It is with the deepest sorrow we announce the sad and untimely death of Editor Jason Krasucki over the weekend of 9/1/21. It has been confirmed that Jason died of natural causes in his sleep. I’d had a long catch up with him in early January when he was on very good form and looking forward to working on his next job with Hugo. Jason’s page will remain online for any further tributes and pictures his many friends and colleagues wish to contribute - please email amanda@ampmgt.com and we will add. There is also a link on his page for those who wish to donate in place of flowers.

We aim to hold his memorial service sometime Mid July ‘21 on a Sunday at BFI where so many of us celebrated his 60th in 2019. Hoping we’ll all be able to get together by then.

With all heartfelt wishes Amanda and Jo.

 

TRIBUTES

 

I was Jason Krasucki’s assistant editor at Roger Cherrill Postproduction on Dean Street, in 1985-86. I only saw Jason a few times after that and I just heard about his death. I am deeply saddened. When I began assisting Jason I was nineteen and he was only 26, but he seemed much further ahead in life than any of us. He owned a cool pad in East Finchley, drove a Jag XJS and came to work always carrying a stainless steel camera case. I never really knew what was in it. He understood the craft better than anyone else, and was an authority on everything from from neg cutting to sound mixing. I’m talking about an era when dissolves were marked up on the 35 mm cutting copy with a chinagraph pencil, and you got on the phone with a lab technician at Technicolor if there was a delay with a slash dupe. I don’t recall Jason ever being uncertain of anything. Other editors came into our cutting room to sometimes ask him for advice, but never the other way round. After work, we often found ourselves at The Crown and Two or one of the other local pubs, engaged in deep discussions about filmmaking that often ended hours later in an Indian restaurant. It feels like a long time ago now, when cutting rooms were filled with smoke, worn out furniture, trim bins and empty plastic coffee cups. The clattering of a Moviola and the slightly quieter whirring of a Steenbeck. I’ll remember Jason's great sense of humour and his calm diligence when operating under pressure and tight ad agency schedules. His patience fixing something that I had probably messed up. But, more than anything else, his confidence in his abilities and his dedication to getting things right the first time, without seeking praise for any of it.

Damon Taylor

Jason has been my dear friend and mentor for fourteen years and I can say proudly, and so gratefully that I wouldn’t be where I am without him. When I asked him why he prioritised teaching his assistants he said, “If we don’t teach the next generation to cut, who will.” I think he was genuinely concerned about the quality of editing going downhill, and after seeing my early assemblies I couldn't blame him! This is a legacy that will live on in all the immerging filmmakers he's helped, and the many assistant editors who have and who will become editors, due to his extraordinary patience, knowledge, and generous teaching. I hope they all in turn pay it forward, as Jason took great pride and pleasure in helping others succeed. That is just one of the many gifts he gave to this industry; an industry he lived and breathed and loved. It is clear from all of the messages and phone calls Amanda and I have received over the last few days alone that he was truly loved in return. My dear beautiful funny silly brilliant talented remarkable friend, I love you, rest now.

Jo Smyth

Jason and I spent months together poring over the edits to our stories, hour by hour, minute by minute, frame by frame; hoping to fashion sense from rhythm. But there’s no rhythm now to his shocking loss - no sense at all. But one day, when I have the strength next to look, I know that in his work I will see him: his elegance, his wit, his danger and compassion. His meticulous care and his seamless invisibility (the mark, by the way, not only of a fine editor but a wise and selfless man). But mostly I will see his love - for story. For guiding an audience to feel its rhythm so that it mattered as much to them as it did to him. And then perhaps, everything will make sense again.

Hugo Blick

Dear Jason. I cannot begin to describe how much I owe you. When I was just 21 years old you took me under your wing. You were then known as the Wunderkind editor. Getting all the best commercials to cut, you drove into work in your XJS and dazzled us young assistants with your film making flair and easy confidence. I felt so lucky that you took me on as your trainee assistant editor. You were the first person to trust me to cut anything. In this case a Cadbury’s Finger of Fudge commercial (with that inane jungle).

You not only taught me, you inspired me and gave me the confidence to believe in myself. I could not have become the film-maker I am without you.

Years later we would work again, this time as the editor of the shows I directed. I could not have hoped for a better talent to help me to craft that first season of Strikeback, or to deal with the crazy personalities of the Crossing Lines team in Prague. Your calm, consistent wisdom and your brilliance in the edit suite was a guiding light in the storm.

