LOS ANGELES — Technicolor (www.technicolor.com) has opened a new pre-production studio in Los Angeles that’s dedicated to creating a seamless pipeline for feature projects. The studio will offer services that range from creating concept art and visualization through virtual production, production and into final VFX.
As new distribution models increase the demand for content, the Technicolor Pre-Production studio hopes to provides the tools, talent, and space for creatives to collaborate from Day 1 – from helping set the vision at the start of a project to ensuring that the vision carries through to production and VFX. The effort creates a more efficient filmmaking process, saving time and resources, and empowering creatives to realize their vision quicker.
The Technicolor Pre-Production studio is headed by Kerry Shea, an industry veteran with over 20 of experience, having held executive positions at Method Studios, The Third Floor, Digital Domain, Jim Henson Company, DreamWorks Animation and Sony Pictures Imageworks. Credited on more than 60 feature films, including The Jungle Book, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Shea has an extensive background in VFX and post production, as well as live action, animatronics and creature effects.
The new studio will be comprised of several key departments. The Business Development Department will work with clients, from project budgeting to consulting on VFX methodologies, to help plan and prepare projects for a smooth transition into VFX. The VFX Supervisors Department will offer creative leadership across all aspects of VFX on client projects, whether delivered by Technicolor’s studios or third-party vendors.
The Art Department will work intimately with clients to understand their vision – including characters, props, technologies and environments, creating artwork that delivers on that vision and sets the tone for the rest of the project.
The Virtual Production Department will partner with filmmakers to bridge the gap between filmmakers and VFX through the production pipeline. Working both on the ground and on-location, the department will deliver a fully integrated pipeline and shooting services with the flexibility of a small, manageable team.
The Visualization Department will work closely with clients to deliver visualizations that will assist in achieving on screen exactly what they envisioned.
“With the advancements of tools and technologies, such as virtual production, filmmaking has reached an inflection point, one in which storytellers can redefine what is possible on-set and beyond,” says Shea. “I am passionate about the increasing role and influence that the tools and craft of visual effects can have on the production pipeline and the even more important role in creating more streamlined and efficient workflows that create memorable stories.”
Although the Pre-Production studio is standalone from Technicolor’s visual effects brands – MPC Film, Mill Film, MR. X and Technicolor VFX – it can work seamlessly in conjunction with one or any combination of them.