The Offset Podcast EP005: Film Print Emulation (FPE)

Productions of all types and sizes often rely on archival and stock footage, but not all archival is created equal and some content can be wrought with issues. While its easy to just to say 'inherent to source' and ignore issues with these types of sources, a lot of problems can be addressed in a pretty straight forward manner.  In this episode we're starting a two part series on dealing with archival sources and how to get them looking their best.  We'll start out in this show exploring general issues with archival and stock and then explore film originated archival issues - issues you'll often encounter and ways to address them.  In part 2, we'll focus on video orginated specific challenges. In this episode some of the specifics we'll discuss include:Big picture issues with archival - aspects ratios, resolution, and codecs/containersManaging texture and grain with film orginated archival Film restoration toolsetsPulldown cadence issues and repeated framesAdditional problems with film orginated archival sources - gate weave, color layer separation etcBe sure to like it and subscribe to the podcast wherever you found it and be sure to check out our growing library of episodes.  If you like the podcast it'd mean the world to us if you'd consider supporting the show by buying us a cup of virtual coffee -https://buymeacoffee.com/theoffsetpodcastSee you in about two weeks for a new episode.

It's our first episode of 2026 and the first episode of season 3!  We have a lot planned for the show this year, and we appreciate you, our audience, for being along for the ride. Over the next few months, we'll be dropping some new features for the show, along with some content that we're really excited about - stay tuned!  In this installment of The Offset Podcast, we're doing that cliché, but useful exercise of exploring our business, technical, and creative goals for 2026. Some of the specifics we'll discuss in this episode include:How everyone can get better - but doing it is different than just talking about itEvaluating weak spotsImproved planning - pivots, side hustles and weathering industry ups/downsBeing more methodical about sales and marketingBetter client outreachMore efficient project organizationBeing more open to new tools and techniquesLearning more from other coloristsDefeating procrastination Working smarter, not harderBe sure to like it and subscribe to the podcast wherever you found it and be sure to check out our growing library of episodes.  If you like the podcast it'd mean the world to us if you'd consider supporting the show by buying us a cup of virtual coffee -https://buymeacoffee.com/theoffsetpodcastSee you in about two weeks for a new episode. 

Happy Holidays!It’s our last episode of Season 2 and for the year!  We’ll return in mid-January 2026  for Season 3 with some great new topics, new types of content and much more.If you’ve enjoyed The Offset Podcast help us improve it.  If you have 5-10 minutes we’d love it if you could take our audience survey by visiting this link: https://wkf.ms/4acQMvbThank you to our amazing audience we couldn’t do the show without your support.  Wishing you and yours a great holiday season!————Continuing our recent efforts to address some viewer/listener submitted topics, in this episode of The Offset Podcast we’re exploring a question we got from audience member Jared about how to integrate greenscreen work into a color/finishing pipeline.It’s a great topic, and one as you’ll see and hear Joey gets particularly amped up about!Since we’re a podcast and not a tutorial channel, this episode is more about big picture strategies and techniques then the nitty gritty of particular sliders and knobs, but we still cover a ton. Some of the specific topics we explore include:Success in greenscreen work starts on setKeying on the Resolve Color page vs Fusion pageFusion’s Delta KeyerGetting more comfortable with mattes and transparencyEdge refinement, matte finessing and the difference between the twoCombining keys and using garbage mattesControlling spill with spill suppressionLight wrap, shadow creation and getting better compositesHanding off to a VFX professionalIf you like The Offset Podcast, we’d love it if you could do us a big favor. It’d help a lot if you could like and rate the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen/watch the show. Also if you liked this show consider support the podcast by 'buying us a cup of coffee' - https://buymeacoffee.com/theoffsetpodcast

In this episode of The Offset Podcast, we’re exploring another viewer/listener submitted question - this time from a viewer named Camilo.Camilo asks about the balance as a colorist of being a technician vs an artist.  Thanks Camilo for the topic - it’s a deep one!Specifics topics we explore in this episode include:Color grading IS technical, but its ALSO very creative.  Most colorists aren't exclusively one or the otherHow you got into post/color plays a large role in how you see yourself and others seen youHow you can fill your technical/creative gaps with conceptual thinkingThe colorist as a fulcrum in a creative/technical seesawHow the pressures of having to 'invent images' vs respecting photography brings technician vs artistry to the forefrontHow video/film projects have less diversity of approach than other artistic mediumsThe power of experimental projectsLearning to understand your own personal strengthsIf you liked this episode, please subscribe, like and rate it wherever you found the show. We'd also love it if you'd consider supporting the show by 'buying us a cup of virtual coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/theoffsetpodcast 

Did you know you can submit questions or show ideas for the podcast?  If you head over to offsetpodcast.com at the top of the page there is a button to submit an idea for a future episode. You can also use this button to provide feedback about the podcast.  We’d love to hear from you.  Today we’re exploring a question we got from one of our viewers/listeners Jon who writes asking about trends in color grading.  Thanks for the question Jon it’s a good one!  Some of the specifics we discuss in this show include:The challenge of pinpointing trendsHommage vs. copy catWhat’s popular now?Have we become scared of contrast?The magic of ‘90s and early 2000’s looksThinking about future trends by using past looks as a libraryIf you liked this episode be sure to check out our growing library of episodes and like and subscribe to the podcast where ever you find it.  Also, we'd love it if you consider buying us a cup of virtual coffee to help support the show - it means a lot to us.  https://buymeacoffee.com/theoffsetpodcast 