I will miss you deeply Jason. You have been my mentor, my teacher and my friend.

Daniel Percival

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of Jason - it’s hard to believe. He was part of my life for nearly 20 years and was a huge reason for the success of the best work I have done. He was the invisible hand behind launching the careers of so many great actors, including Ruth Wilson, Carey Mulligan and Alexander Skarsgaard.

I first met Jason in 2002 when we were both working (separately) on Attachments. I felt an immediate connection with him and asked him to join me on the next series that I did, ’Teachers’. Jason had the most wonderful sense of humour and I remember the two of us crying with laughter at a scene he cut of “Rat Boy” falling in love, cut to a sound track of The Carpenters. The rushes were funny but Jason’s cut of them brought an alchemy that reduced us to hysterical, unstoppable giggles. For years afterwards we only had to say “Rat Boy” to set each other off. We moved together to work on the BAFTA-winning BBC production Bleak House, where Jason showed his characteristic flair at mining emotional depth combined with fast-paced innovative kinetic editing. Jason went on to cut, with characteristic sensitivity, my first single drama, ‘Love Again’ about the poet Philip Larkin, and continued with me to edit Ruth Wilson’s first screen role in Jane Eyre. He showed a whole other side in his brilliant editing of action scenes when we went on to do the HBO series Generation Kill, for which he deservedly received an Emmy nomination. His calm wisdom and attention to detail was invaluable, long distance, as he offered advice during the shoot, when I’d download on the phone each evening during the intense experience of filming the series in Africa. Our final big piece of work together was the five part mini-series ‘Parades End’ with Benedict Cumberbatch and Rebecca Hall on which Jason was the outstanding series editor. I’d tried just this November to get him to edit my most recent piece of work, but was disappointed to hear that he was already booked (wisely) by Hugo Blick.

With his brilliant brave instinctive editing Jason had an ability to read my mind and elevate anything I did. Together with cinematographer Mike Eley, he was one of the most important collaborators in my career. He was so kind, so individual and that winning smile and those Converse hi-tops lifted my heart every time I walked into the room. He not only edited my best films but he was a friend to my children growing up, took me to tea with his mother (where we all spoke French) and edited all my home videos of the twins growing up in his spare time. Jason was a loyal and dear friend and a much cherished colleague and will be much missed. However he will live on in so many ways in so many homes through the brilliant work that he did, and continue to provoke the tears and laughter that he could create in an audience better than anyone else I know.

Susanna White

14 Feb 2021: Just to let you know that this is typed-out in the type font called ‘Cooper Black’ that I remember Jason used to particularly like ages ago. If this was a film I suspect he might be chuckling at this surreal connection… :

Much to my shock I worked out that I’ve known Jason for about 48 years. We were at secondary school together (along with David McNabb) and although sporadically, we’ve met-up a couple of times a year ever since for enjoyable meals- out where we’d inevitably talk about film, talk about life and reminisce about school a bit.

I offer up today just a couple of things I’ll dearly miss about Jason:

1: ‘I’ really enjoyed ‘his’ enjoyment of the absurd. Without fail accompanied by a laugh at the apparent stupidity of said absurdness. It could be anything from a silly sound to some filmic happening or even regarding the little mishaps that happen in life like when one tries really hard to get a top off something which then suddenly shoots across the room and hits something with a ‘ping’.
One such absurd Jason incident happened to us around his love of cars: With echoes of his recent love, his new Tesla, I remember in our teens he came round at dusk to my house, being the proud owner of his 1st car. I remember him being just as up-beat about the gear-wrenching Austin 1100 as he was about his recent Tesla. (both were in red by the way…so he was consistent to the end…)
As we stooped, him proudly showing me round the engine… a police-car spotted us and pounced, PC’s separating us for individual interrogation…
When all was cleared-up we sat somewhat shocked in said rickety Austin 1100 in silence staring into the distance periodically bursting into nervous laughter thinking about how stupid the situation was, and about how it can’t have helped that we both happened to be dressed all in black with him in black beany hat. He repeatedly laughed about this absurdness every time he remembered it many years later.

2: Another thing I’ll really miss about Jason is the unique way he used his hands and fingers to describe things –not just like when a top flies across the room- but in everyday speak like when wanting to ‘swop something around’ / and in ‘film speak’, talking about the two-shot / the one-shot / not crossing the line and so on.

