2 weeks Ago By Lucas Hill-Paul
Last year's Netflix sensation was lauded for being one of the most intricately produced and compelling dramas, yet a crucial scene never made it to our screens. Touted as the standout series of 2024, this enthralling true crime show soared to new heights, quickly becoming a highlight of the decade. It has scooped an impressive array of accolades for its talented team, garnering six Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes, in addition to four BAFTA nods.
Scottish comedian Richard Gadd is the brainchild behind Baby Reindeer, with editors Benjamin Gerstein and Peter H Oliver contending for the Best Editing prize at the upcoming BAFTA TV Craft Awards. Speaking to Reach exclusively ahead of the Sunday ceremony on 27th April, they disclosed that not all filmed material found its way into the final cut. Gerstein conceded: "This is a tricky one.
I think scenes that end up on the cutting room floor mostly end up there for a reason. "Sometimes you have to lose moments you love in order for the whole episode or series to work best." This seven-part series captured viewers' imaginations, with Gadd playing wannabe comic Donny Dunn, drawing from his own chilling encounter with an obsessed fan played by Jessica Gunning.
Under the expert direction of Weronika Tofilska and Josephine Bornebusch, the series enthralled audiences; however, a discarded segment almost saw Donny land himself in further chaos. Gerstein lamented the loss of a particular scene, confessing: "Having said that, there was a bar fight I really liked that we ended up losing." He explained the cut was necessary as it didn't align with the episode's direction: "It was tragic and funny but didn't fit the overall thrust of the episode as we accelerated towards the end.
" Oliver, Gerstein's co-editor, also weighed in on the tough decisions behind the scenes: "I never say which scenes are taken out in the edit," while acknowledging that some cherished sequences will remain unseen by audiences. He reflected on the editing process: "There were a few that I remember fondly though. Most of the episodes were long with Baby Reindeer so only the best earned its place in the final cut.
"I like coming in long with episode assemblies because we then have to slim them down and craft everything much more tightly to make it all fit." The critically acclaimed Netflix series Baby Reindeer is poised for potential glory at the upcoming BAFTAs, having secured nominations not just for the show itself but also for Gadd, Gunning, supporting actress Nava Mau, and the title of Best Limited Drama. Baby Reindeer is available to stream on Netflix.
The BAFTA TV Craft Awards will air on Sunday, 27th April..
