Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1540269
ing sequence, set in the past, used a surreal vintage look to distin- guish it from the modern timeline while maintaining visual cohesion." For Westerbeck, the Skyview restaurant posed the biggest chal- lenge for his grading work, which was completed in DaVinci Re- solve Studio. "The massive LED volume windows created dynamic, high-luminance backgrounds," he said. "Isolating actors from these vibrant, shiing backdrops required precise keying and matting to prevent color spill and maintain clean edges, particularly in close- ups where focus was critical. Although the massive LED volume was excellent, it periodically introduced inconsistent color temperatures, necessitating careful adjustments to keep skin tones natural without clashing with the background." Final Destination: Bloodlines also included extensive visual ef- fects, which required careful work in the grade for integration. "The VFX team, headed by supervisor Nordin Rahhali, did excellent work, particularly in the Skyview restaurant and death sequences," add- ed Westerbeck. "The LED volume walls were enhanced with VFX to enrich their dynamic backgrounds, requiring close coordination to ensure my grade complemented their efforts. I received VFX plates with alpha channels, which I carefully balanced to match live action footage, adjusting color and luminance for seamless integration. Grading the VFX shots, I focused on ensuring composited elements blended naturally with practical footage. Roughly 30-percent of my grading time involved VFX-related adjustments to maintain visual coherence." Westerbeck relied heavily on core DaVinci Resolve Studio tools such as qualifier, power windows, color warper, and face refinement. "These DaVinci Resolve tools, paired with Christian's exceptional cinematography and the directors' clear vision, made the grading process both challenging and rewarding, delivering a visually striking film that enhances its thrilling narrative," he concluded. Images © 2025 Warner Bros. & Blackmagic Design