Los Angeles-based VFX studio a52 gives its thriving color department their proper due. With a new space built exclusively for color grading and finishing, a52 Color launches to offer forward-thinking innovative solutions and beautifully crafted work for agencies, studios and creatives.
a52 Color represents two of the most sought-after colorists working today: Paul Yacono and Daniel de Vue, and offers its clientele access to combined or end-to-end services from its network of affiliated companies: Rock Paper Scissors, a52 VFX, and Elastic.
“Color been an offering within a52 with Paul Yacono for over half a decade, so it’s already an established part of the culture here,” explains Executive Producer Thatcher Peterson. “And with Daniel joining us from London, the distinction of a52 Color to become a separate entity thrusts our services and superstar talent into its own spotlight.”
Yacono’s first major color project of out a52, the Netflix hit series House of Cards, validated the boutique independent facility had the bandwidth to service high-volume 4K projects. Since that time, Yacono has established a body of work that showcases his penchant for superb aesthetics. From notable ads for Target, Nike, and BMW to the iconic title sequence for Game of Thrones, Yacono’s work celebrates strong visuals through his artful color. Yacono’s latest work includes the feature documentaries Struggle: The Life and Art of Szukalski, 13th, Amanda Knox, the TV mini-series Five Came Back, and spots for Toyota, Prada, Samsung, and Lexus.
Acclaimed Danish colorist Daniel de Vue joins a52 Color at this exciting turn in its evolution. A young talent already established in his field, de Vue was formerly Head of Color at Glassworks London. He’s worked for lauded directors such as Martin Werner, Martin de Thurah, Andreas Nilsson and Wally Pfister, and crafted the mood for brands such as Nike, Principal Financial, Vans, Mercedes, Toyota, adidas, H&M, and Xbox, to name a few. Recently he graded an Elliot Rausch-directed TUMI spot featuring Lenny Kravitz and Zoë Kravitz on a journey to their family’s Bahamian roots.
Yacono and de Vue will be brandishing their talents in a52 Color’s state-of-the-art facility. Equipped for theatrical and broadcast color grading, the studio boasts two suites outfitted with Baselight grading systems and is equipped for HDR with Dolby Vision certification. Additionally, remote grading services are also available throughout the US and internationally.
Charged with running a52 Color is Thatcher Peterson, who comes from a four-year stint as EP at The Mill. At Company 3 for over 15 years, he helped to grow their core business from commercials into features and television, along with the company’s expansion into multiple locations across the globe. “Thatcher is incredibly driven and has such a depth of experience,” says Managing Director Jennifer Sofio Hall. “Having him come on board has massively spurred the growth of a52 Color.”
Taking their first steps together, the a52 Color team promises to leave an indelible mark on the industry. As Founder Angus Wall explains: “In adding high-end color and DI to our suite of companies, a52 Color completes our offerings for end-to-end, best of breed creative services.”
