Light Iron

Crafting a Visual Language for Grief

Mon, 05/06/2024 - 09:29 -- Nick Dager

Now streaming on Netflix, Good Grief marks the feature-film directorial debut of Daniel Levy, well known as the co-creator and costar of the series Schitt’s Creek. Offering an uplifting perspective on dealing with the permanence of losing a loved one, Good Grief follows Marc (played by Levy), who was content living in the shadow of his larger-than-life husband, Oliver (Luke Evans). But when Oliver unexpectedly dies, Marc’s world shatters, sending him and his two best friends, Sophie (Ruth Negga) and Thomas (Himesh Patel), on a soul-searching trip to Paris that reveals some hard truths they each needed to face. Cinematographer Ole Bratt Birkeland, BSC and gaffer Chris Dowling made each of their decisions with the aim of embracing these realities. Panavision London supplied the production’s camera and lens package, and Panalux London provided lighting services. The filmmakers also worked with Light Iron for dailies and finishing services, including visual effects and final color. Light Iron’s VFX contributions included 3D tracking, reflection maps, motion vector mapping, rotoscoping, paint, and multi-layered compositing; in the final grade, Birkeland reteamed with supervising colorist Ian Vertovec. Supported throughout production and post, the filmmakers were free to skillfully explore the bright spots of bereavement. Here, Birkeland and Dowling discuss their approach to crafting the film’s visual language.

Seeing Red

Mon, 05/22/2023 - 10:49 -- Nick Dager

Director David Cronenberg’s 1988 horror film Dead Ringers, about twin OBGYNs whose penchant for tricking others threatens to shatter their own psyches, has received a sibling of its own with the six-episode Amazon miniseries of the same name. Starring Rachel Weisz as twins Beverly and Elliot Mantle, the show tracks a similar descent into madness, but one that’s carefully distinguished as a complement to its predecessor. All throughout the series, the color red plays a key role.

Color Grading The Old Man

Mon, 08/08/2022 - 14:10 -- Nick Dager

The FX original series The Old Man stars Jeff Bridges as the eponymous lead, former CIA operative Dan Chase, whose off-the-grid existence is rudely interrupted when an intruder breaks into his home. The confrontation sets off an epic game of cat and mouse, forcing Chase to go on the run as multiple parties seek to either bring him in or take him down. Sean Porter served as lead cinematographer for the series’ first season and shot four of the seven episodes, with Jules O’Loughlin, ACS, ASC and Armando Salas, ASC handling the remainder.

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Through Her Lens: A Conversation

Tue, 07/28/2020 - 11:57 -- Nick Dager

On July 14, Made In Her Image, Panavision, Light Iron and Lee Filters presented the virtual roundtable discussion “Through Her Lens: Creating a Truly Inclusive Film Industry.” Moderated by Made In Her Image founder Malakai and featuring cinematographers Mia Cioffi Henry, Melinda James, Kira Kelly, Cybel Martin, Keitumetse Mokhonwana and Sade Ndya, the conversation addressed inequities within the motion-picture industry through the lens of women of color behind the camera.

Realism Grounded in LA Locations

Mon, 05/18/2020 - 10:25 -- Nick Dager

Inspired by Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch novels, the Amazon Prime Video police-procedural series Bosch premiered its sixth season on April 17. The show has also been renewed for a seventh and final season, offering one last outing for the eponymous LAPD homicide detective. Cinematographer Patrick Cady, ASC has been behind the camera for roughly half of the show’s 60 episodes to date, going back to Season 1. From the beginning, Cady and his collaborators have sought to create a sense of realism grounded in the show’s Los Angeles locations.

Shooting for the (Very) Small Screen

Wed, 04/15/2020 - 10:27 -- Nick Dager

Short-form streaming-video platform Quibi provides premium content specifically designed for consumption on a mobile device. This presented the production of its first scripted show, Dummy, with a unique set of creative and workflow issues. In addition to the standard 16:9 aspect ratio, director of photography Catherine Goldschmidt had to create visuals for a vertically oriented 9:16 presentation.

Light Iron Manages Ender’s Game Workflow, Releases In-Depth Case Study Video

Tue, 11/05/2013 - 16:27 -- Nick Dager

Light Iron provided on-set color, color workflow, and final color for the weekend box office hit Ender’s Game. The company has released an in-depth video on its Ender’s Game workflow, highlighting the collaboration and innovation that fueled this multiyear project.

Light Iron Adds 4K Projector in New York

Wed, 06/05/2013 - 15:39 -- Nick Dager

Post house Light Iron has expanded its use of Christie digital cinema projectors. “We’ve used other manufacturer’s 4K projectors when 4K projectors first hit the streets, but the fact to the matter is it’s more important to be the best at something than the first. And the best 4K solution is exactly what Christie brings to the market. With its reliable and proven name, it was an easy decision to make Christie the standard for our screening rooms in both Los Angeles and New York City, with Christie Solaria 2K and 4K projectors in operation at both locations,” said Michael Cioni, CEO, Light Iron.

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