Ever see a trailer and wonder how the look holds together when the film isn’t even finished? We sit down with senior colorist Lynette Duensing to unpack the craft of grading trailers before the final DI is locked, where creative intent, marketing needs, and incomplete VFX all collide under intense timelines. From Spider-Verse to Anaconda, Lynette walks us through the on-the-ground decisions that turn chaos into a cohesive, sellable story.

We dig into the real workflow: building node trees around show LUTs and set CDLs, using ACES so filmmakers recognize what they see, and designing parallel structures for embedded mattes to control faces, skies, and complex CG elements. Lynette explains how live VFX reviews work, grading temp comps in the room so notes to vendors are grounded in the final presentation. When a matte is missing, she splits what’s available, adds power windows, or taps AI tools to move fast without locking in mistakes. It’s part technical precision, part triage, and all driven by trust.

The human side matters just as much. Trailers stitch shots that never touch in the feature, so consistency becomes a storytelling tool rather than a constraint. Lynette shares how she communicates with filmmakers and studio creatives to protect intent while ensuring every one-second beat reads with impact. Organization is the quiet hero - conform, version control, and a rock-solid offline reference prevent the misalignments that can sink a session. And yes, we talk about unfinished VFX: how to gently add depth, soften edges, and keep believability intact, knowing studios continue updating shots even after theatrical release.

If you care about color grading, trailers, ACES workflows, and the art of running the room, this conversation opens the door to what really happens between editorial and the final DI. Subscribe, share with a fellow color nerd, and leave a review. What part of the color process do you want us to unpack next?

Guest Links:
IG - https://www.instagram.com/lynette.duensing/

Website - https://lynetteduensing.com/

IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0240255/

Facility Website - https://instinctual.la/

Send us a text

Flanders Scientific Inc. (FSI)
High-Quality Reference Displays for Editors, Colorists and DITS

DeMystify Color
Color Training and Color Grading Tools

PixelTools
Modern Color Grading Tools and Presets for DaVinci Resolve 

Support the show

Send us a text

PixelTools
Modern Color Grading Tools and Presets for DaVinci Resolve 

Support the show

Like the show? Leave a review!

This episode is brought to you by FSI, DeMystify Color, and PixelTools

Follow Us on Social:

• Instagram @colorandcoffeepodcast
• YouTube @ColorandCoffee

Produced by Bowdacious Media LLC

Join us for a conversation with Luke Cahill, a Los Angeles-based colorist whose credits include Icarus, With Love, Meghan, Tangerine, American Murder: The Laci Peterson Story, and the newly released Left-Handed Girl — now streaming on Netflix and selected as Taiwan’s official submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.

Luke shares how he discovered color grading and the moment the craft truly made sense for him. We talk through his early career, finding confidence in the suite, and how balancing technical skill with emotional awareness is core to the job. From grading Tangerine (shot entirely on an iPhone) to navigating high-pressure documentary schedules, Luke offers an honest look at the realities of finishing at a high level.

A key theme of this episode is the human side of color. Luke discusses why colorists are often part technician, part therapist, how to build trust when clients arrive stressed or protective, and why simplicity, balance, and communication often matter more than deep node trees or plugins. We also explore look development, log workflows, and the importance of creating a safe, collaborative space where directors can actually see their film take shape.

This episode is full of insight for colorists, cinematographers, editors, and filmmakers who want to understand the craft and psychology of finishing.

Guest Links:
IG - https://www.instagram.com/lightwavepost/
Website - https://www.lightwavepost.com/
IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1760738/

Mentioned Work:

Left-Handed Girl — Directed by Sean Baker, Streaming on Netflix

Icarus — Netflix

American Murder: The Laci Peterson Story — Netflix

With Love, Meghan - Netflix

Tangerine — Directed by Sean Baker

Send us a text

PixelTools
Modern Color Grading Tools and Presets for DaVinci Resolve 

DeMystify Color
Color Training and Color Grading Tools

PixelTools
Modern Color Grading Tools and Presets for DaVinci Resolve

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Like the show? Leave a review!