I’m privilege to say that I was there at the very start of his professional film career.
When we were at secondary school there was an open-day when parents would come in and offer to talk to students about their particular jobs to hopefully provide inspiration. He met someone’s Dad who worked in film and that was it! The very next week he (with me tagging along) were allowed onto the set of ‘an exciting bank heist’.
Me, as someone who had terrible trouble choosing which subjects to study remember being really jealous of his knowing exactly what he was going to do in life and, being doubly shocked that since the fortuitous meeting with ‘film-Dad’ he wasn’t even bothered about his up and coming A levels. (not even sure he even took them come to think of it) Basically he’d found ‘an in’ into the film business and he was off assisting, and learning as he went…

Jason, I’ll miss your humour, friendship and your steadfastness, and regarding our restaurant rituals, I can’t quite believe that that will now have to come to an end…

Andrew Rott

I not only knew Jason as a young boy, but had the pleasure of knowing both his parents and his older brother Peter. The family used to live in the flat above the one I lived in in Hampstead and I spend many lovely hours with them all. I feel so sad that I have now witnessed the last of the Krasucki family's death. He was a very lovely boy and grew into a even lovelier man. I feel very privileged to have known all his family . Jason took our son Marcus under his wing when Marcus started in the media world and he always spoke about Jason with great fondness. Our deepest sympathy to all his colleagues who obviously loved Jason as we did.

Jeanine Leon Soon

As well as being a great director’s editor Jason was also the perfect producer’s editor…we spoke every day during the shoot on all three projects we worked on, about the previous days rushes, the progress of the story any rewrites and how they effected the character journeys as well as the narrative. He was a friend, supporter confident and collaborator and I will miss him greatly.

Andrew Benson

An absolutely gorgeous and supremely sweet man with whom I was very blessed to work with early in my career. He was a brilliant, meticulous, passionate editor….but far more importantly he was such a gentle and caring and lovely soul. Will never forget that smile and laugh! An honour to have met and worked with and to have been a friend of. Thank you Jason for being you, for being amazing.

Otto Bathurst

I met Jason on a show over twenty years ago and immediately clicked. I so loved his rhythms and storytelling decisions and deadpan humour. He was such fun to share a room with for months on end. We worked on two more shows after that and I really wished we'd done more - he was so popular and I followed his work with admiration. It was an honour to share his recent birthday and he will be much much missed by his friends and the industry.

Joe Ahearne

I was so sad and shocked to hear we have lost dear Jason – a real gentleman, truly one of kind. I first met Jason in 2016 when it was suggested by Shirine Best who was producing my first short film Just Molly and Me, that Jason was the man to edit it. And she was so right. I owe Jason everything for what he contributed to that film and where it got me, and for his never-ending generosity and patience – he refused to be paid for it. He said he liked to help people who were starting out in the way he had been helped all those years back. But the hours he put into it in his spare time were mind blowing. And I still find it extraordinary to think about it. And when it won an award, I was so pleased for him because he deserved it, and I know it wouldn’t have done so if it hadn’t been for his work, his creativity, generosity, patience and magic. Cheers to a wonderful man. I will miss your soulful spirit, your creativity and sense of humour. But what lovely memories. I am so pleased to have known you.

Mary Lee-Woolf

We met at Roger Cherrill’s in 1986. I was working in the numbering department on Full Metal Jacket. There was a buzz… Talk of an editor returning to the company after a stint on feature films as an assistant, and then having a lucky break as one of the editors on Harem. I got promoted and moved to be a trainee assistant working on 35mm commercials. And that was where I met Jason Krasucki.

It was not just in the cutting room where I learnt from Jason. He introduced me to his mum and dad. Carla - Italian/French, Peter - Polish. The food and the conversation mixed with three languages around the table was an amazing insight for me. We worked hard, laughed a lot, and were happy.

We were together for over four years and our love and friendship was always there as the decades slipped by. I will miss him.

Polly Aitken

I was extremely upset to hear of the sudden and untimely death of Jason.

We first met forty years ago when we were both working at Roger Cherrill’s, and we have bumped into each other on a regular basis ever since, occasionally meeting for lunch or a drink, sometimes just because we were working down the hall from each other, once or twice even on the same production.

Of all the editors I know Jason was one of the best. His commitment to the craft of editing was total. He chose the jobs he worked on very carefully and I don’t think he ever took a job just for the money.

I remember a few years ago we were talking in general terms about retirement and he said to me:

“I suppose I could retire now, but what else would I do?”

Whilst I don’t think he would ever have found anything to replace his love for editing, I am deeply saddened that he will never have the chance to find out.

