direct/edit/grade
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Philosophy

Discipline, efficiency and color science 🌈

 

Welcome to a world where technology meets art, where the precision of a Dolby Vision certified Colorist/Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) blends seamlessly with the creative flair of Generation Y storytelling. I am your guide in this fascinating realm, a digital eye that sees beyond the obvious, capturing and enhancing visuals with a blend of technical mastery and artistic intuition.

 
 

DIT

My role includes providing technical support to the DP, who follows his own experience, taste, and vision.

I ensure that the signal is recorded without any unknown disruptions.

Technically speaking, my main role is to ensure that light rays are captured by the sensor as purely as possible and to preserve the data as cleanly as possible under the DP's vision, which may be altered by creative choices. I always prefer shooting in RAW since it utilizes the full potential of the camera and allows for non-destructive manipulation in post-production. In this case, the only elements that deform the signal are the lens and the physical attributes in front of the lens.

  • Let me ask relevant questions to specific departments like DP, Accounting, Dailies team, Editorial, 1AC, 2AC, and allow me to create a workflow tailored for the production. Please provide me with the email for each member, and I won't ask any more questions. 🙂

Related to my first goal, my primary focus is to follow the DP's preferred T-stop and record the dynamic range in the best possible manner, taking into account the perception of the scene. I will maintain consistency between shots and ensure that connections are as seamless as possible.

I like to stay as close to the DP as possible with my cart, which supports me at all times. These sets of gears are transformed to fit the needs of a specific job, leaving space for the DP's needs. I build specific task boxes that can be mixed and matched across different carts, ensuring quick assembly and disassembly.

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail!
— Alix Milan

I begin working on a look immediately, which always leads to a better outcome, focusing on keeping the middle gray consistent across the film or scenes, following the aforementioned methodology.

I put the ShowLUT on the camera and avoid on-set grading. Let me explain why:

Anything coming from any cable or transmitter is subject to compression or physical, uncontrollable factors. Therefore, I stick to the RAW space and make my decisions there with the broadest tools like White Balance and Tint controls. Any other decisions should be made in the camera's working space to ensure that the creative decision flows properly to the display space without any pre-destruction, like the previously mentioned compression and other factors."

 

COLOR

In the artful journey of color grading, I have learned to value the simplicity of choices. Like a painter who chooses their palette carefully, I believe that each color decision should be made with intention and purpose, aiming to tell the story in the most impactful way. This simplicity brings clarity to the narrative, ensuring that the emotional connection with the audience is strong and meaningful.

As I navigate through the hues and shades, I am constantly reminded of the power of naturalism. It is in the authentic, the real, that I find the true essence of the story.

  • Allow me to have a brief 3-minute conversation with you about the project, camera choice, and your actual vision, so I can learn further after collecting all the necessary information from IMDb and other sources. I will only ask what's necessary. 🙂

The process of color grading, for me, is a journey of discovery. This journey is not just about reaching the final color grade but about understanding the story and enhancing its impact through color.

Simplicity beats complexity.
— Cullen Kelly

In this exploration, my tools are my companions. They are extensions of my vision, enabling me to translate my ideas into reality. The choice of the right tool for each task is crucial - it is what allows me to work with efficiency and precision, ensuring that my creative expression is seamless and uninterrupted.

Balancing the technical and the artistic is a dance I perform in every project.

Collaboration is the key to enriching the color grading process. Working alongside directors, cinematographers, and other creatives, I find that my work is elevated, becoming part of a larger vision. This collaborative effort ensures that the final product is not just a reflection of my skills but a collective masterpiece.

Adaptability is my strength. In an industry that is constantly changing, being able to adapt to new techniques and styles is crucial. It allows me to remain relevant and impactful, ensuring that my work continues to resonate with audiences.

At the core of all this is my vision. It is a unique blend of my personal creativity and professional experience. This vision guides my choices, shapes the narrative, and gives each project a distinctive look and feel.

But above all, it is my passion for color that drives me. It is this passion that pushes me to strive for excellence, to create work that not just meets but exceeds expectations. It is what makes me a colorist, an artist, a storyteller.

 
The professional work should be undetectable, whether performed by a Digital Image Technician or as a Colorist