The Offset Podcast EP026: Managing Review Sessions

In this episode of The Offset Podcast we’re asking & discussing the question - Is HDR really taking off?At first blush, the answer is yes, but the really, the answer is decidedly more nuanced.  Specifics discussed in this episode include:HDR seems to be everywhere - streaming platforms, consumer electronics, professional gear with billions made in investmentWhile wildly available, access to HDR content is still often based on  ‘level’ of plan. Disconnect for consumers between HDR capable hardware and plansThe role the iPhone has played in helping spread HDRAlthough available & accessible, HDR is still widely weighted to the ‘higher end’.  Mid and entry level productions aren’t utilizing HDR. Why? And how can that change?The language of HDR has become conservative and very similar to SDR versions making differentiation harderA safe approach to HDR may be tied to derived downstream HDR and SDR performance.   Investment in expensive gear (reference monitoring) for what many see as niche is also a contributing factorHow to sell and consistency in selling HDR content is importantMany feel that HDR is something that is being dictated to them…but for technical not creative reasonsImportant to remember HDR technology and workflows are still relatively newStunning HDR content does exist and shows what can be done (Ian Vertovec examples)Given artists space and time to work on HDR can produce amazing resultsIf you like the show be sure to like and subscribe where ever you find 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 macro issues at play in our industry, we discus many ways to battle the current downturn in post including:The current challenges in post production are multi-faceted and no single way to solve themPost production requires a massive amount of effort other industries can be more appealing (and more lucrative)Jobs at post facilities are few and far between but its hard to recommend to young folks starting out to just start their own business or go freelance - there are significant challenges in doing soMedium and small size post production companies can be doing a better job with training, mentorship and recruitment.Better understanding were postproduction work has gone - social content, corporate communications etcDeveloping adjacent stills are absolute necessity for the modern post worker - programing, AI , IT workflowsUnderstanding not all work is art, but all work is commerceThe product of ‘production companies’ has changed drastically and leverages more than just traditional post skillsContent creation really only works with a purpose and a goalMoving from an operator role to other roles in the industry - even ones you might think of like software creation/managementSkills learned in post are highly desirable and portable in a wide swath of industriesIf you liked this show, checkout our library of past episodes and please like and subscribe to the show where ever you find it!

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 doneThe importance of pre-grade goalsHow initial project evaluation is a vital part of the grading processGetting to know a client’s preferences, aesthetic, and things they focus onThe immense value of working in passesFocusing first on ‘tone’, white/black point, and overall shot to shot contrastMoving to large feature matchingDetailed work  - beauty, clothing, small features shot to shotShowing the client for the first time - balancing confidence and accepting constructive criticism  Putting the project back in front of client again after addressing notes and gauging successEvaluating ‘translatability’ on consumer devicesPreparing for big changes, disasters etc with project backups, duplicated timelines, and versionsBalancing perfectionism with staying on schedule and deliveringThe long term value of being committed to your workIf you liked this episode be sure to check out our growing library of shows. Also be sure to like and subscribe to The Offset Podcast where ever you find it!

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 DisplaysSome 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 manufacturers and consumer brands of the same nameThe importance of viewing environment in regards to display performanceUnderstanding preference vs accuracyThe shift to consumer-sized panels as reference monitors and the ongoing challenges of using multiple monitorsBuilding meter matrices with the four color method, and are there better approaches, like the Bodner method or the volumetric approaches used by some calibration softwareRevisiting using consumer displays in a professional setting & why consumer TV companies have little incentive to integrate reference capabilitiesContinuing challenges of Rec.2020Calibrating computer monitors, iPads, and mobile devicesIf you like this episode, please be sure to subscribe to the podcast give the show a like wherever you're watching/listening! 