Goodbye Jason. You will be greatly missed.

Paul Endacott

Jason Krasucki,

You were a true, dear friend and amazing mentor to me. Like many others, I owe my career to you. When I was younger, I always dreamed of working in the television industry and longed to be an editor. You took that dream and turned it into a reality with many, many laughs along the way. You were one of a kind and a creature of habit. Work by 8, lunch at 12, leave at 6, glass of Sauvignon Blanc with ice. Thank you for the wonderful memories. Rest in peace my friend. Lindsey x

Lindsey Woodward

My relationship with Jason was far more than a working one. He was a true friend and I shall miss him terribly. He was simply a wonderful talented and kind man. No tempers. No tantrums. No ego. Just brilliant, as his two Emmy nominations verified.

My working journey with Jason was spread over some 20 years involving 3 feature films, several 90 minute tv movies and series, and dozens of documentaries. Work took us to South Africa, Hollywood, Germany, Switzerland and several months in Italy where the cutting room was a converted pig slaughter room in a farm house, but surrounded by the beautiful Umbrian hills where we could walk off the occasional editing dramas and solve the problems of the world. I first met Jason when the editor I was working with on a movie felt he couldn’t do the action scenes justice, and he recommended a young guy in a cutting room upstairs. That young guy was Jason.

After that, we worked together whenever we could, and perhaps the finest example of his skills can be seen in PUNCH, a true story about a boxer which we shot in Switzerland, with Donald Sutherland as his manager. The boxing sequences were simply brilliant and that was all down to Jason’s editing skills. I spoke to Jason just before he died, and he told me how he was really looking forward to working on his next project which was to take place in Spain. Alas, not to be.

RIP Jason. My thoughts will always be with you.

Alan Birkinshaw

Jason with the big heart xxx
Such a kind man that supported and believed in me.
Jason edited my 1st short film and although he was working on one of his wonderful projects, he gave time on his weekends to help me. I knew nothing about postproduction and as an inexperienced director; he shared his knowledge and experience. Jason being Jason didn’t just edit my short film, he went above and beyond and made sure the film got the best sound team and had the best screening.
That was just one of many kind and pure things he did for me. I knew from then, we would stay good friends because how could I not be friends with one of the nicest, calmest people I had ever come across.
Thank you for coming into my life and listening to my crazy idea lol. You always listened!
We had a good laugh. Rest in peace Jason.

Mindy Kaur

Jason was a friend first and a colleague second, I am devastated that such a talented Editor and wonderful friend has gone from my life. When I worked alongside Jason we would start every day with a coffee and a gossip he was funny, generous and what a laugh. I will miss our coffees and the 'odd' glasses of wine, he was the one to point out to me that Molinare was the cheapest pub in Soho. No one will ever be able to fill the Jason gap in the world x

Kristina Hetherington

I moved into the flat below Jason five years ago and when our neighbours organised welcome drinks for us we met and discovered by chance we were both editors. He was such a lovely man. I'll remember with such happiness going to the local pub for drinks with him and our discussions about film (often more him telling me about Sam Peckinpah and me listening.) He had an encyclopaedic film knowledge and was a wise kind soul. I will miss him - and even his late-night footsteps on our ceiling very much.

Mark Eckersley

Dear Jason

2021 was supposed to be a new start; a better year after the turmoil of 2020 but sadly, that wasn’t meant to be with your sudden departure from us all.

You were an amazing editor but also a great listener, teller of stories and wonderful person to work with who always had a cheery smile on their face.

You will be so missed by all your friends and colleagues; especially Jo, Lindsey and - of course - Amanda.

One overriding memory (apart from your smile and hugs) is how neat and tidy your file labels were. This may sound really silly but for those who worked with him, you will know what I mean.

On Taboo, I hand wrote the spine for my post production folder. It took me 2 days before I realised the reason you looked over my shoulder (at my shelves) when you spoke to me was that you looked at that folder… and eventually, I cottoned on and said, “my folder label is a bit messy isn’t it? I don’t suppose you could give me your file template could you?” “Leave it with me”, he said. The next day, a neat & perfectly made file label sat on my desk waiting for me. He never looked over my shoulder at my shelves again. I still have that folder at home… with his label…..

Love and fondest memories dearest Jason.