This episode is brought to you by FSI, DeMystify Color, and PixelTools

Follow Us on Social:

• Instagram @colorandcoffeepodcast
• YouTube @ColorandCoffee

Produced by Bowdacious Media LLC

We’re trying something new this week — a solo episode! Instead of interviewing a guest, I’m diving into my favorite Black Friday deals for 2025 and sharing the tools, plug-ins, hardware, and subscriptions I think every colorist and post-production artist should know about.

From reference-grade monitors and color-science training to noise reduction, scopes, motion graphics, and workflow tools, this episode breaks down 11 deals worth grabbing before they expire. If you’re looking to upgrade your suite, re-up a subscription, or score a few “treat yourself” pieces of gear, this roundup is for you.

Get comfortable, pull up your wishlist, and let’s walk through the best Black Friday offers for creatives in 2025.

Links and discount codes are all below.

Flanders Scientific (FSI) — XMP270 under $10K; XMP550/551 from $17,995. Ends Nov 29.

Demystify Color— 40% off (code BLACKFRIDAY40).

Time in Pixels Nobe OmniScope — 30% off until Dec 1 (code SCOPESBF2025).

MediaLight — 15% off, up to 40% off select items.

Adobe Creative Cloud — Up to 50% off Creative Cloud through Nov 28.

MotionVFX — 30% off templates + weekly flash deals. (Code FINAL)

Neat Video — 15% off.

Avid — Up to 40% off Media Composer Ultimate + Pro Tools.

iZotope — Up to 60% off RX11 + suites.

Elgato — Up to 30% off Stream Decks starting Nov 20.

PixelTools — Free PowerGrade with any DCTL + 25–40% off.

If you enjoyed the solo format, send me a note or a comment on social. 

Happy grading — and happy deal-hunting!

Send us a text

PixelTools
Modern Color Grading Tools and Presets for DaVinci Resolve

Flanders Scientific Inc. (FSI)
High-Quality Reference Displays for Editors, Colorists and DITS

DeMystify Color
Color Training and Color Grading Tools

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Like the show? Leave a review!

This episode is brought to you by FSI, DeMystify Color, and PixelTools

Follow Us on Social:

• Instagram @colorandcoffeepodcast
• YouTube @ColorandCoffee

Produced by Bowdacious Media LLC

We’re back for Season 3!

Kicking things off with Greg Cotten and Andrew Finch, the creative duo behind Video Village and tools like Filmbox, Lattice, Screen, and Scatter. From their Chapman University days to building groundbreaking color and post tools, Greg and Andrew share how curiosity and innovation shaped their journey from DPs to software developers.

We explore the evolution of Filmbox, from a Hackintosh prototype to a fully featured film-emulation plug-in capturing the unique look, grain, halation, and bloom of real film stocks. Plus, how Lattice and Screen are redefining precision workflows for colorists and filmmakers alike.

Grab a comfy seat and tune in for a deep dive into creativity, technology, and the art of film emulation.

Guest Links:
IG - https://www.instagram.com/videovillageco/

Website - https://videovillage.com/

Products Discussed:

Scatter (Digital Diffusion):  https://videovillage.com/scatter/

FilmBox (Film Emulation): https://videovillage.com/filmbox/

Lattice (LUT Swiss Army Knife): https://videovillage.com/lattice/

Screen (Pro Video Player for MacOS): https://videovillage.com/screen/

Send us a text

PixelTools
Modern Color Grading Tools and Presets for DaVinci Resolve 

Support the show

Like the show? Leave a review!

This episode is brought to you by FSI, DeMystify Color, and PixelTools

Follow Us on Social:

• Instagram @colorandcoffeepodcast
• YouTube @ColorandCoffee

Produced by Bowdacious Media LLC

Join us on an engaging journey into the colorful world of filmmaking with John Daro, the lead DI colorist at Warner Post Production Creative Services. John shares his fascinating insights into the art of color grading, drawing parallels between the meticulous craft of filmmaking and the simple pleasure of brewing coffee and tea. 