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 Desmet, Nate McFarlin from Dolby, and David Abrams from Portrait Displays/Avical.We'll discuss their areas of expertise with each of them a little bit - monitor manufacturing, display testing and validation, and calibration.  Specific topics explored in this episode include:Staying on top of monitoring technologiesChoosing display technologies for a monitor product lineDetermining what features make it into monitor softwareAddressing different needs of different users e.g. DITs vs ColoristsHow staying at the forefront of color science helps deliver the most accurate monitors possibleThe role that an R&D company like Dolby plays in the monitor ecosystemHow monitor usability is just as important as performanceThe complexity of monitor display technologies and how they can complicate monitor evaluationSometimes monitor evaluation brings with it things manufacturers don’t want to hearConsumer monitors can be considerably harder to evaluate than professional monitorsWhat does Dolby Certification really mean for consumer TVsWhen will we hit a point where HDR is standard & SDR is looked at in a similar way to HD or 4:3 Professional vs Consumer displays when it comes to calibration accuracy out of the boxCalibration is not a replacement for understanding & proper setup/use of a monitorExploring how calibration has become both easier and harderHow accurate is accurate enough and is the cost of reference calibration gear worth itNoticeable differences & degrees of accuracy with calibrationDrift and the frequency of recalibration In part 2 we explore some monitoring topics provided by our listeners and ones that Joey and Robbie have been eager to discuss.

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 purchasesDo we think Apple will deliver on a ‘beast mode’ Mac ProWill Apple Silicon ever support discreet GPUsHow ARM Linux systems are very appealing from a hardware point of view but have software challengesIs widespread adoption of ARM an inflection point for cloud-based workstations for the massesA side effect of cloud-based workstations might be faster feature/bug fix deploymentWhy the future of workstations is really excitingBe sure to check out our library of episodes, and if you liked the show, be sure to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you find it.

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 ARM vs x86/x64 processorsRISK vs Non-RISK CPUsThe flexibility & scalability of ARMThe goal of a uniform product architecture and its advantage for a company like AppleGPU design/performance - the surprise of Apple’s ARM implementationThe appeal and benefits of efficiency and low power consumptionThe benefits of unified memoryPackage scalability - faster/more cores, multiple SoCsDoes clock speed matter with ARM SOCs?Additional benefits - onboard encode/decode abilitiesAre SoC GPUs ever going to be on par with discrete GPUs? Will discrete GPUs ever come to Apple ARM systems?In part two, we’ll dive a bit deeper, exploring additional topics, including how cloud-based ARM computing could be a game changer for cost-effective, decentralized post workflows, what the future may hold for workstations from Apple and others, and much more. 

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 Powergrades, DCTL & OFXThe benefits of extending the toolset without cluttering the user interfaceIntegrating DCTLS and OFX into fix node tree structuresThe DCTL ecosystem as R&D for Blackmagic DesignKeeping DCTLs & OFX in sync, up to date, and on multiple systems and locationsExploring how to NOT paint yourself into a corner with DCTLs & OFXHow DCTLS and OFX require a lot of steps and clicks for useThere could be better interface & panel integrationSome of our favorite DCTLs and OFXBe sure to check out our library of episodes, and if you liked the show, be sure to like and subscribe to the show wherever you find it.

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 sessionsThe importance of ‘knowing’ the show - content, characters, etcModulating small talk and reading the roomLeveraging markers & notes for remaining tasks to accomplish & notes to selfAnticipating problems, tangents, and pushbackSetup your grading pipeline to make changes and comparisons easy for the clientThe power of making choices and changes visual Documenting and tracking changes for consistency and completion Making sure the technology works - audio, networking, lighting, passwords etcHaving a backup strategy  - rendering out intermediate masters, duplicate projects/timelinesHaving clearly defined goals for the review session & a post-review plan You can submit show ideas and find show notes by visiting www.offsetpodcast.com. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube - just search for The Offset Podcast

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?How being a colorist can challenge your physical and mental healthHow not every project is share-worthy and it's easy to feel like you're not making artChallenges of long hours and being away from family and friendsBeing an independent colorist is hard, but the benefits can be numerous  There is more out there to color besides movies, television, and commercials - i.e. the great middleHow postproduction knowledge as a colorist can be leveraged for lots of other thingsHow you have to learn to check your ego at the doorLong-term success usually means consistency and repeatability vs one awesome gradeLearning how to be a team player with other parts of the pipeline Putting your knowledge to work through education, speaking, etc can be just as rewarding as gradingAdvancement in postproduction isn’t really connected to titles - - but more so responsibility and overall trust from stakeholders Thanks for listening/watching and if you liked this show be sure to check out other episodes and tell your colleagues and friends about the podcast!