February 17, 2015

Technicolor Supports Smash Hit Fifty Shades of Grey

Shattering box office records around the world, for an “R” rated motion picture released over the Valentine’ Day-Presidents’ Day weekend, Universal Pictures-Focus Features Fifty Shades of Grey also became the highest-grossing opening in motion picture history for a film directed by a woman, filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson.

Adapted from author E. L. James hit novel of the same name, and starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan, the narrative involves an attractive and innocent young woman who falls under the influence of a charming and damaged billionaire playboy who initiates the young woman into his world.  Technicolor, working with Ms. Taylor-Johnson, the company provided a myriad of services to the smash hit including color-finishing, sound-finishing and visual effects. 

Ms. Taylor-Johnson’s directorial style was described by her longtime cinematographer, Seamus McGarvey, ASC, as one of “simplicity” while “exploring a very strong psychological edge coupled with ordinary life.”  The visual palette they worked towards employed fairly subdued lighting, with a “moody and sexy” look.  The film’s finishing was handled at Technicolor Hollywood under the supervision of senior digital colorist Steve Scott, and his team.  Mr. Scott worked earlier with Mr. McGarvey on the 2014 summer hit, Godzilla.

The film’s sound finishing was performed at Technicolor’s facility in Hollywood, with Anna Behlmer and Terry Porter handling the sound mixing chores.  Working with Ms. Taylor-Johnson, the sound team emphasized that strong female perspective of the story.

The film’s visual effects work was performed by multiple Technicolor teams, at MPC and Technicolor Hollywood.