Scream & Stream Your Way to Halloween

VFX by MR. X

FX Network has established itself as one of the premier providers of original horror episodic content. The Strain, created by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan and based on their novel trilogy of the same name, is one of its best. When a mysterious viral outbreak of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism ravages the city of New York, Dr. Ephraim Goodweather, the head of CDC’s NY based Canary Project, (played by Corey Stoll) and his team wage war to save humanity from the spreading effect of the virus. Expect chills and thrills from del Toro’s fantastical creatures and stunning VFX from Technicolor creative brand MR. X. The Strain ran for four seasons, and all 46 episodes are available on FX Networks, Netflix, or Amazon Prime.

“As the VFX Supervisor on The Strain, the only thing scarier than four consecutive winter shoots in Toronto were the macabre creatures Guillermo del Toro, Chuck Hogan, and Carlton Cuse created for every episode! Whether it was scuttling vampire children, thousands of bloodsucking worms, or the 7-foot-tall Master, there was always something terrifying that made every day of the show feel like a never-ending Halloween.”  ~ Matt Glover, VFX Supervisor, MR. X

Check out the Making of The Strain reel on the left and learn more on MR. X website.

VFX by MR. X

This A&E original series is a contemporary prequel to the 1960 film Psycho. It follows the life of Norman Bates and his mother, Norma, prior to the events portrayed in the classic Hitchcock 1960 film. Taking place in the fictional town of White Pine Bay, Oregon, this binge-worthy series delivers a steady, tension building creep-fest as Norman’s psyche unravels throughout his teenage years. Stellar performances by Freddie Highmore (Norman Bates) and Vera Farmiga (Norma Bates) ensure that you’ll want to leave the lights on the next time you stay at a motel. The complete series, seasons 1 through 5, is available on Amazon Prime.

*Bonus fact:  Technicolor worked on the original 1960 Psycho! 

“Helping to bring Norman Bates' split personality to life through the art of visual effects was a great experience.  The re-imagining of some of the classic aspects of such a legendary horror film, and pushing them just a little further into this modern storyline is something very unique and sure to excite both fans of the original and newcomers alike.  We're happy to have played a part in that.” ~Scott Riopelle, VFX Supervisor, MR. X

Learn More on MR. X website.

Color by Technicolor

This psychological horror series on Hulu explores themes and worlds from the works of Horror Master Stephen King. The series is directed by JJ Abrams and set in the fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine. Fans of King’s work will recognize bits and pieces of King’s most loved stories interwoven to create an atmospheric story with unexpected plot twists. King fans will also appreciate the fact that Sissy Spacek (the original Carrie) and Bill Skarsgard (Pennywise in IT) are among the show’s stars. All 10 episodes are available on Hulu.

“It’s not overly dark aesthetically, just a bit off. Just like the fictional town Steven King uses frequently in his books, where all this strange stuff takes place.” ~Tony Dustin, Senior Colorist, Technicolor Hollywood

Read our article Making the Color “Just a Bit Off” Foreshadows Odd Happenings in Castle Rock

Color by Technicolor

Lore began as a podcast by writer Aaron Mahnke in 2015. It gained critical acclaim including earning Best of 2015 honors from iTunes. That original audio program is now an Amazon anthology series that uncovers real-life events which spawned people’s darkest nightmares.  This series of psychologically disturbing and paranormal true experiences, retold through a blend of dramatic scenes, animation, archive and narration, promises to keep you up at night.  Available on Amazon Prime

“Lore Season 2 has been one of the most fun projects I’ve ever had the chance to work on. The production value of these six separate stories is astounding, topped with practical and visual effects that harken back to the days of Dick Smith and Stan Winston.

The work done on-set and with Technicolor VFX gave me wonderfully horrific images with which to work, allowing the creatives and me to sit around and try to make the stories as believable, yet gut-wrenching, as possible. The best part of the project, however, wasn’t in the art, but rather in grossing out every coworker who wandered into the bay. To my credit, I would queue up the most gruesome scenes I could, regardless of where I actually was in the project.

 I can’t wait for people to watch our work in HDR10 on Amazon at home, and for me to see what twisted stories they manage to conjure up next year.” ~ David Aaron Waters, Colorist, Technicolor Hollywood

Read our article Technicolor Vows You’ll Scream as You Stream Amazon’s Lore.

Dailies, Picture and Sound by Technicolor

This Netflix Original Series is based on the books by Brian McGeevy and produced by acclaimed horror master Eli Roth (Hostel). Set in Hemlock Grove, a dilapidated former steel town in Pennsylvania, a peculiar group of residents – including suspected werewolves, gypsies, psychic mediums, and other supernatural creatures – must fight monsters while dealing with the monsters they themselves are becoming. Starring Femke Janssen and Bill Skarsgard, this show will have you checking under the bed and in the closet before going to sleep! All episodes available on Netflix.

“Hemlock Grove was the first Netflix Original program we worked on in Toronto and it was a great experience. Showrunner Charles H. (Chic) Eglee wanted a bold, innovative mix that supported the story and enhanced the variety of unusual locations.  The final didn’t disappoint.” ~ Alan DeGraaf, Senior Re-Recording Mixer, Technicolor, Toronto.