's international profile, Ballantine spearheaded partnerships with global editing communities, highlighted by the 2012 National Editing Symposium in Brisbane, which featured video presentations from acclaimed editor Walter Murch and sessions with UK editor Mick Audsley.^[23] Additional outreach included international forums, such as the 2011 Chinese Film Professional Forum at the University of Sydney, and his role as a juror for the New Zealand Film Awards in October 2013, strengthening ties with organizations beyond Australia.^[24][11] These activities contributed to record participation in ASE awards, known as the "Ellies," with three new categories introduced during his tenure.^[23]

Membership in the American Cinema Editors

Jason Ballantine was inducted as an accredited member of the American Cinema Editors (ACE) in June 2019, an honorary society that recognizes editors for their outstanding contributions to film and television, particularly honoring his body of work on major international productions including It (2017), The Great Gatsby (2013), and I, Frankenstein (2014).^[11] This induction marked a significant milestone in his career, affirming his transition from Australian cinema to high-profile Hollywood projects.^[19] Building on his prior presidency of the Australian Screen Editors Guild from 2010 to 2013, Ballantine's ACE membership enhanced his international stature, providing a platform for networking and professional exchange within the global editing community.^[19] Prior to his membership, he participated in ACE events, including serving as a panelist at the 2014 ACE EditFest on the topic "The Lean Forward Moment," where he discussed techniques for engaging audiences through editing rhythm and pacing in narrative films.^[11] His involvement extends to ongoing ACE initiatives like EditFest Global, which he has supported as a listed member in programs focused on professional development and sharing insights on editing large-scale blockbusters.^[26] Ballantine's ACE affiliation has enabled him to bridge Australian and Hollywood editing practices, drawing on his experience across both industries to promote collaborative approaches in post-production, including the integration of diverse storytelling techniques from independent Australian features to studio-driven action spectacles.^[19] Through these efforts, he has contributed to mentorship opportunities for emerging international editors, aligning with ACE's emphasis on education and cross-cultural knowledge sharing in the field.^[27]

Awards and nominations

Australian Film Institute and Screen Editors Guild recognitions

Jason Ballantine received his first major Australian industry recognition with a nomination for Best Editing at the 2005 Australian Film Institute (AFI) Awards for his work on the horror film Wolf Creek. This nomination highlighted his contribution to the film's tense narrative pacing in a competitive category that included editors for Little Fish, Look Both Ways, and The Proposition.^[28] His work on Wolf Creek also earned a nomination for Best Editing from the Film Critics Circle of Australia (FCCA) in 2005.^[7] Ballantine received further ASE nominations for Rogue in 2008 and for Wish You Were Here in 2012, reflecting consistent acclaim for his ability to enhance dramatic tension in Australian genre films.^[29][8] In 2012, Ballantine won the ASE Avid Award for Best Editing on a Feature Film for Wish You Were Here, directed by Kieran Darcy-Smith, where his editing was noted for supporting the film's emotional depth and thriller elements.^[9] The following year, he garnered an ASE nomination for Best Editing in a Feature Film for The Great Gatsby, co-edited with Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond.^[30] This work also secured him the AACTA Award for Best Editing in a Feature Film in 2013, succeeding the AFI Awards as Australia's premier screen honors.

International honors and inductions

In 2019, Jason Ballantine was inducted as a full member of the American Cinema Editors (ACE), an honor recognizing his significant contributions to film editing on high-profile international projects, including the 2017 horror adaptation It.^[31] This induction highlighted his expertise in visual effects-heavy narratives, building on credits that demonstrated mastery in pacing and integration of complex sequences.^[32] Ballantine's international work has received notable coverage in global media outlets, particularly for his editing on major superhero films. For The Flash (2023), co-edited with Paul Machliss, he discussed in interviews the intricacies of managing extensive VFX pipelines, on-set dailies review, and Easter egg integrations during post-production, emphasizing the film's multiverse-spanning action demands.^[20] His VFX editing skills were similarly spotlighted for Superman (2025), where he served as a co-editor alongside Craig Alpert and William Hoy, contributing to the seamless blending of practical and digital elements in James Gunn's DC Studios reboot.^[33] Beyond accolades, Ballantine has advanced global conversations on blockbuster post-production through educational contributions. In a 2020 Avid webinar titled "Aussies in Hollywood," he explored his transition to U.S. projects and the role of Media Composer in handling large-scale workflows.^[34] Earlier, in a 2017 "Art of the Cut" podcast episode focused on It, he detailed strategies for editing horror blockbusters, including rhythm in suspense builds and collaboration with directors on visual storytelling.^[4] These platforms have positioned him as a key voice in international editing practices, influencing professionals on VFX integration and high-stakes narrative assembly.