Together, we unravel the unconventional path of an editor whose passion was sparked by early tech experiences and unique ventures like selling breakfast burritos and DJing. From pivotal moments in Camarillo to the life-changing Avid certification, we celebrate the magic that happens when technology, creativity, and a human ingenuity combine in a relentless pursuit to make cool stories. Our conversation also sheds light on the groundbreaking use of HDR in animated films, where subtle enhancements in character emotions and minute details transform storytelling, drawing unexpected yet powerful parallels with classical art techniques.

Reflecting on the evolving landscape of filmmaking in the remote (COVID) era, we emphasize the irreplaceable value of collaborating with talent in person and how the essence of in-person creativity remains unmatched in the sport of filmmaking. 

Grab your favorite beverage and get ready for an excellent episode of Color & Coffee!

Guest Links:
IG - https://www.instagram.com/johndaro/
Website + Blog - https://www.johndaro.com/
Studio Website - https://www.watertowercolor.com/
IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2237933/
NeatVideo - https://www.neatvideo.com/

Send us a text

PixelTools
Modern Color Grading Tools and Presets for DaVinci Resolve 

PixelTools
Modern Color Grading Tools and Presets for DaVinci Resolve

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Like the show? Leave a review!

This episode is brought to you by FSI, DeMystify Color, and PixelTools

Follow Us on Social:

• Instagram @colorandcoffeepodcast
• YouTube @ColorandCoffee

Produced by Bowdacious Media LLC

In our first episode of the new year, I sit down with Matt Tomlinson, Head of Color Science at Harbor Picture Company, for one of the most engaging discussions I’ve had in quite some time.

In this episode, Matt shares fascinating insights from his work developing image color pipelines for films such as Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Irishman. We delve into what it means to be a color (or image) scientist and explore how they empower colorists with adaptable tools, enabling real-time feedback that elevates the creative process in filmmaking.

We also discuss the critical role of collaboration in these technical yet creative fields and how platforms like YouTube and TikTok can open unexpected pathways for creatives.

Grab your favorite beverage and get ready for a color managed episode of Color & Coffee!

Guest Links:
IG - https://www.instagram.com/zombiecopninjarobot/
Studio Website - https://harborpicturecompany.com/
IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0866862/

Send us a text

PixelTools
Modern Color Grading Tools and Presets for DaVinci Resolve 

Flanders Scientific Inc. (FSI)
High-Quality Reference Displays for Editors, Colorists and DITS

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Like the show? Leave a review!

This episode is brought to you by FSI, DeMystify Color, and PixelTools

Follow Us on Social:

• Instagram @colorandcoffeepodcast
• YouTube @ColorandCoffee

Produced by Bowdacious Media LLC

Programming Note: Color & Coffee is taking a break for the holidays. We’ll return in late-January 2025 with new episodes and return to our regular release schedule. A very sincere thanks to all our listeners for an amazing 2024 and for helping us spread the word about the show!
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In the final episode of 2024, we sit down with Matt Wallach, Senior Colorist at Company3, to dive into his remarkable career and groundbreaking work on films like No Time to Die, Saltburn, Don’t Look Up, and more.

Matt takes us on a fascinating journey from his early days in the camera department to becoming an in-demand finishing colorists, collaborating with some of the biggest names in filmmaking. He shares how he took advantage of the film \ digital transition, blending timeless techniques with cutting-edge workflows to support legendary DPs like Roger Deakins, ASC and Linus Sandgren, FSF, ASC.

In this episode, we uncover the secrets behind Matt’s success in building trust with top cinematographers, his unique approach to dailies and finishing, and how he navigates the ever-evolving world of filmmaking. From cultural and technical shifts in production to delivering stunning, cinematic images, this is a conversation full of insights and inspiration.

So, grab your favorite cup of coffee, and tune in to this incredible discussion with Matt Wallach!

Guest Links:
IG - https://www.instagram.com/captaincinema/
Website - https://www.company3.com/artists/matt-wallach/
IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3546742/

Send us a text

PixelTools
Modern Color Grading Tools and Presets for DaVinci Resolve 

PixelTools
Modern Color Grading Tools and Presets for DaVinci Resolve

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Like the show? Leave a review!

