The Offset Podcast

It’s no secret that the post production (and production) industry is in a bit of tumultuous period resulting in a lot of people wondering if they should stay in the industry and for young people who are drawn to postproduction, if they’re making the right move trying to pursue editing, color, mixing etc. In this episode, we’ll explore these issues and more.  While we don’t have the fixes for the m...

In this episode we’re exploring a audience member submitted question about how to know when a grade is done and ready to present to a client.  It’s a more nuanced and complex question than you’d think!  Specific topics discussed in this episode include: Color is very subjective thing - how to balance your ‘done’ vs a client’s done The importance of pre-grade goals How initial project evaluation is...

In this episode, we’re continuing our discussion with monitoring experts Bram Desmet from Flanders Scientific, Nate McFarlin from Dolby, and David Abrams from Avical/Portrait Displays Some of the specific topics we cover in this episode include: How are panels actually made? And why does it cost billions? The role of material science in panel manufacturing  Understanding the split between panel ma...

For our 30th episode we're discussing that topic we always seem to revisit - monitoring!  While we have some opinions on the state of reference and consumer monitors in 2025 we thought it'd be fun to celebrate our 30th episode with some good friends who also happen to be experts in their part of the monitoring ecosystem.   In Part 1 of a two-part series, we're joined by Flander Scientific CEO Bram...

In this episode, we continue our discussion about ARM-based computing and its impact on postproduction. If you missed part 1 in this series, be sure to check that out, as we cover a lot of helpful background information.  In this show, some of the specifics discussed include: How ARM will factor into our next workstation purchases Do we think Apple will deliver on a ‘beast mode’ Mac Pro Will Apple...

ARM SoCs (system on a chip) have become a hot topic in the computing world in the past few years. Apple branded ‘Apple Silicon’, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon, Ampere’s Altra, and others have been disruptive in a world once dominated by x86/x64-based systems from Intel & AMD. In Part 1 of a two-part series on ARM in postproduction, we explore some of the essentials of ARM systems, including: Basics of...

The built-in tools in grading applications like DaVinci Resolve are immensely powerful, but sometimes, you need a tool that goes further—or, at the very least, approaches a task in a slightly different way.  In this installment of The OffSet Podcast, we're exploring how power grades, DCTLs, and OFX fit into a grading workflow. Specific topics we discuss in this episode include: Defining Powergrade...

In this episode of The Offset Podcast, we’re discussing strategies for managing client review sessions - both in person and remote.  The review session sounds straightforward on paper, but it can be a complicated balancing act of moving things along, addressing changes, and keeping everyone happy.   Some of the specifics we discuss in this episode include: Managing both in-person and remote review...

In this installment of The Offset Podcast, we're discussing many of the things no one told us before we decided to become professional colorists.   While being a professional colorist can be exciting and rewarding, the job also comes with a plethora of challenges and things you might not realize.  Some specifics we discuss in this episode include: Is being a colorist everything it’s made out to be...

We hope you had a great holiday season! The Offset Podcast is back for Season 2. We publish an episode every two weeks, and for Season 2 (2025), we’re excited to discuss a wide range of exciting topics.   In this episode, we explore a subject that should be important to everyone who cares about image quality and accuracy—calibration. While this episode is not encyclopedic, it should give you a hig...

Programming Note: The Offset Podcast is taking a break for the holidays.  We'll return in mid-January 2025 with new episodes and back to our regular release schedule. A very sincere thanks to our listeners for an amazing 2024 and for helping us launch the show! -------------------------------------- Continuing with our two-part series on DIY approaches, in this installment of The Offset Podcast we...

You've likely heard the phrase 'work smarter, not harder'. Well, for the professional colorist who has to grade tons of shots day in and day out, working smarter is at the core of what we call grade management.  In this installment of The Offset Podcast, we explore a plethora of tools & techniques for grade management. While many of these things are Resolve-specific, grade management approache...