Filmography

Feature film editing credits

Jason Ballantine's feature film editing career began in the mid-2000s with Australian horror projects and expanded to international blockbusters, accumulating over 15 lead editing credits by 2025 across genres including horror, drama, romance, and superhero action.^[1][3]

2000s

Ballantine's early lead credits focused on Australian independent films, particularly in the horror genre, establishing his reputation for tense pacing and suspense.

• Wolf Creek (2005), directed by Greg McLean, edited the outback horror thriller about stranded tourists facing a serial killer.
• Crush (2008), directed by John R. Leonetti, edited the horror thriller about a deadly stalker.^[11]
• The Bet (2006), directed by Mark Ilott, handled the dramatic tale of a high-stakes wager between friends in the financial world.^[35]
• Caterpillar Wish (2006), directed by Sandra Sciberras, cut the coming-of-age drama set in rural Australia.^[35][11]
• Uninhabited (2009), directed by Bill Bennett, edited the survival horror about women stranded on an island.^[11]
• Needle (2009), directed by John R. Leonetti, cut the horror film involving a cursed antique.^[11]
• Rogue (2007), directed by Greg McLean, shaped the survival horror featuring a crocodile attack on tourists.^[19]
• Prom Night (2008), directed by Nelson McCormick, edited the slasher remake centered on a vengeful stalker.^[19]

2010s

Transitioning to higher-profile international projects, Ballantine collaborated with acclaimed directors on visually ambitious dramas and horror franchises, honing his skills in large-scale productions.

• Wish You Were Here (2012), directed by Kieran Darcy-Smith, assembled the psychological drama about a traumatic vacation in Cambodia.^[36]
• The Great Gatsby (2013), directed by Baz Luhrmann, crafted the opulent adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel exploring Jazz Age excess.
• The Longest Ride (2015), directed by George Tillman Jr., edited the romantic drama intertwining two love stories across generations.^[37]
• Spectral (2016), directed by Nic Mathieu, cut the sci-fi action film involving spectral entities in a war zone.^[3]
• How It Ends (2018), directed by David M. Rosenthal, edited the apocalyptic thriller about a man's journey through chaos.^[38][11]
• It (2017), directed by Andy Muschietti, edited the horror adaptation of Stephen King's novel about children battling a shape-shifting clown.^[4]
• It Chapter Two (2019), directed by Andy Muschietti, continued the franchise with the adult survivors confronting their past fears in this horror sequel.^[39][37]

2020s

Ballantine's recent work emphasizes Hollywood tentpoles, including DC Comics adaptations, showcasing his expertise in fast-paced action and ensemble storytelling.

• The Guilty (2021), directed by Antoine Fuqua, tightened the real-time thriller remake about a 911 operator's crisis.^[39][37]
• The King's Man (2021), directed by Matthew Vaughn, edited the prequel to the Kingsman spy series set during World War I.^[39][37]
• The Flash (2023), directed by Andy Muschietti, assembled the superhero multiverse adventure featuring multiple versions of the Flash character.
• Superman (2025), directed by James Gunn, co-edited the reboot introducing a young Clark Kent in the DC Universe.^[1]
• Ballerina (2025), directed by Len Wiseman, cut the John Wick spin-off action film centered on a ballerina assassin's revenge.^[3]

Additional editing and other contributions

Ballantine's early career featured several assistant editing positions that provided foundational experience on high-profile projects. On the Academy Award-nominated family film Babe (1995), directed by Chris Noonan, he served as an assistant editor specializing in Avid systems, supporting lead editor Marcus D'Arcy.^[40][3] Similarly, for the neo-noir science fiction thriller Dark City (1998), directed by Alex Proyas, Ballantine acted as first assistant editor on Avid, assisting editors Dov Hoenig and Marcus D'Arcy during post-production in Sydney.^[41][11] He continued in this capacity on Baz Luhrmann's musical Moulin Rouge! (2001), where he worked as first assistant editor (digital), contributing to the complex visual effects integration under lead editor Jill Bilcock.^[42][3] In addition to these assistant roles, Ballantine took on visual effects editing duties for major franchises. He handled VFX editing for The Matrix Reloaded (2003) and The Matrix Revolutions (2003), both directed by the Wachowskis, focusing on the integration of groundbreaking digital effects sequences.^[3] Later in his career, he contributed as an additional editor on contemporary blockbusters, including Gary McKendry's action thriller Killer Elite (2011), assisting the main editors on action sequences, and Rupert Sanders's remake The Crow (2024), where he provided supplementary cuts.^[43][44][11] Beyond editing, Ballantine made minor on-screen appearances, showcasing his multifaceted involvement in filmmaking. His likeness was used to portray Jay Garrick, the Golden Age Flash, in a cameo in Andy Muschietti's The Flash (2023), where Ballantine volunteered his face for the digitally enhanced sequence after the original actor's unavailability.^[45] Across films and shorts, Ballantine has amassed numerous non-lead editing and ancillary contributions, often involving VFX supervision or uncredited support that facilitated his transition to primary editing responsibilities.^[11]