You hear a lot of talk about references when it comes to color grading - but what are references? How do you interpret them to get great results? And, how can references play a role in client communication?It's these topics and more we're discussing on this installment of The Offset PodcastSpecifics discussed int his episode include:What is a reference and what is it good for?References aren’t just good for color - good for all aspects of finishingReferences as a communication toolInterrogating the client about provided referencesInspirational references vs. practical referencesReference evaluation  - color, contrast, texture, mood and focusWorking with references in your color grading appThinking volumetrically with referencesIf you liked this episode, please subscribe, like and rate it wherever you found the show. We'd also love it if you'd consider supporting the show by 'buying us a cup of virtual coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/theoffsetpodcast 

If you have a craving for the latest, fastest and most powerful hardware and software out there - you’re not alone!  Technology lust is real, and in this episode of The Offset Podcast we’re discussing managing it. Specific topics for this episode include:Staying at or near the technological curveMeasuring desire vs real impact of new gear and softwareThe benefits of being slightly behind the bleeding edge - improvement without breaking the bankHow small improvements can scratch that upgrade itch Monitor upgradesThe underrated value of storage upgradesThe danger of ‘build it, and they will comeThe financial part of upgrades - purchasing, finance, leasing If you liked this episode check out our growing library of other episodes, and we'd love it you could take a moment to like/subscribe where ever you find the show. Also, we'd be grateful if you'd consider supporting the show by buying us 'a cup of coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/theoffsetpodcast

In this episode of The Offset Podcast, we’re talking about relationships and their importance in the post production industry (or any industry really).  You’ve likely heard the phrase ‘it’s a relationship business’. What that means and how do you go about working on your relationships is what we’re exploring in this show.  Specifics we discuss include:What do we mean by post is a ‘relationship business’?No one is perfect, but trying to always improve relationships should be the goalUsing the concept of the ‘golden rule’ and giving people the benefit of the doubtStages of relationshipsManaging client relationships and the importance of being ‘invested’ in their successThe importance of clear expectations with clientsStewardship and ‘checking in’ with clients between projectsHow project debriefs can be a valuable tool for client relationship growthWorking with other vendors and the delicate dance with client involvementDirect replies vs reply all when it comes to working with other vendors  Using relationships with other vendors as a sales and workflow assetsThe challenges of relationships with co workers & colleaguesPutting the project first with all colleagues - even ones you don’t get along withThe importance of modesty and a positive attitude with co-workersOwning your faults/mistakes and working to rectify themHow you talk about others dramatically impacts your relationships If you like this episode please like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you find it.  Also we'd be grateful if you'd consider supporting the show by buying us a cup of virtual coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/theoffsetpodcastWe'll be back in another two weeks!

In this episode, we’re discussing something we do pretty regularly - look setting with a client.  If you’re not familiar with look setting, it can be a vital part of the grading process.  It helps ensure that you and the client are on the same page with the creative choices and the look of a project PRIOR to grading the entire project and potentially going down the wrong path.  Look setting can be an integral part of preproduction - building monitoring LUTs or in camera look files. Or it can happen after production has wrapped but prior to the main grade starting or combination of those approaches In this episode it’s that second scenario that we’re going to be discussing.  We’ll cover developing looks for production in a future episode.  Specific topics discussed in this show include:What is look setting and while is a vital part of the finishing process?How look setting is the first part of building client confidence and important to the communication process When does looking setting happen? Making the goals of a looking setting session clear to everyone involvedStrategies to avoid going too deep in the grade while also showing off capabilities & possibilities The importance of reviewing & discussing referencesHow to pick shots and scenes to work on Building 3 to 4 looks to share with the clientLeveraging comparative toolsPresenting shot challenges without offending clients In person, asynchronous and remote streaming look sessionsMoving from a look setting session into the main gradeIf you like this episode please consider supporting the podcast by buying us 'a cup of coffee': https://buymeacoffee.com/theoffsetpodcastBig thanks as always to our sponsor Flanders Scientific for helping make these shows possible.  See you in about two weeks! 

In this episode of The Offset Podcast we’re talking about something that’s been on our mind for while - virtualization.  Specifically how virtualization can help facilitate and color and postproduction workflow.If you’re new to the subject than this episode is a good primer on the essential components of virtualization, for those of you more experienced with virtualization, we believe strongly that virtualization will continue to play a large role in our industry and over the next few years become mainstream in many post and finishing workflows.Specific topics discussed include:What is virtualization and why is it important?Local hardware mentality vs virtualizationLocal hypervisors and VMsVirtualization servers (DIY local and or Cloud Based)Key vocabulary - bare metal, pass through etcThe role of Remote Desktop/streaming and local clients in a virtualized setupWhy and how we’re experimenting with fully virtualized workflowsThe trickle down effect of virtualization is gaining steamIf you like The Offset Podcast, we’d love it if you could do us a big favor. It’d help a lot if you could like and rate the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen/watch the show.Also if you liked this show consider support the podcast by buying us a cup of coffee. - https://buymeacoffee.com/theoffsetpodcast