Clare Maclean

From the times I met Jason in London I attached a photo from one of our river cruises.
He always took his time to show me around, even when I had the feeling that he had tons of work.
That’s how I remember him, friendly, funny and always helpful. I’m really sad.
My sincere condolences

Wilfried Polte

Jason was my first boss at Roger Cherrill’s in 1980. He was an editor and needed an assistant - I had just been the ”numbering boy” in a department downstairs and I got promoted to Jason’s assistant. I was his assistant until 1983 when I left to go freelance (and I am still editing nearly 41 years later). He was the best teacher, the most patient and knowledgable guy I had ever come across at that stage in my career. He trusted me too and let me do tasks way beyond my pay grade, but like I say, he knew it would get done well. My nickname for him was “J Cloth” and we became not only work colleagues but good mates as well. I would leave my bedsit in Cricklewood, catch the 102 bus to East Finchley and go to see J Cloth at his super posh flat. We’d go to the pub, drink pints of beer, get pretty drunk and I’d listen to his most hilarious jokes - WHICH WERE THE BEST EVER! Man he was funny.

Our lives went in different paths after ’83, although he was working up the corridor from me on LACE at Elstree in ’86 and we’d chat and chew the fat.

61 is way too young to go. He was a truly lovely man. A great teacher and his joke telling was out of this world! RIP J Cloth.

Dan Farrell

I am so shocked and saddened to read this terrible news about our beautiful friend Jason. I first met Jason in 2015 and immediately connected with him thanks to his brilliant sense of humour, incredible warmth and love, not to mention his magnificent brain - we could talk on any topic for hours. I am heartbroken that I won't see you again. We have left so many conversations unfinished, fully expecting we could pick up where we left off. Jason, you inspire me as an editor, your talent, taste and humanity shining out through all of your work and as a person, you are the best, so kind, supportive and so very funny. Your infectious laugh and beautiful smile will stay with me. I'm going to track down and watch Vampyr and Liebeslied again (the two films we were last chatting about) and toast your brilliance. I wish to send my heartfelt condolences to all of Jason's family and friends and everyone who loved him, of whom there are so many. RIP Jason, you will always be remembered with love.

Úna Ní Dhonghaíle

It’s more dreadful news to top off a grim year. Jason was a wonderful, brilliantly talented editor who I had the privilege to work with on several shows – Ultraviolet, Attachments and perhaps for me most memorably Love Again with Susanna White.

Jason was kind and thoughtful, and even as a young script editor on Ultraviolet in 1998, he would listen patiently to my thoughts in the cutting room. Though we hadn’t worked together for over a decade, I regularly bumped into him in Soho and he always had a kind word for everyone. He was far too young to go and he will be very sorely missed.

Simon Heath

I wanted to write and pass on my sincere condolences to you, his family and friends. It’s very shocking, and a sad loss, he was a lovely man and very talented. He will be much missed. Much love,

Abi Bach

I just wanted to pass on my heart felt condolences at the loss of dear Jason. I know you were great friends, I’m so so sorry for your loss

He was so excited about The English, as you know and I was so looking forward to working with him, trying to plan together how he wanted to work. He was determined to be in Soho and work near his assistant Kallis and not remotely and I really respected him for that. We were going to make it work, him driving the legendary Tesla in each day - was the last plan forged!

I attended many spotting sessions , mixes and online edits with him and he was always totally focused, so diligent and such a perfectionist but moreover so pleasant to be around.

I can see on the lovely testimonial site you have set up.. that everyone felt the same way about him.

His talent was of course known and appreciated by all, but moreover his gentle and kind demeanour is something I will remember . A truly brilliant editor and wonderful man.

Thinking of you at this sad time.

Heidi Mount

I’m so sad that we have lost our friend Jason.

When I first met Jason he was cutting a show I had worked on so I stopped in to see him in the cutting room.

At the time, I was new to the country and didn’t know London very well. His cutting room was in Soho. Since our conversation was mainly about food, Jason took me on a tour of the streets of Soho, pointing out all of the best dining in town. From that moment I knew I had made a good friend. I always looked forward to seeing Jason when I came to London for a great meal and long and enjoyable conversations - conversations we continued by phone in between visits.

Jason was a kind and gentle soul and an excellent editor, who was always positive and upbeat about life. He had a great sense of humour and gave generously of himself to his friends.

I was shocked to hear of his sudden passing and will miss him very much.

