John Carnochan
Biography
John Carnochan is a renowned American film editor best known for his work in animation. With a career spanning several decades, Carnochan has been instrumental in shaping the pacing, structure, and emotional impact of some of the most beloved animated films, including Ice Age (2002) and Shrek (2001). His expertise in editing has earned him a distinguished reputation in Hollywood, especially in the field of animated feature films.
Early Career
Carnochan’s career in the film industry began with live-action films, but he quickly transitioned to animation. He started working as an assistant editor, where he learned the complexities of film editing and developed his skills. His early experiences in animation editing allowed him to become familiar with the unique challenges and creative possibilities in the field.
Editing animated films is a distinct discipline that requires careful coordination between the animation and editing teams. Animated films are often edited before the animation process is completed, meaning that the editor works from storyboards and animatics, visualizing the pacing and structure of scenes. Carnochan’s ability to visualize scenes and make precise decisions on timing made him an ideal fit for this role.
Breakthrough in Animation Editing: Shrek (2001)
Carnochan's breakthrough came when he worked as an editor on Shrek, the groundbreaking 2001 animated feature produced by DreamWorks Animation. Shrek was a significant project that marked a shift in animated storytelling, featuring a subversive, humorous take on fairy tales. Carnochan’s editing work on Shrek helped establish the film’s unique tone and rhythm, effectively balancing humor, action, and emotional moments.
Shrek was a huge success, both critically and commercially, earning an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Carnochan’s editing played a crucial role in the film’s success, helping to bring out the humor and wit that appealed to audiences of all ages. His work on Shrek solidified his reputation as a skilled editor in the animation industry and opened doors for him to work on other major animated films.
Movie Career Highlights
Following his success with Shrek, John Carnochan continued to work as an editor on several high-profile animated films. His career highlights include:
Ice Age (2002)
In 2002, Carnochan worked as the editor for Ice Age, the first feature film produced by Blue Sky Studios and distributed by 20th Century Fox. Ice Age follows the journey of a woolly mammoth named Manny, a sloth named Sid, and a saber-toothed tiger named Diego, who come together to help return a lost human baby to its family. Carnochan’s editing brought out the humor and heart of the film, creating a cohesive narrative that appealed to audiences of all ages.
Ice Age was a massive success, grossing nearly $400 million worldwide and spawning a long-running franchise. Carnochan’s work helped define the pacing and comedic timing of the film, contributing to its charm and emotional resonance. The success of Ice Age marked a major milestone in Carnochan’s career and established him as one of the top editors in animated film.
Shark Tale (2004)
Carnochan worked as an editor on Shark Tale, a 2004 animated film produced by DreamWorks Animation. The film follows a fish named Oscar who becomes an unexpected hero after a series of misunderstandings. Shark Tale is known for its humor, colorful characters, and fast-paced storytelling, all of which were enhanced by Carnochan’s editing. The film received mixed reviews but was a box office success, grossing over $367 million worldwide.
Open Season (2006)
In 2006, Carnochan joined Sony Pictures Animation to work on Open Season, an animated comedy about a domesticated grizzly bear and a deer who find themselves in the wilderness just as hunting season begins. Carnochan’s editing contributed to the film’s humorous tone and lively pace, helping to bring the characters’ personalities to life. Open Season was successful enough to lead to several direct-to-video sequels, and Carnochan’s work on the original film helped set the tone for the franchise.
Personal Life
While John Carnochan maintains a low profile outside of his professional work, he is known for his dedication to his craft and his collaborative spirit. Colleagues in the animation industry describe him as a meticulous and thoughtful editor who brings a unique perspective to each project. Carnochan is also known to mentor young editors and animators, sharing his knowledge and encouraging the next generation of storytellers in animation.