No, we're not returning to the days of 1", U-Matic, or even D1 & Digibeta (although those were pretty awesome days!).  In this installment of The Offset Podcast, we're revisiting some postproduction knowledge that many of us take for granted but that is surprisingly new or at least unclear to many people.  In this episode, we'll discuss: Preserving institutional knowledge of post - old vocab a...

It's hard to believe but this is our 20th episode! We sincerely thank all our listeners and viewers for checking out the show. We're super excited for the next 20+ shows! -------------- We're big fans of customization, including things on our desk and other hardware we need around the facility.  With huge online marketplaces, it's easier than ever to find those oddball parts and items to personali...

Color management pipelines play an integral part in modern postproduction, but these pipelines still cause a lot of confusion for many people.  In this episode of The Offset Podcast, we discuss essential concepts & vocab about color management pipelines to prepare you to dive deeper into these concepts.  Specific topics discussed include: - Why understanding color management so important in mo...

In this installment of The Offset Podcast, we discuss those horrible feelings of being way overworked and becoming burned out. The truth is - video and film postproduction can take a toll on your physical & mental health and leave you feeling unmotivated, tired, and even potentially thinking about quitting the industry.   Postproduction (like lots of other industries) can be hard work, full of...

We get asked for advice by new colorists and those looking to do more color (editors,DPs, etc) all the time. It’s easy to get into the technical weeds very quickly. In our opinion, a super technical deep dive into modern coloring is not the place to start - it can be overwhelming and turn off a lot of people who are looking for a creative outlet.  So instead of debating the merits of specific work...

If you're like most people in postproduction (and many other industries), you've probably felt at one point or another that budgets are getting smaller, clients are more demanding & expecting more for the same price, and it's often a battle to get the rates you deserve.  The 'Race To The Bottom' is a real thing and in this episode, we'll explore ways to combat it including: - Defining the race...

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Nate McFarlin - Senior Content Engineer at Dolby.  If you missed part 1 of this conversation, be sure to check out Episode 14 to learn more about Nate's background and how he arrived at Dolby.   In Part 2 we cover a lot of ground with Nate including: - Professional & consumer display considerations for HDR & Dolby Vision - Clearing up comm...

We've been Dolby Vision evangelists -speaking, presenting, and developing training on it almost since the very start including a 10-part series for the Dolby Institute a few years ago.  So every time an opportunity presents itself to chat with our friends at Dolby we jump at the chance.  Recently we caught up with Nate McFarlin who is a Senior Content Engineer at Dolby for an engaging two-part con...

Trade shows have always played a big role in the production and postproduction industries.   Pre Internet, outside of going to visit a company or reseller directly, a trade show was the only way to get valuable information about products, workflows, and in general, where the industry was headed. In the 1980s through the early 2000s shows like the National Association Of Broadcasters (NAB) or the I...

In this installment of The Offset Podcast, we're diving into some common color grading myths that we've heard over the years. This is by no means a comprehensive collection of myths, but rather a few select ones that we hear often.   We'll start by taking a look at the 'skin tone line' on a vectorscope and why its use is not as cut and dry as you think it might be. We'll then jump into why 'more'...

As a postproduction professional, one of your primary jobs is to ensure the data integrity of the projects you are working on - essentially don't lose stuff!  Over the years we've heard hundreds of horrifying stories of data loss and unfortunately, most of them were avoidable.  In this episode of The Offset Podcast, we dive into backup and archiving strategies. We'll start out exploring the differ...

It's our 10th Episode!   Thanks to everyone who has supported the show especially our sponsor Flanders Scientific!  If you enjoy this show, or any of our episodes, please subscribe and like! In this installment of The Offset Podcast we're talking about something that's important to all of us - mental health. The pressures, deadlines, and sometimes difficult interpersonal things in post can be crip...

Continuing our discussion on suite design, in this installment of The Offset Podcast Joey & Robbie get into more detail about gear you might want to consider having in a color/postproduction suite including: input devices, control surfaces, Streamdecks, foot pedals, aux monitors, 3D printing your own stuff, the amazing usefulness of VHB tape and a whole lot more!  Looking for a deep dive on re...