Emmy-winning editor Edgar Burcksen (76) dies of cardiac arrest complications
Edgar Burcksen, a distinguished editor celebrated for his work on feature films, documentaries, and television series, died on Sunday in Los Angeles, reportedly. He was 76. The cause of his death was complications following a cardiac arrest. His illustrious career included an Emmy award for the pilot episode of The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, alongside an ACE's Robert Wise award, and a Golden Calf at the Netherlands Film Festival. May he rest in peace.
Burcksen's journey from Holland to Hollywood
Born in Holland, Burcksen began his editing career in Amsterdam before relocating to the US. His initial work in Hollywood included editing for the animated series Seabert (1985). He later joined a studio called Industrial Light and Magic, contributing as an effects editor for popular films like Die Hard 2. Notably, George Lucas selected Burcksen to consult on EditDroid (which is a linear editing system developed by Lucasfilm's spin-off company, Droid Works).
Burcksen's extensive portfolio and final project
Burcksen's extensive portfolio included Jeroen Krabbe's feature Left Luggage—a 1998 indie film—which was in contention for the Golden Bear. He also edited several documentaries, including Colors Straight Up, an Oscar-nominated film, Darfur Now, Hollywood Banker, and Kevin Costner's 500 Nations. His final editing project was Ate de Jong's forthcoming feature Heart Strings.
His breakthrough with Emmy recognition
While undertaking editing duties for the series The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (1992-93), Burcksen collaborated with Lucas and eventually bagged an Emmy for Best Editing in 1992. The series delves into the formative years of the fictional character Indiana Jones, spanning his childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. It featured Sean Patrick Flanery and Corey Carrier in the lead roles. Meanwhile, beyond his professional achievements, Burcksen pursued ultramarathon cycling, completing an impressive 25 double centuries.
Burcksen's contributions beyond editing
In addition to his editing work, Burcksen held several significant roles within industry organizations. He served as a former board member of the American Cinema Editors. He also held the position of editor-in-chief of CINEMAEDITOR—the ACE's official magazine, from 2001 to 2010. In recognition of his unwavering dedication to showcasing the post-production process in the realm of film and television, Burcksen was honored with the prestigious Robert Wise Award by the American Cinema Editors in February 2011.
