Sarofsky Principal and Executive Creative Director Erin Sarofsky and Mike Matusek, Founder and Colorist at Nolo Digital Film, announce their new strategic partnership. Having just relocated into Sarofsky’s state-of-the-art studio in Chicago’s West Loop, Nolo is now also sharing Sarofsky’s customer service and production resources.
As a key part of this new arrangement, Sarofsky’s Managing Director/Executive Producer Steven Anderson and Head of Production Joel Signer will share oversight on production for both companies. This unique collaboration seamlessly combines the offerings of two visionary artist-owned production entities.
Moving forward, Nolo’s top-tier talents remain dedicated to delivering exceptional color grading and digital intermediate mastering services to both in-studio and virtual clients, catering to the distinct requirements of the advertising and entertainment industries. Whether exclusively for color, or in combination with Sarofsky’s elite creative and/or finishing pipelines, Chicago’s home for premier color lives on at Nolo.
Nolo’s Colorful History and Future
Back in 2007 when Matusek became a Partner and Colorist at Nolo, he had already earned a strong following. Essentially, the color-grading artistry he provided for high-profile commercials and feature films at i-cubed kept many clients coming back. His continuing legacy as colorist for filmmaker Steve James began in that era, and since then, Matusek’s prolific collaborations with even more ad and entertainment industry leaders have kept him and his colleagues at the top of their game. Along with coloring many Super Bowl spots, Nolo’s extensive credits also include deep involvement with recent, high-profile restorations for Orson Welles’ “The Chimes at Midnight” and Tobe Hooper’s “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” and coloring Steve James’ latest project with ESPN Films, which debuted at this year’s SXSW Festival.
“As an artist-driven studio focused solely on color-grading commercials and feature films, we are very proud of everything we’ve achieved so far,” Matusek began. “While we’re a small studio, we know our talent and services are world-class.”
In addition to Matusek, Nolo’s core talents include Senior Colorist Elliot Rudmann and Color Assistant Kathleen Young. “With Elliot onboard since 2009 and Kathleen’s presence since 2016, we have great continuity together as a team,” Matusek continued.
“In a business where change and turnover are constants, we are especially proud to have been able to stay together, and in top form, for our clients,” added Rudmann. “We feel this new arrangement with Sarofsky is a dream come true for everyone involved.”
Among Nolo’s scores of VIP clients, Sarofsky has been a frequent collaborator since its launch in 2009. Over the years, many of Sarofsky’s biggest projects have been colored by Nolo artists, including last year’s main title sequence for the Apple TV+ original series, “WeCrashed.”
For Erin Sarofsky, the rationale for this strategic partnership is multifaceted. First, she knows first-hand that Nolo’s boutique color-grading experiences produce excellent results, whether remotely or in-studio. The fact that Nolo’s talents are both exceptional and humble also stands out to her. “Additionally,” she explained, “having Nolo in the studio while our artists are designing, editing, and animating will enhance the opportunities for collaboration at all stages of the process… which is a nice evolution. Sarofsky and Nolo also share passions for commercial and entertainment projects, which has helped both companies stand out, especially in Chicago.”
Sarofsky continued, “Together with Mike and his team, we see this as an opportunity to work with elite design, VFX, edit, finish – and now color – all under one roof. Putting brilliant creatives together is what Sarofsky is all about. We don’t just add technology, we add artists who bring their points of view and perspectives to the creative process. Mike and Elliot do just that, and will make our internal creative conversations that much more informed and robust.”
Steven Anderson also shared his thoughts on the new paradigm: “Building on our history of collaborations between Sarofsky and Nolo by teaming-up is a natural progression,” he said. “Also, having the Nolo team here will be great for our artists and the producers to work with and learn from. This collaboration rounds out our finishing capabilities as well, making us stronger and even more valuable for all of our clients.”
PHOTO: L-R: Nolo Digital Film Founder and Colorist Mike Matusek; Sarofsky Managing Director/Executive Producer Steven Anderson; Sarofsky Head of Production Joel Signer; Nolo Senior Colorist Elliot Rudmann; Sarofsky Principal and ECD Erin Sarofsky; Nolo Color Assistant Kathleen Young
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