USA Network creative director Patrick Trettenero and producer Jonathan Baylis tapped Northern Lights editor John Laskas to cut a promo for the USA original series Psych. Announcing the return of all-new episodes, the RED camera-lensed promo features principal characters Shawn (James Roday) and Gus (Dulé Hill) involved in yet another charade.

	Still from Psych "Donut Shop" Click for Large Image

In "Donut Shop," a suspicious Gus interrogates Shawn about the implications of him eating a powdered jelly-filled donut in the middle of a crime scene. An evasive Shawn explains that it's a legal requirement for law enforcement agents to eat donuts.

As suspicion heightens, the camera pans to the crime scene: a baker's dozen strewn around a body bag, where a forensic investigator carefully places each sugary specimen into a plastic bag for lab tests. Shawn's powdery snack is evidence from the crime scene! The spot concludes when Shawn realizes his tampering with evidence may have gone too far: the red goop on his donut isn't jelly.

	Still from Psych "Donut Shop" Click for Large Image

"At USA we filter each and every promo through the 'characters welcome' brand lens, with the goal of a spot that is funny, unexpected and character-driven. This cut does just that," says Creative Director Patrick Trettenero. "To maintain strong ratings for Psych, as well as our position as the number one cable network, we have high expectations of our creative partners—from the writer and director, to the stars of Psych, to the producer, editor and mixer—the bar is set very high to both entertain the viewer and draw them into the show. As always, the process of working with John Laskas and Northern Lights was seamless, even when the unique workflow of the RED camera was thrown into the equation.

	Still from Psych "Donut Shop" Click for Large Image

Laskas describes the cuts as performance-inspired: "It's a character-driven promo, so we wanted to remain as close to the show's spirit and tone as possible. James Roday and Dule Hill make such a great comic duo; the key was to follow their rhythm and do their performances justice."

USA producer Jonathan Baylis adds, "John Laskas is a fan of Psych and is in sync with the show's energy. His keen eyes and ears got the best takes and performances. He seamlessly cut them together for the best and funniest version."

Reflecting on the collaboration, Laskas remarks, "Jonathan Baylis facilitated a seamless workflow from stem to stern. His sense of timing is great, and he understands comedy. Creative Director Patrick Trettenero was very supportive, allowing us creative liberties during the edit and always challenging us to uncover the best work possible."

	Still from Psych "Donut Shop" Click for Large Image

The project also presented an opportunity for Laskas to edit RED footage, an experience he described as "eye-opening, worthwhile and seamless." With the jury still out, Laskas knew there was a circling consensus that the RED workflow was more compatible with Apple Final Cut Pro; however, he found the RED workflow to be equally compatible with an Avid workflow.

"Working with RED footage actually streamlined the entire post process from start to finish. We received the hard drive directly from the production company, and file transfers and conversions were a breeze using REDrushes. That seamless workflow spilled into other facets of post including Smoke, where we finished and colored the spot in a true 4:4:4 color space. Considering the spot was shot at night, the on-screen results look amazing."