Hollywood SMPTE invites you to a demonstration of Barco’s new Light Steering technology for HDR projection. The event will be held  on Thursday, May 30th at Deluxe Studios at 900 Seward Street in Hollywood.  “Twenty-five years ago this month the first digital cinema presentation took  place,” says Bill Hogan who is producing the event for SMPTE Hollywood Section. “Now, we are entering the era of High Dynamic Range cinema. Last year we presented an HDR direct view program. This month, we present a program with HDR projection from Barco.” Speakers include Barco Cinema’s Joachim Zell (Head of HDR Content Workflow),  Dan Huerta (Technical Solutions Director) and  Anders Ballestad (Head of Content & Studio Relations). Two sessions will be offered, 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Refreshments at 7:00 PM. Please arrive 15 minutes before your chosen session time. Register here.

Entries are now open for the 2024 FilmLight Colour Awards. The awards, which will once again be presented at EnergaCAMERIMAGE in November, are independently judged by a panel of prominent creatives, cinematographers and colourists. Entries close July 31.

New for 2024, the ‘Emerging Talent’ award will recognise and celebrate the work of young colourists (age 18-30) who have worked on a commercial or music video project aired between 1 September 2023 and 30 September 2024.

Top left to right: Dirk Meier (2023 TV Series / Episodic winner), Marina Starke (2023 Music Video winner), Tim Masick (2023 Commercial winner), Cem Ozkilicci (2023 Spotlight winner). Bottom centre: DoP, Lawrence Sher (2023 Jury President).

“The next generation of colourists is critical to the future of our industry,” says Jacqui Loran, co-director at FilmLight. “We have introduced this award to help support and encourage these emerging young talents – shining a light on their work and helping them to form a path into the industry.”

The new category sits alongside the existing five: theatrical feature; television series/episodic; commercial; music video; and Spotlight, which recognises colourists who have contributed to the creative impact of a low budget feature.

The awards are lead and organised by FilmLight, in conjunction with EnergaCAMERIMAGE. “In 2021 we welcomed the FilmLight Colour Awards into the EnergaCAMERIMAGE Film Festival programme and we have enjoyed watching the success of the awards and the partnership grow year-on-year,” says Marek Žydowicz, EnergaCAMERIMAGE Founder and Director. “We continue to receive positive feedback about our joint efforts to shine a light on the work of the colourist and their invaluable collaboration with the cinematographer. We can’t wait to do it again this year.”

For 2024, FilmLight also welcomes four new supporting partners: ShotDeck (fully-searchable cinematic image library), AMC (Mexican Society of Cinematographers), BVK (German Society of Cinematographers) and ISC (Indian Society of Cinematographers). They join the growing list of long-standing supporters, including: AFC (French Society of Cinematographers), ASC (American Society of Cinematographers), BSC (British Society of Cinematographers), CNSC (Chinese Society of Cinematographers), CSI (Colorist Society International) and more.

The Colorist Mixer returned to NAB on April 14, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of more than 250 colorists, colleagues and friends. Carlos ‘n Charlie’s at the Flamingo, our fantastic new venue, was the site of a memorable evening of great conversation, food and cocktails.

The evening kicked off with the always entertaining Medialight Color Quiz. Big screen displays throughout the space played showreels from colorists, CSI sponsors, shots of the wonderful raffle prizes, and photos taken at the event. Each sponsor had an individual drawing box with guests submitting their tickets for the prizes of their choice. In true Las Vegas fashion, you had to gamble to win.

A big thank you to our cohost, iColorist, our sponsors and our guests for their support.

Prize Winners:

• Jenn Lee, Banana Post: Adobe Creative Cloud
• Michael Tosti, idc-la:Blackmagic Design DaVinci Micro Panel
• Tay Christopher, The Media Village: Creative Solutions Small HD 27" OLED
• Gilberto Balderas, Cadis AI: DELL KM900 Premier keyboard
• Jason Lyons, 67post: Dolby Vision Training/Certification 
• Jamie Coats, Dovecoats Ltd: Kevin Shaw Finalcolor training
• Mikhail Starkov, Institute of Film and Television: FSI XMP310 QD-OLED HDR 31.5” Reference Monitor 
• Catherine Meininger: ASUS Proart PA169CDV monitor
• Roberto Negron, Nitido Post: Louper Pro 1yr plan 
• Gregory White, Pearl Street Post: MASV 10TB Free Transfer Credits
• Eric Cameron, freelance: Medialight Pro2 set
• Francesco D'Ascenzo: BULL SRL: PVA Video Calibration Training/Certification 4-Day Course

See you at the IBC Mixer on Saturday 14th September.

