The pixel dust =)
Yes, we can help! We specialize in compositing, pre-viz, and virtual sets look development, which means we can help you with green screen and undesirables removal, make-up enhancements and corrections, adding CG elements to your films, preparing a virtual set for you to shoot on a LED volume, and more. We cover pre-production, on-set, and post-production workflows.
High-quality VFX starts in pre-production. Smart choices on set can save time and money in post, putting VFX at reach for smaller productions. From pre-visualization to shot list reviews and on-set work, we like to collaborate early with directors to make sure the plan aligns with the expected results.
Reality
Distortion Ink
RDI is our visual effects stage. It runs on powerful PCs equipped with the latest GPUs and is powered by industry-standard software like Nuke X, Unreal Engine, and Blender, the same CG tool used in Flow, the Oscar-winner (way too cute) animation.
RDI is also fully equipped with color-accurate reference monitors, volumetric scan cameras, MARS camera trackers, global shutter cameras, green screens, LED professional lighting, and everything we need to distort reality, from pre-visualization all the way to the final pixel.
🖖 I'm Z...
Z Tennyson is a filmmaker, colorist and VFX artist. He holds an Unreal Authorized Instructor certificate by Epic Games and has been working on animation, lighting, color and visual effects pipelines since 2018.
Fun fact: Z had a long career as a Designer and UX Engineer, he wrote books on Design Thinking and was part of the Augmented Reality team at Meta Reality Labs.
... and I'm Su.
Su Tais is a Berklee alumni music composer for film and TV. She's been sounding films, documentaries, immersive experiences and animations since 2017.
Fun fact: Su was a data-scientist and used to manage A.I projects at Apple in Silicon Valley, where she worked for many years before transitioning careers into film music.
Questions we are always asked
How long does it take to grade a 15' short film?
Around 2-5 minutes of footage a day. That said, it may take longer depending on the creative needs of the film, how many clips, cameras, etc. We are also terrified of moveable rates, so the price we give you won't change. This means we will estimate the workload based on the amount of days we need. This price only increases on added work. For example, if you want more review rounds after the two included, or you added footage that we were not able to discuss before the price estimate.
How can I get a quote for VFX work?
There are two approaches to getting a quote from us on the VFX work you need.
Option 1: We have been involved since the beginning.
In this case, we will help you break down the script to find out where VFX will be needed and advise you on how to shoot scenes so they are cheaper for you and more believable in the end.
Option 2: You did your thing and need help.
In this case, you will send us a list of things that you want modified, along with references and assets you already have.
In both cases, we will send you an email with detailed instructions on what we need.
Where are you located?
We are based in Reading, UK. A 20 min train ride from London Paddignton. We provide remote post-production services for clients worldwide.
Do you work with commercial and music videos?
Absolutely. In the past, our team's work with interactive and AD agencies earned awards including Cyber Lions. We are super used to fast turn-around workflows.
What files I need to provide for Grading?
You'll need a picture lock cut. No changes to edit after grading starts. This will help you save money and achieve consistency throughout the grading process.
Remote Grading:
All you need to provide us with is a lossless Prores 444 (or similar highest possible quality) render of your picture lock cut.
Grading and Conform:
If you are supplying hard drives with RAW camera footage, we will send you detailed instructions on how to groom and export the timeline for grading so we can achieve the best results possible.
How many reviews do I get?
For Grading or VFX workflows, you get two review rounds, and it should suffice for most projects. We have a methodology for turnarounds that we call SRD; it stands for Supply, Reviews, and Delivery. It ensures everything is documented and automated throughout so we never miss a note from you. We know how frustrating missed notes can be.
If you need more review rounds, we can provide them at an additional cost.
How Witchery came to be?
As filmmakers, we decided to set up shop because we were tired of the amount of pitfalls indie filmmakers deal with when hiring post-production services. Just take a look at the disheartening stories on Reddit. We've all been there. We've lost money, got our footage wrecked, and, in the end, had to redo it all ourselves.
In addition, some productions require story-aware crafty work, and most people offering post services are approaching it as if they are delivering for Door-dash. Story-aware post-production craft, a.k.a people that give a f*ck, is not easy to find, and it is especially harder for low-budget productions. We created Witchery to be that for fellow filmmakers.
Tell me about the overall workflow.
We will be discussing story and moods at the beginning of the project and then meet for remote review rounds. Our client engagement workflow (supply > 2 reviews > delivery) is completely automated and runs on top of widely adopted industry standard tools like Frame.io. After onboarding, the SRD system takes care of never leaving you out of the loop. No materials or notes are ever exchanged via email or third-party transfer sites (we are paranoid that all transfer services are using these files to train AIs. Why wouldn't they?). This also avoids messy, untraceable back and forth and keeps everyone informed, happy, and the project moving.