Taylor Schafer - Colorist
Colorist
Experience 5+ years
“The best way to learn is by doing, so get your hands on as many projects as you can. Even “bad” projects will give you loads of experience.”
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
Modern Post’s projects are typically elevated fashion, beauty, and luxury commercials. I’ve been lucky to work with many clients including Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Oscar de la Renta, Victoria’s Secret, David Yurman, Savage X Fenty, Chanel, Tom Ford, and many more. I’ve also worked on many short films and music videos, and a few feature documentaries. The last feature documentary I graded was Lee Fields: Faithful Man. The short film Kiss Me in the Backseat was recently featured by Paper Magazine.
What does an average day look like in your post production working world?
For me, the average day can vary a lot! The first thing I do once I get to the office is chat with my producer Brian about our ongoing projects. We’ll come up with a plan for the day, prioritizing urgent projects. For ongoing projects, I’ll review notes and references before jumping into revisions in Resolve, and I’ll ask Brian to get clarification on notes as needed. Sometimes we find it’s easier to hop on a call to discuss the notes with the client, agency, or director, or even do a quick remote session using Pixelview. For a new project, I’ll make sure we’ve received all the references and notes needed to begin and start tinkering with the grade. I make sure to take breaks outside my dark color room to keep my eyes fresh, and I’ll often go down the hall to our senior colorist Justin to ask him his opinions on a grade I’m developing. We’ll also get the occasional in-person session, which I love. I believe it’s often easier to hack out issues in a live session than over a series of emails.
How did your career in post production begin?
I attended film school at NYU, and already had a taste for post-production from a high school radio and television class. I quickly realized that I didn’t enjoy being on set, but I loved spending hours on the post-production floor at Tisch. I tried out every role in post-production, but realized editing and coloring were the roles I loved the most, though for different reasons. Coloring won in the end. I’ve painted with watercolors and gouache since I was in middle school, but I was also a programmer and strategist on the high school robotics team. Coloring combined my love of art and technology in a way that nothing else has. My first internship and post-grad job was assistant editing, but even when I was assistant editing I was coloring projects on the side.
What has been your career highlight?
When Modern Post offered me a job as a colorist. I was so excited to work with a color team, alongside another colorist. I had founded and developed the color department at Uppercut, but I was also the only colorist. I wanted to collaborate and learn from other colorists on a daily basis. I knew that taking on the role of colorist at Modern Post, my growth as a colorist would explode. And I was right, it did, thanks to the wonderful team I work with every day.
Who are your role models in post?
My biggest mentor in the world of color has been Evan Anthony. He taught half of a finishing class I took at NYU, and he continued to impart his wisdom to me well after I graduated. He helped me navigate coloring my first feature documentary, which was a massive undertaking for me at the time. I am inspired daily by Justin Schroepfer whose eye for detail is unmatched. I also have to shout out my high school radio and television teacher Mickey Kent. He nurtured my love of post-production by teaching me Premiere Pro, and was also the first person I told I wanted to go to film school.
What advice do you have for others wanting to start a career in post?
Read and watch everything you can! Find websites and newsletters that feature artists (like Edit Girls), the latest tech, and tutorials. The best way to learn is by doing, so get your hands on as many projects as you can. Even “bad” projects will give you loads of experience. And never be afraid of the cold email! Most editors and colorists would be open to chatting to someone about their career. A proper cold email to the right person can be an amazing thing.
Connect with Taylor on Instagram.