Feature film and television colorist Aidan Stanford has joined ArsenalFX Color. Stanford is a 25-year industry veteran whose recent credits include the hit Lionsgate feature Knives Out as well as the television series Better Call Saul (AMC), Bonding (Netflix), Briarpatch (USA) and Central Park (Apple TV+). He joins a growing post-production finishing department at ArsenalFX Color’s facility in Santa Monica where he will grade episodic television, independent features, studio features and other projects.
ArsenalFX Color Managing Partner Larry Field says he has been a fan of Stanford for years and is especially impressed by his recent work. “As an artist and professional, he fits perfectly with our culture and roster of talent,” Field observes. “His ability to work on all types of media, across genres, strengthens our offering to our clients. We are excited to welcome him on board at a time when we are expanding. The resources and support we provide will help him build on his already strong foundation.”
Most recently with Fotokem’s Keep Me Posted facility, Stanford began his career as a photochemical color timer. During his tenure at Technicolor’s film lab, he earned credits on dozens of major motion pictures, television shows and documentaries including a 2002 65mm IMAX restoration of Lawrence of Arabia. After making the transition to digital colorist in 2010, he continued to attract top assignments, including as final colorist on ABC’s Emmy Award®-winning series Modern Family, grading more than 40 episodes. Other notable series work included If Loving You Is Wrong for OWN and Fresh Off the Boat for ABC.
Stanford says that what he most enjoys about his role is the creative interaction with directors and cinematographers. “Whether it’s assisting a DP in getting his hard work finessed into final images or collaborating with a director to inject emotion into scenes, my work is incredibly rewarding,” he explains. “And it’s never the same twice. I have worked with some of the best production and post-production talent in the business. I feel fortunate.”
In discussing his new role at ArsenalFX Color, Stanford says it comes at a pivotal time in his career. “I’ve had a lot of success in the past and was eager to join a company with a creative focus and an intimate, family atmosphere,” he notes. “My background in features and as a color timer are a perfect complement to a team that already has so much knowledge and talent.”
Stanford hopes to help Arsenal FX Color implement new technologies and workflows with maintaining its commitment to craftsmanship and quality. “My goal is to keep pushing,” he says. “As technology advances, it allows artists to be more creative, but it can become convoluted if not applied properly. I want to implement new techniques while staying true to the virtues I have always relied on to achieve beautiful looks and exceed expectations.”
About ARSENALFX COLOR
ArsenalFX Color, founded in 2012, is a talent-driven, high-end, full-spectrum, high-end post production company serving the television and feature film industry. Its staff of artists, technicians and producers are supported by state-of-the-art color, visual effects, conform and dailies toolsets in a 9,000 sq. ft. Tier-1 secured facility. Recent credits include Raising Dion (Netflix), Lovecraft Country (HBO), The Good Doctor (ABC), New Amsterdam (NBC) and Grey’s Anatomy (ABC).
