“She taught me to be a general––and if there was anyone who could teach you to be a general, it was Dede. She was a very powerful force. She also taught me to cut with my gut. Editing is much more an intuitive process than an intellectual one.  For a young editor—and it’s true for writers, painters, musicians—you have to learn to follow that inner voice.  Dede also taught me that performance is king, and to never let your audience get ahead of your story.  I had all these things drilled into me, along with a list of other people she’s mentored.  We all became storytellers.” - editor Craig McKay on Dede Allen.

“Hitchcock was the master of suspense. Jonathan Demme was devoted to Hitchcock, and his influence can clearly be seen in Silence of the Lambs. Suspense is really an expression of fear, we can build that in our storytelling by witholding information. Frankly, it’s manipulation, but in using that manipulation it also empowers the story. Not knowing where we’re going to go next is the thing that human beings hate the most. We would all like to know where we’re going, if it’s all going to be alright.” - editor Craig McKay.