Glen Marullo

My dearest, most special friend … Jase. I am missing you enormously and the pain of losing you runs so very, very deep. I write this through tears as I have known you for nearly 40 years, meeting you when I was only 19 years old at Cherrills, when I worked with Martin Bradpiece at Rotocolor. I guess we could say that it was you who, more formally, introduced me to my husband Ian (who was only a couple of months older than you) in the Admiral D pub on my 20th. You were always a happy, confident, funny person so it was always a joy to be in your company. To me, you were a very prized, dear friend – someone who was kind, encouraging, supportive, caring, and extremely knowledgeable of the industry in which you flourished and were so well respected. Over the years we had many, many fun times, in and out of work, and those special memories will last a lifetime and are greatly treasured. We were planning to meet up again soon so our recent Skype call will have to suffice. I hugely miss your smiley face and glorious laugh. Sleep tight my gorgeous, special friend – you are an irreplaceable, beautiful soul. I am so incredibly fortunate to have had you in my life, and for so many years. Huge hugs, and big ‘kiss on the lips’, em x

Emma Moore (née Hughes)

I first worked alongside Jason in 2000 when we worked together on ‘Attachments'. There were no egos and we got on very well. It was during season:2 of 'Attachments' that we settled into a routine of always going for a Friday lunchtime pint at 'The Castle Pub' in North Acton. One particular Friday still brings a smile to my face some 20 years later. Director Tony Smith had just bought a round, and as we clicked glasses something very bizarre happened, the bottom of Jason's pint had come clean away, leaving the rest of the glass totally intact with the beer all over Jason and the table! Jason took his pint slowly walked up to the barmaid who was totally dumbfounded, and said: “Well, I‘ve never seen that happen to a pint glass in 20 years of serving, have another round on me". Jason was well chuffed and with his great smile, took it all in his gracious stride. I worked with Jason on two more series 'Murder City' and 'Dracula' both memorable experiences. Jason was at his happiest when chomping on a juicy steak, drinking a glass of good red wine and talking movies.

I'm raising a glass to you now Jason, thankfully the bottom hasn't fallen out of this one!

Xavier Russell

Jason was an editor of extraordinary instincts, uncanny judge of performance and a wicked sense of humour. And he was a joy to share a cutting room with. I shall miss him terribly.

Harry Bradbeer

I’ve been reminiscing with lots of former assistants about how much I learned from Jason - he was so generous passing on his knowledge with tips and advice and watching over our cuts for us. A giant oak has fallen.

Karenjit Sahota

If I said moviola, steenbeck and chinagraph pencils, that’s how many decades I have known Jason. Having met at Roger Cherrill Ltd in 1977 where we both started our editing careers during our teens.

As with so many others on his testimonials page, I was his assistant and then was made up to an editor. We worked conscientiously and often went to lunched together, which was always full of laughter and giggles. He was always generous of spirit, teaching and mentoring me along my journey.

I remember we also shot and worked on a short film of his, probably around 1979 teaching me about cameras and lighting. A true gentleman who cared passionately about editing, coupled with an immense knowledge of his craft.

I am still shocked by this news and upset I couldn’t attend his 60th birthday. The last time I saw Jason was in Brent Cross, having just had his car stolen, always thinking we will catch up again😥. As well as missing Jason, I will personally miss our phone conversations filled with fun bouncing from one subject to another as there was so much to catch up on….. Rest in Peace my friend.

Merrick Fenton

I assisted Jason in the late 90s. Even though it was only my second job in the cutting rooms, I could tell he was a really classy editor. His cutting style was so simple and elegant. Which is obviously much more difficult to do than it looks and the reason he went on to be so successful.

He was just on the way up himself. He was really generous with his knowledge, despite my inexperience he was always patient, gave me scenes to cut and would critique them, it was like getting paid to go to film school. And we got on great, we had a lot of fun. I remember one particular day he had to cut together a title sequence and wanted to overlay several images at once. This being the early days of AVID we were pushing the limits of what was possible but we figured it out together, both of us were buzzing by the time we’d managed it.

He was also completely clueless about some things, to a hilarious extent. I remember he’d been nominated for some award for best commercials editing. He got changed in the cutting room, pulling a creased suit out of a plastic bag. I was horrified. ‘Jason, you can’t go to an awards ceremony in a creased suit…and cowboy boots’. ‘Oh shaddup! Who says?’

We only worked together that once, we got out of sync. But we stayed in touch, seeing each other at least a couple of times a year, usually for lunch in some cheap trattoria, or in the Soho theatre bar. And we spoke every now and then. I regret now that it wasn’t more. Because, despite being incredibly well thought of and having many friends, he must have actually felt quite alone, as after his parents passed he had no family at all.