This episode is brought to you by FSI, DeMystify Color, and PixelTools

Follow Us on Social:

• Instagram @colorandcoffeepodcast
• YouTube @ColorandCoffee

Produced by Bowdacious Media LLC

In this episode, I sit down with Daria Fissoun—Colorist, Compositor, and Certified Blackmagic Trainer. We dive into her captivating journey from creating video tutorials on YouTube to collaborating with Blackmagic Design on the official DaVinci Resolve manual.

We cover a range of fascinating topics, including:
•The evolution of her YouTube channel.
•The challenge of “scope creep” and how it manifests in creative projects.
•Her experience using AI upscaling on an SD restoration project and navigating client feedback.

Grab your favorite mug, fill it with your beverage of choice, and settle in for another engaging episode of Color & Coffee!

Guest Links:
IG - https://www.instagram.com/daria.fissoun/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/dariafissoun/
Blackmagic Official Training - https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/training
Daria's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@DaVinciMasterKey
Topaz Video AI (Upscaling) - https://www.topazlabs.com/topaz-video-ai

Send us a text

PixelTools
Modern Color Grading Tools and Presets for DaVinci Resolve 

PixelTools
Modern Color Grading Tools and Presets for DaVinci Resolve

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Like the show? Leave a review!

This episode is brought to you by FSI, DeMystify Color, and PixelTools

Follow Us on Social:

• Instagram @colorandcoffeepodcast
• YouTube @ColorandCoffee

Produced by Bowdacious Media LLC

In this episode, I sit down with Nico Fink, colorist and founder of DeMystify Color and Unwind Film Lab. With a Club Mate in hand, Nico shares how an internship at Red Bull Media House ignited his fascination with color, eventually leading to the creation of his own training platform and film lab.

We nerd out about the nuances of film emulation and the challenges faced during its evolution. From the early days of DaVinci Resolve to the influence of industry stalwarts like Steve Yedlin, Nico shares his journey about becoming a full-time colorist to his desire to share knowledge and demystify the art of film profiling. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone passionate about the magic of film and film film emulation.

Grab your favorite beverage and get ready for a fascinating episode of Color & Coffee!

Guest Links:
IG - https://www.instagram.com/nicofink.color/
Website - https://www.artjungle.tv
Demystify Color - https://www.demystify-color.com
Steve Yedlin Display Prep Demo - https://www.yedlin.net/DisplayPrepDemo/DispPrep_v2_websize_10mbps.html
Sample Ektachrome Prints - https://tinyurl.com/CC205media
3D Printed Film Loader - https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/tool/400ft-roll-film-bulk-loader

Send us a text

PixelTools
Modern Color Grading Tools and Presets for DaVinci Resolve 

PixelTools
Modern Color Grading Tools and Presets for DaVinci Resolve

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Like the show? Leave a review!

This episode is brought to you by FSI, DeMystify Color, and PixelTools

Follow Us on Social:

• Instagram @colorandcoffeepodcast
• YouTube @ColorandCoffee

Produced by Bowdacious Media LLC

In our second episode of the season, I sit down for a fascinating chat with fellow podcast host and lead colorist of DC Color, Joey D’Anna.

Our conversation begins with Joey’s strong opinions on coffee preparation, followed by a quick overview of his journey to becoming a colorist. We then dive into the power of HDR and how new display technology can completely changed the creative approach to grading - or not. 

Finally, we delve into the tech behind WOLED panels, used in the popular LG C and G series displays—and, most importantly, why they aren’t ideal as “reference” displays, even when professionally calibrated.

Grab your favorite cup of coffee and enjoy this awesome conversation!

Guest Links:
IG - https://www.instagram.com/danna_joey/
Website - https://www.joeydanna.tv/
The Offset Podcast - https://dccolor.com/podcast/
IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3539316/

Send us a text

PixelTools
Modern Color Grading Tools and Presets for DaVinci Resolve 

PixelTools
Modern Color Grading Tools and Presets for DaVinci Resolve

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Like the show? Leave a review!

This episode is brought to you by FSI, DeMystify Color, and PixelTools

Follow Us on Social:

• Instagram @colorandcoffeepodcast
• YouTube @ColorandCoffee

Produced by Bowdacious Media LLC