Longford, a controversial TV drama commissioned by Channel 4 and HBO aired last month starring Jim Broadbent as British peer Lord Longford. This feature-length drama is set in the last three decades of Lord Longford’s life during which time he famously battled to win parole for the Moors murderess Myra Hindley.
Myra Hindley became a female icon of evil in the UK after she and her lover, Ian Brady, were found guilty of murdering and abusing children in the 1960s.
London-based facility The Mill handled the (DI) Digital Intermediate and the final grade was completed on the Baselight EIGHT by Senior Colourist and Creative Director Adam Scott.
Adam was faced with the challenge of matching the authentic period footage supplied from old newsreels, articles and video footage to the new material from the shoot. Some characters were composited with the original material which meant it was critical for the transition to be seamless between old and new.
He explained “We originally considered grading on telecine in the traditional way, but the flexibility gained from grading a final conform in context in the Baselight resulted in a more accurate and consistent grade.”
Adam was able to drop VFX shots directly as they were completed and re-conformed the opening title sequence without an EDL. Using the film LUT on the Truelight, it enabled Adam to apply a true print look to the programme.
Previously a colourist at VTR and Rushes, Adam Scott has worked on a variety of grading systems. He has been employed at The Mill for the last 14 years and his credits range from commercials including Vodafone Network (Cinema release); Sony – Bravia bouncing balls; Lynx billions; Nike – Tell me I’m not an athlete to long form TV & drama – Elizabeth 1st; Prime Suspect.
“Baselight has changed the way I work. It enabled me to create the desired look for the programme. The system is flexible and revisions to the cut and VFX shots can be made easily during the grade. The ability to control specific skin tones using D key combined with the tracker has allowed me to seamlessly blend the original and new footage together.”
The Mill’s credits include award winning sci-fi series Doctor Who and the recent spin off Torchwood, two other programmes that were graded on Baselight.
Contact – Deepa Parbhoo ([email protected]) +44 20 7292 0400