Kevin Shaw, Mikhail Starkov

Walter Volpatto, John Daro, Warren Eagles

Sarah Priestnal, Bob Festa

Jason Bowdach, Robbie Carman, Bram Desmet

Rob and Michelle Lederman

Colorist Society has launched a Discord server available exclusively and at no cost to our members. Colorist Society Discord is a dedicated, ad free and safe space where colorists can connect, share insights, learn from others, organize chapters and events, and broaden their networks.

For those new to Discord, it’s a messaging platform that supports text, voice and video chat on an individual and group basis. Our Discord includes discussion channels on color-related topics including color science, deliverables, tips and tricks, and so on. It also offers private channels for individual Chapters, as well as a job board. But it’s not only about work. Members can also use the service to catch up with old friends, hang out and make new connections.

Colorist Jenn Lee, CSI, who set up the server and is acting act as moderator, hopes Discord will strengthen the sense of community among colorists. “Colorists often work alone or in smaller markets with little direct contact with their fellow artists,” she says. “Discord is a great way to get to know people you might not otherwise meet.”

Lee, who also participates in a Discord server run by the Visual Effects Society, says that it’s been a great success with hundreds of active members. “Every Friday, there is a group call for people to socialize,” she says. “It’s fun and rewarding.”

Now in its second decade, the Colorist Mixer, sponsored by Colorist Society (CSI) and iColorist, returns to NAB on Sunday, April 14^th, 7 - 11 pm PDT. Bigger and better than ever, this year’s raffle will feature $30,000 in prizes from Colorist Mixer sponsors.

Tickets are available here. But, hurry, as space is limited.

Agenda

8:00 PM - 8:30 PM: The Color Quiz

Quiz teams will be based on wristbands, so it’s a great way to make new friends. This year’s quiz will involve ten multiple choice questions, with a fun color-related tiebreaker.

9:30 PM: The World Famous Mixer Raffle

Everyone arriving at the Mixer will receive a raffle ticket. Be sure to add your details clearly and drop it into the ballot box for the prize that you want to win. You must be present to win.

Prizes!

• OLED 27 Reference Monitor from Creative Solutions Small HD
• XMP310 QD-OLED HDR 31.5” Reference Monitor from Flanders Scientific Inc
• DaVinci Micro Panel from Blackmagic Design
• Dolby Vision Training/Certification from Dolby (two to win!)
• MediaLight Pro2 set with bias light of choice + Ideal-Lume linear profile of choice + merch cap from MediaLight
• 1TB Free Transfer Credits from MASV
• Video Calibration Training/Certification 4-Day Course from PVA
• Louper Pro 1yr plan from Louper (two to win!)
• Academy Goody Bag from ACES

Mixer Sponsors at NAB 2024

MASV at NAB

Discover how MASV, the world's fastest and most secure file transfer service for colorists, is set to transform your project delivery. Upgrade your workflow with MASV Portals, a universal file uploader that can speed up, organize, and automate file collection in every workflow.

·        Book Your Customized MASV Demo at NAB Show 2024: massive.io/nab-show/

·        NEW: MASV Portal enhancements COMING SOON at NAB.

·        Level up and automate your file upload workflow with advanced tools that boost security, streamline processes, and showcase your brand—all without limitations.

·        Visit Booth W1343M (within the AWS Learning Lounge & Partner Village).

• ·        Meet MASV in person —Secure Your Spot Here!

• ·        Livestream up to 4K edit, vfx, color & sound sessions.

• ·        Upload and watch videos in sync with your team.

• ·        All with built-in video chat for faster, clearer feedback.

Louper at NAB

Louper is a live collaboration platform designed for remote video editing, color grading, and finishing. Stream frame‑accurate, high quality sessions for real‑time collaboration with directors and clients. 

A Special NAB Offer for Colorist Society!

Get 1-month FREE of Louper Pro! A no risk opportunity to try out Louper’s paid option to see if the platform suits you. Sign up for a free account using this special link: https://bit.ly/3Tw0A9v and the Louper team will upgrade you to 1 complimentary month of Louper Pro (valued at $62.50-$99).

Join thousands of pro colorists, finishing artists, and editors! Start streaming at: Louper.io

SmallHD

Learn more about SmallHD’s new Quantum 32 Reference HDR Monitor Here.

CS Hollywood members who weren’t able to make it to NAB (and those who did) are invited to catch up for drinks in LA. Kevin Shaw and Warren Eagles will also be in attendance for the meetup, set for Thursday April 25, 6:30pm to 9pm at the rooftop bar of the Godfrey Hotel in Hollywood. Snacks and appetizers will be provided.  Members may purchase drinks at the bar.  

The Godfrey will project submitted projects on the wall of the courtyard during the meet-up.  CSH is also requesting submissions for its Chapter Showcase featured on the CSI website. Further details coming soon.

