Stephen Nakamura Colors Powerful Documentary Waiting for Superman

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

When Oscar-winning documentarian Davis Guggenheim sought out a post production company for the DI (digital intermediate) work on his powerful documentary, Waiting for Superman, he took his project to Company 3 and Colorist Stephen Nakamura. Nakamura, who has brought his sensitivity and technical savvy to blockbuster features including James Bond action thriller Quantum of Solace and upcoming Russell Crowe adventure Robin Hood, was thrilled with the opportunity to apply his talents to this decidedly smaller, independent film, made up primarily of video-shot interviews and a very diverse array of archival material.

While not the type of job that might require Nakamura to create an otherworldly "look" during his sessions, the colorist reports a special satisfaction working on this emotional, in-depth look at America's educational system. "Davis is so passionate about everything he does and that shows through in this really special film," he says. "I love working on huge studio films but this is why I got into the business."

The filmmakers were acutely aware of the benefits Nakamura could bring not just to an effects-heavy studio feature but also to an independent documentary. "Sometimes the documentaries that mix footage from many different sources can be the most challenging to even out," Nakamura explains. "The interviews they shot with the HD cameras looked very good but when you go from one camera to the other, or from HD to something you downloaded from the internet, it's very important to finesse each image very carefully. Any mismatch or technical imperfection is going to be magnified enormously, especially when you put the movie up on the big screen."

Nakamura's work on the DaVinci Resolve also helped provide unique "looks" to particular storylines to help subliminally orient the audience when the film rapidly cross-cuts locations as three families in different cities participate in tense lotteries to determine whether their children will get into the best schools.

For Nakamura this is as rewarding as any project that's gone through his DI bay. "It can be great to participate in a gigantic film that goes on to make hundreds of millions of dollars," the colorist sums up, "but it's also incredibly rewarding to work on material that can really make a difference in the world."

About Company 3:

Company 3 revolutionized the post production industry a decade ago when it took the art and craft of color correction into a boutique environment. Today, focused on high-quality creative results, Company 3 is synonymous with many of today's award-winning commercials, music videos and feature films. Currently, Company 3 is translating its finely tuned expertise in feature film DI (digital intermediate), color correction, and final finishing to commercials and advertising.

In addition to Stefan Sonnenfeld, Company 3's incredible talent roster includes John Bonta, Sean Coleman, Siggy Ferstl, Billy Gabor, Dave Hussey, Tim Masick, Victor Mulholland, Stephen Nakamura, Mike Pethel, Tom Poole, Rob Sciarratta and Matt Turner. Recent commercial projects are campaigns for Apple, BMW, Heineken, Nike and Travelers Insurance. Recent feature film credits include A Single Man, High School, Collapse, Public Enemies, Star Trek, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, and Watchmen. Company 3 www.company3.com is an Ascent Media www.ascentmedia.com company.