Stuart Baird

Regarded as one of the finest editors of Hollywood action blockbusters, Stuart Baird's earliest credits came in an arena of filmmaking far removed from the invigorating car chases and thrilling combat sequences his post-production expertise made all the more dazzling. Serving as editor of Ken Russell's phantasmagorical rock operas "Tommy" (1975) and "Lisztomania" (1975) signaled a possible career path in the world of alternative film, but it was mainstream cinema where Baird's singular talents ultimately earned their greatest exposure. Thanks to what turned into a long association with Richard Donner, Baird's skillful assembling of the director's action blockbusters "Superman" (1978), "Lethal Weapon" (1987) and "Lethal Weapon 2" (1989) helped him develop a reputation as one that genre's premiere cutters. Baird was also soon pressed into service by heavyweight producer Joel Silver to act as a film doctor,working on such projects as "Tango & Cash" (1989) and "Demolition Man" (1993). He earned his first directorial job with the exciting thriller "Executive Decision" (1996). Baird later returned primarily to his previous position, where he proved to be a key component in the artistic accomplishments of the James Bond entries "Casino Royale" (2006) and "Skyfall" (2012). More so than any of his contemporaries, Baird demonstrated a remarkable ability to keep movies flowing and generating tension without sacrificing their narrative or visual lucidity.