Rory Gordon, CSH, will take part in a panel discussion on ACES workflows at NAB Show 2024 in Las Vegas. Titled Mastering Filmmaking with ACES Your Secret Weapon for Color Management, the session will delve into practical tips and real-world examples demonstrating how ACES can streamline production processes and achieve consistent, high-quality results across diverse projects. Other panelists will include Walt Disney Studios Senior Manager of Image and Color Michael Maloney and independent filmmaker and software designer Stu Maschwitz. Journalist Debra Kaufman will moderate. The session is slated for Tuesday, April 16 • 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM PT in the Create Zone Theater SU4087. Passes required.

Rory Gordon, CSH, is a senior colorist, with recent credits Rapsh!t for HBO Max, Unstable for Netflix, and Parish for AMC during nine years at ArsenalFX Color. She recently joined the Keep Me Posted/FotoKem team where she continues serving episodic projects, as well as feature films. She is one of the most experienced HDR colorists working in television and streaming, with experience finishing over 130 episodes in HDR10 and Dolbyvision.

Colorist Society (CSI) announces the launch of a CSI Chapter in Canada. Led by Abe Wynen, CSI, Senior Colorist at Redlab, Toronto, and Eric Whipp, CSI, co-founder and Head of Color at Alter Ego, Toronto, the chapter is open to colorists across Canada working in film, television, advertising and other media. The group plans networking, training and social events, both in-person and virtual, to support the development of a community of colorists in Canada and promote the art and science of color.

Abe Wynen

Eric Whipp

“We want to bring colorists in Canada under one roof and show them how much fun it is when we share ideas and experiences with our colleagues,” says Wynen. “We want to encourage participation from both experienced colorists and those who are new to the profession. It’s about building a better culture and forming friendships.”

Wynen is relatively new to Canada, having relocated to Toronto in 2022 after six years at boutique color and finishing studio Crayon in Melbourne, Australia.  His aim in co-founding CSI’s Canada Chapter derives from his experience as a member of the organization’s Australia/New Zealand Chapter. “The ANZ chapter was well organized and very successful in building a community of colorists from cities across Australia and New Zealand,” he states. “It was a great way to meet and learn from other colorists and to celebrate our craft.”

Whipp also moved from Australia to Toronto where he co-founded Alter Ego. He became a colorist in the 1990s and collaborated with George Miller on his Oscar-winning film Happy Feet.  He reunited with Miller for the ground-breaking film Mad Max: Fury Road.  Recent credits include The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part.

Last fall, Wynen and Whipp hosted a Colourist Catch-Up as a precursor to the formal launch of the Canada Chapter. Held at Danu Social House, it brought together Toronto’s top colorists and other industry professionals for an evening of socializing. “It was so lovely to finally get the colorists in town in one room,” Wynen says. “We are planning more events soon.”

New host Bobola Oniwura, CSI interviews Eric Whipp, CSI about coloring Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.

The Colorist Podcast is back, and it has a new host, Bobola Oniwura, CSI. A lead colorist and founder of Ingenuity Pictures, Bobola envisions the podcast as a forum for issues important to colorists and other industry professionals. Guests will include the industry’s top colorists, newcomers to the profession, and other industry thought leaders. In his first episode, Bobola talks with Eric Whipp, CSI, co-founder and director of color at Alter Ego, Toronto. You can listen to it here: https://spoti.fi/3uQ8274

Bobola wants to use the podcast to explore the personal journeys of individual colorists. “Colorists often have unconventional career paths,” he says. “I want to know how they got their start, where they studied, how they learned color science.”

Eric Whipp is an inspired choice for the podcast’s first new episode. Bobola talks with Eric about his past collaborations with Director George Miller on Three Thousand Years of Longing and Mad Max: Fury Road as well as his current work on Miller’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. “Fury Road was a very influential film and has become a massive reference point for color grading,” Bobola says. “In the podcast, Eric shares deep insight into the incredible work they are doing for the new film which will be in theaters in May.”

Calling himself an ‘accidental colorist,’ Bobola has his own fascinating story. After studying Architecture in his native Nigeria, he began a career as a creative director. He became involved in producing social media content but found that no one on his staff knew how to properly grade video, so he taught himself by studying DaVinci tutorials produced by Warren Eagles, CSI. That launched him on a new career that included becoming the first Certified Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Trainer in West Africa. Among his recent projects is the action-comedy A Tribe Called Judah, which recently became the top grossing Nollywood film of all time.

CSI members are eligible for discounted subscriptions to IMDbPro (the code is available in the Members section of this site.) It is an excellent resource for promoting your career, networking and keeping track of important contacts and upcoming projects. Two levels of subscription are available, basic and premium. Both provide access to biographic and credit information, guild affiliations, representation contacts and other data not available on IMDb. Premium subscriptions also include a host of tools for managing your profile, adding images and demo reels, tracking people and projects, and much more.

If you are unsure of which subscription level is right for you, or want to know more about specific features, how to videos are available on the IMDB YouTube channel. Topics include setting your profession, managing personal details, and choosing “known for” credits. The short videos will help you get the most from your subscription.