I feel extremely sad that he has passed so suddenly. He was an absolute gent, had no side to him, never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was always open and kind. I shall miss him.

Dan Roberts

There are so many things you can say about Jason, but the one word that always describes him best is ‘passion.’ His love of film and the film making process was second to none and this was so obvious to those of us who knew him best. I had the enormous pleasure of knowing him for over 35 years as a friend – we would talk endlessly about Laurel and Hardy – and as an editor who helped me at the beginning of my directing career. He was a true professional who you could constantly rely on and a ‘rock’ you could lean on at difficult times. The last time I saw him was over a bottle of his favourite white wine discussing his availability to edit my upcoming movie. The edit suite will no longer be the same without him. Rest in Peace, old friend.

Crispin Wood

What can one say about the legendary Jason Krasucki, or as some of us who worked with him in the late 80s and 90s referred to him affectionately as Jason "Karaoke". Reading other tributes to Jason reminds me of my first encounter with him. Director Alan Birkinshaw describes the feature he was making that Jason cut the "action" sequences for. He indeed made a splendid job of it for someone in his late twenties at that time. I was to direct the next feature in the series of films that was to commence shooting hard on the heels of Alan's. Jason's fine cutting paid off as he got the gig to edit my film in it's entirety. No action sequences alas. His able assistant by the way was Polly Aitken whose dad Doug I had worked with when I was a 1st Assistant Director. The schedule was tight for a 90 minute feature and with locations in the UK, Rome and South Africa, Jason didn't receive any Rushes for about 3/4 days post shooting. This was tricky as I had to rely on the odd phone call with Jason who was in the UK to a) check that all was ok technically and b) that the scenes looked like they would work ok. I saw about 2 minutes of something on VHS about 2 weeks into the shoot. I was so grateful to have Jason who managed the Post production process so well. I could completely trust his judgement and feedback. The budget didn't allow for any overshooting so he had the barest minimum of takes to make it all work. I do remember him saying to me that I had definitely shot a decent amount of "cover" which was very reassuring. Needless to say, when I returned to the UK, I spent a bit more time with him during the assembly etc. popping in to look at a few scenes twice a week. There was very little that I felt needed a tweak. The other neat trick he taught me was that the whole film was about a minute over length. He said.....don't worry I'll trim a couple of frames off all the edits in the online. He was right.....it didn't affect the end result. Following this wonderful experience, Jason went on to edit a 16mm corporate drama film for me which my own production company made. His skills shone through again and we picked up a Silver at the New York Film and TV Festival and Gold at the IVCA London. There is no doubt that Jason's role played a significant part in the success of this film. He had that genuine ability that one feels was instinctive within him. I put it down to his early days in film.

I could wax lyrical for ages about this very special man but I do feel privileged to been a small part of his illustrious career. Good on you mate!

Charles Marriott

It’s been my great pleasure to work with Jason on a couple projects and he’s always been a joy to share space and time with. A wonderful human who was always looking to pay it forward. Quiet, creative, kind and considerate.

Darin McLeod

Godawful news. Such a lovely guy. A dreadful shock. Simply one of the loveliest, kindest and friendliest people I have ever had the privilege of working with. I was so looking forward to our next meeting. A huge loss.

John Mills

Jason was a hugely talented and dedicated editor. More importantly, he was a lovely man and a dear friend. It is so sad to think that I will never have the pleasure of mixing, drinking or laughing with him again.

He will be immensely missed.

Stuart Hilliker

I had the pleasure of getting to know Jason, as well as Lindsey and Jo, working in Cardiff. Jason was so talented, and his eye for detail was impressive and inspiring. He had a great passion for editing and life which was infectious. He loved to share stories over food and drinks in the evenings, and enjoyed a laugh. It was a joy listening to him discuss film and his excitement for his Tesla. One of his first assisting jobs was working on The Jewel of the Nile! He was a foodie and I ate my first (but not my last) Thali with Jason :) Such a great loss of a truly generous man.

Amy Swan

I worked with Jason back in 2004. He taught me a heck of a lot and considering I was the newbie on the project (Space Odyssey) he really made time for not just me, but so many others that were involved. He was an incredible and patient teacher with a great sense of humour. You need that in the TV biz and it's something I have taken from him! It was lovely to be reunited on a few other series later in my work life. He had a big heart, was a huge talent, had incredible knowledge of Soho tapas and wine bars. He really will be missed. Love to all his close friends and family. He has left us far too early xx

Kate Vaisey

Jason was such a kind and generous soul who touched many peoples lives. I had the pleasure of working with him on a few occasions and always looked up to him. We have lost a true giant. I will miss him as a friend and as a colleague.

