Cognition, the recently launched hybrid post production facility, has purchased six Mistika systems from SGO. The package includes two top-end 4K color grading and mastering systems, two assist workstations and two laptop systems for on-set and near-set use. The company has also acquired an SGO high-speed SAN. The installation is part of an ambitious, multi-million dollar facility expansion that will include a pair of highly spec’d DCI grading theatres, expanded visual effects resources and creative production workspace.
Mistika is a next-generation color grading and finishing platform with an expansive toolset that supports a wide range of media formats and postproduction applications including high-frame-rate and 3D. The latest version of the system software includes tools for manipulating multilayer EXR sequences and expanded support for OpenEXR formats.
Cognition director of operations David Hollingsworth said that Mistika is an ideal choice for the facility, and its approach to feature film finishing which places a premium on creative flexibility. Hollingsworth is intimately familiar with Mistika technology having collaborated with SGO on the development of the system since 2011 when he was head of picture/sr. colorist at Park Road Post Production in Wellington, New Zealand. Mistika was used at Park Road Post Production to finish the high-frame-rate epic movie The Hobbit Trilogy directed by Peter Jackson.
Cognition recently used its Mistika workstations to grade and finish the independent feature Opening Night. The film, which stars Topher Grace, was produced by Grace alongside Dark Factory Entertainment’s Daniel Posada and Jason Tamasco. It’s directed by Isaac Rentz. Final grading was performed by Cognition sr. colorist Mike Eaves, working closely with Grace, Rentz and DP Andre Lascaris.
Cognition’s Mistika systems will be integrated into its two new grading theatres for which construction will be completed this fall. The theatres will also feature 4K Barco digital cinema projectors and a variety of sophisticated support gear.
Sinners and Saints Adds Apple Pie To Its Branded Menu
Bicoastal Sinners and Saints--the multidisciplinary studio overseen by managing director/executive producer Heather Heller, and partners/EPs Yann Henric and Thomas Carroll--has added Apple Pie Tabletop to its roster for branded content. Known for its food and beverage content creation, Apple Pie comprises the husband-and-wife team of director/DP Gene Dubin and director/art director Alisa Volodina. In addition to representation, the move expands Apple Pie’s production capabilities through the combination of its centrally located full-service studio in New York and a newly established mobile studio in Los Angeles. Apple Pie recently teamed with Sinners and Saints on a Wienerschnitzel project created by Innocean.
“We believe that our dual studio strategy positions us uniquely in the competitive landscape of food and beverage storytelling,” said Heller. “By blending the artistry of the New York studio with the flexibility of our Los Angeles location, we can tailor our productions to meet the unique demands of each project, regardless of geography.”
“Working with Sinners and Saints in the demanding field of tabletop was an absolute pleasure,” shared Apple Pie Tabletop in a joint statement. “Warm welcome, unwavering support and dedication--everything a director can ask for. The entire experience was both enjoyable and rewarding. We will not miss an opportunity to collaborate with them again.”
“The first thing you notice is that Apple Pie has beautiful work,” Heller observed. “Having worked with them, I can say that Gene and Alisa are extremely meticulous and detail-oriented; their combination of talent and agility appeals to agencies and clients.” Also appealing to Heller is Apple Pie Tabletop’s brisk international... Read More