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Bits & Pieces Margarita Mix adds color finishing to services H OLLYWOOD — FotoKem's Margarita Mix Hollywood (www.lastudios.com) has added color finishing services to its list of capabilities. The studio has developed a finishing workflow that includes the addition of two color suites and an upgraded hub for media management. The expansion and new process enable content creators to complete audio and video work simultaneously at a single facility, adding speed and cost efficiencies to the workflow. systems and have direct connectivity to the ISIS and Avocent network. Through this network, Margarita Mix's talent can access audio and video elements from multiple terminals at the facility. Margarita Mix clients that use ISIS media servers from FotoKem's Nonlinear Services Division can now tap into the high-speed fiber connection between facilities, eliminating the need for transporting tapes and drives across town. As part of the expansion, the studio added colorists Troy Smith and Michael Mintz, and online editor Adam St. Clair. Dustin Montez, post supervisor for Ridiculousness and Fantasy Factory, was one of the first clients to use the new color capabilities and expanded services offered by FotoKem and Margarita Mix. "With our space and equipment rented from FotoKem, the streamlining of our services made perfect sense. The fact that the buildings are connected via fiber saves us, literally, hours of time. When there are fixes, everything is instantly sent The two new suites offer Nucoda's Film Master for color grading. back and forth." "Our clients have been asking for cenMargarita Mix is home to four full mixing suites set tralized services for years, and now it's a reality," adds up for 5.1 surround sound work. The studio frequently Veneta Butler, GM of Margarita Mix. "Shots on the editocontributes to animated and reality shows, as well as rial ISIS across town can be replaced in minutes during gaming and both long- and short-form projects. The an audio or video finishing session at Margarita Mix, new color suites are integrated with the existing audio providing incredible efficiencies and the ability to work bays. They feature Nucoda Film Master color grading on every aspect of their projects simultaneously." Student to Pro: Eyeball's June Hong NEW YORK — June Hong graduated with a BFA degree in graphic and motion graphic design from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Prior to her studies at SVA, she completed a BFA in Digital Media Design at Hongik University. She also worked as an art director at an underground hip-hop agency in Korea, called Soul Company. While there, she designed 14 album jackets and participated in all the design processes, including packaging, graphic design and various video projects. "Throughout my education I was exposed to diverse fields of design, such as fine art, interaction design, motion graphic and UI/UX," says Hong. "I recently joined Eyeball as an art director; it was one of my favorite design companies that I looked up when I was studying." Prior to working for Eyeball (www.eyeballnyc.com), Hong interned at Psyop, where she worked on a project for a non-profit with seven other interns. "During my studies in New York City, I was also a freelancer and a motion graphics intern at The Lifelong Friendship Society (TLFS) and Assembly." She also gained experience in 2D, 3D design and motion graphics, contributing to both spots and music videos. For a look at other students who have recently launched their careers, turn to our "Student to Pro" feature on page 24. 8 Post • September 2013 www.postmagazine.com Factory VFX contributes to Percy Jackson N EW ORLEANS — Factory VFX (www. factoryvfx.com) completed visual effects work for the Fox feature Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters. The family adventure hit theaters in August and was partially filmed in New Orleans, allowing Fox Studios to take advantage of the Louisiana Film Tax Incentive program. "Fox Studios has been a big supporter of Louisiana Film Production, and they are a real joy to work with," says visual effects supervisor, Eric Christensen. "We have been very fortunate to be able to offer our services in Louisiana under the incentive program that has saved Fox on two recent projects: Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters as well as Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. We've found that many of the productions filming in Louisiana still prefer going out of the state for their post work. We continue to do what we can to change that thinking. If artistically the talent is there, which it is, as well as the savings, it would seem a simple solution.The problem is there needs to be more awareness of the collection of visual effects companies now serving the region. We would like to help keep talented artists and steady jobs in the US, Louisiana in particular, which offers a great film tax incentive program to do just that." While Factory VFX has a studio in Northern California, for Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, all the VFX were created in New Orleans. "With today's economy, every job that stays in the US is a bonus for us all," adds Christal Wolgamott, executive producer for Factory VFX.