Paul Knight

I met Jason only a few times, in connection with projects Jo Smyth was directing. I was impressed by his enthusiasm, his energy and his wholehearted commitment to supporting her (wonderful) work.

Constantine Gregory

What a terrible thing it is that you read all the heartfelt words of respect and love and write the same to fill the space which is now empty. Words you wish you had said in conversations now past.

I can’t imagine not bumping into Jason around the streets of Soho. Sharing a story or raising a glass.

We first worked together nearly twenty years ago, soon realising we’d been at school together, I remembered Jason setting up a Cinema Club and talking to me enthusiastically and without condescension. The reason I remember is because Sixth Formers didn’t talk like that to spotty thirteen year olds, a slap to the back of the neck was the usual communication, if they could be bothered to acknowledge your presence at all. Jason always had a natural kindness. He embraced a love of film and the film industry and more importantly those who worked in it. What a generous, intelligent, talented lovely man . What a terribly sad loss.

Stephen Griffiths

That's very sad news indeed

Paul Davies

This is such awful news... I met Jason only in 2019, and found him to be charming. I know he was very popular in our little film community, and my heart goes out to all close to him. I know he will be dearly missed. Much love xxx

Eve Doherty

Such a shame. Lovely guy. Always had time to say hello RIP Jason

Neil Mockler

Super sad news this, He was a sweet lovely man

Olie Griffin

Very sad news. I only worked next door to him once, but always enjoyed our cutting room conversations.

Richard Cox

He was a truly genuine and lovely man. I'm so sorry to hear this. Rest well Jason

Marina Theodotou

Such a lovely, talented man. Very sad news.

Gareth C. Scales

This is such sad sad news. I've known Jason for over 20 years. Such a talented, humble man who was a genuinely lovely bloke. I shall miss working with him very much.

Harriet Dale

That's very sad. Lovely man.

Jeanette Haley

Awful and shocking news. Jason was such a lovely guy and an extremely talented editor. What a loss.

Tim Murrell

Ah that's very sad to hear. I worked for him a lot way back when I was first starting out as a freelancer. He taught me lots about editing and using Lighworks. Top bloke with a great sense of humour. That's really sad. Xx

Emma Gaffney

Oh no! That's so sad. He gave me my first work experience in a cutting room.

Faye Morgan

He was a gentleman and very generous. Sad to hear of his passing. RIP

Mike Pearce

That is just the sadest news. I worked with Jason over many years, a real gent and great humour. My fondest memory was working with him on a Steven Poliakoff series way back. Rest in peace my friend.

Vince Narduzzo

Noo! I loved Jason. What a lovely man always up for a giggle, he was one of the greats, cowboy boots and all.

Peter Hugh Oliver

Godawful news. Such a lovely guy. A dreadful shock. Simply one of the lovliest, kindest and friendliest people I have ever had the privilege of working with. I was so looking forward to our next meeting. A huge loss.

John Mills

A lovely, hugely talented and incredibly generous man. I feel so fortunate to have known him.

Stuart Hilliker

Terrible news Jason was a wonderful person. Jason Beewan and I kept delaying lunch/drinks as work kept getting in the way - how ridiculous, I will miss his talent and his generous, curious and playful company and of course his smile.

Peter Anderson

Awful news. One of the nicest people I've had the privilege to work with. Hugely talented and so modest, kind and friendly. RIP Jason - It was an absolute pleasure knowing you.

Ian Wilkinson

I'm so sorry to hear this. He was one of a kind.

Johann Knobel

Oh My gosh! I'm so so sorry to hear that - I echo all the lovely things everyone is saying. Jason was such a wonderful talented man. Sad sad sad. xxx

Robin Whittaker

Such sad news. Always such a kind funny man.

Chrissie Broadway

Gutted. I assisted him in the late 90s. My first job every days was to get him a bacon sarnie with red sauce from the Ealing canteen. It was only my 2nd job but I could tell he was a really classy editor. He was so generous with his knowledge. We had such a laugh too. Saw him at least a couple of times a year ever since and spoke often. He was a true gent. I can't believe it. RIP Jason

Dan Roberts

Warm and funny, friendly and interested. Jason, you were always wonderful company. You will be missed.

Sean Mackenzie