Eugen Kelemen: Passion, editing and vision in romanian cinema

An interview with Eugen Kelemen, film editor and founder of Hardcut, discussing his career journey, industry challenges, and vision for visual marketing in cinema.

Eugen Kelemen was born in 1981 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. He graduated from the National University of Theatre and Film “I. L. Caragiale,” specializing in Film Editing and Sound Directing, and holds a master’s degree in Film Editing.

Among the most acclaimed projects he has worked on are the short films “The Yellow Smiley Face” (directed by Constantin Popescu) and “Superman, Spiderman or Batman” (directed by Tudor Giurgiu), which was awarded “Best European Short Film” in 2012. His feature film editing debut was with “Outbound” (“Periferic,” directed by Bogdan G. Apetri), for which he received the Gopo Award for Best Editing.

He has collaborated on successful productions such as the series “Umbre” (HBO), the film “Men of Deeds,” which won the Gopo Award for Best Editing, and the series “Subteran” (Netflix).

Eugen is the founder of HARDCUT, a studio specializing in film trailers and posters.

C&B: If we were to look at a narrative thread of your career or business, what were the key moments that defined you?

Eugen Kelemen: The first company I opened was in Cluj in 2003. Then I opened another in 2010 in Bucharest and another in 2017, also in Bucharest. All of them had and still have something to do with film in one form or another.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment in your journey so far, and how did you overcome it?

Eugen Kelemen: To let go of one of the companies. It felt like an emotional loss. Truly. But unfortunately, I could no longer function in that particular setup.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?

Eugen Kelemen: Over the years I’ve had numerous ambitions; some materialized, others are in progress. I think the biggest ambition is not to lose my ambition. I’m involved in many projects and I want to maintain this flow.

C&B: What were you like at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you’ve transformed over time?

Eugen Kelemen: I’ve learned to be patient with myself and with those around me, which is why in recent years I’ve also dedicated myself to teaching as an associate professor at Babeș-Bolyai University, Faculty of Theatre and Film, where I teach film editing.

C&B: If we were to meet your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?

Eugen Kelemen: That I’m optimistic and dedicated. I hope.

C&B: What is the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?

Eugen Kelemen: Not to leave the country. I was tempted. But my passion for film prevailed.

C&B: How does the creative process unfold for a trailer or a poster, and how do you manage to convey the emotion and story of a film in just a few seconds or images?

Eugen Kelemen: I try to be as critical of myself as possible. And in this way, we manage to create things we genuinely like, not just because we’re getting paid.

C&B: What makes Hardcut stand out from other marketing agencies in the film industry?

Eugen Kelemen: There are only a few companies of this kind in the country. Each has found its own profile and approach. There is room for everyone.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments bring you the greatest satisfaction?

Eugen Kelemen: Film, kids, school, film.

C&B: What has been the most challenging project Hardcut has worked on, and how did you handle creative pressure and tight deadlines?

Eugen Kelemen: The challenging part is collaborating with Sergei Loznitsa. His films are a true challenge to market.

C&B: How did Hardcut come to be, and what made you focus on visual marketing for films and creative projects?

Eugen Kelemen: It came from ambition. As I said above. But Hardcut also does other things, such as art photography and commercial photography, for example.

C&B: How do you see the evolution of visual marketing in cinema, and what expansion or innovation plans do you have for Hardcut in the coming years?

Eugen Kelemen: Right now, I am in the middle of redefining our services. I hope that next year we will have important things to say in the art world.

This interview with Eugen Kelemen reveals how passion, perseverance, and authenticity can turn a career into a true success story.