by FIlmInk Staff
End to end post in one platform allows studio to work on multiple projects efficiently while meeting strict deadlines.
Blackmagic Design today announced that Stargate Studios Colombia is relying on DaVinci Resolve Studio to streamline its post production workflow for microdramas, which are one to three minute dramas filmed and edited in a vertical format designed for mobile viewing. The studio handles post, including editing, color grading and VFX, for up to eight microdramas simultaneously.
Founded in 1989 by Sam Nicholson, ASC, Stargate Studios is a leading global brand in VFX and post production. In 2019, Valencia Producciones FX formed an alliance with Stargate Studios to expand to Colombia, and Stargate Studios Colombia has quickly grown with clients including Telemundo, Canal RCN, Disney+, Estudios Teleméxico, Caracol Televisión, Teleset and more.
“The partnership with Stargate Studios has allowed us to work on even more projects and expand our footprint in Latin America,” said Andrés Valencia, CEO at Stargate Studios Colombia. “DaVinci Resolve Studio has been the backbone to many of our projects for years, giving us the flexibility and tools we need to deliver with quality and precision.”
Stargate Studios Colombia’s latest major project includes post production for microdramas exclusively produced in Colombia, including “Verdadera heredera vs Falsa millonaria,” “Sustituta Accidental para Alfa,” “Navidad inesperada: casada con un vagabundo millonario,” and “Destinada a mi Alfa Prohibido.” With each microdrama consisting of up to 85 episodes each, efficiency is key.
“The demand for vertical content in Latin America and across the globe continues to grow, so when we had the opportunity to work on microdramas, we were very excited,” added Valencia. “Due to the large volume of material and the fast paced delivery schedule, we needed the entire team of six editors, two colorists and one subtitler to work within the same platform, which is why we chose DaVinci Resolve Studio once again.”
Post Production Coordinator Sebastián Bolívar explained the overall workflow, “At the start of each series, we create dailies using Resolve’s automatic synchronization. Then, an editor organizes the scenes by day in smart bins and begins the editing process, while another team member performs color grading tests within the same project. We use markers and filters to manage versions and track each cut. Once the client approves the final cut of each episode, it moves on to color correction. Everything takes place in Resolve, allowing us to optimize processes, reduce delivery times, and work collaboratively in a single environment. This is essential when managing multiple microdramas and episodes simultaneously.”
Working on vertical projects for the first time was an interesting challenge for the Stargate Studios Colombia team, though with DaVinci Resolve Studio, they quickly adapted. Bolívar added, “One of the main challenges was managing multi camera projects shot horizontally within vertical timelines. Although it can be complex, we found solutions within Resolve that allow us to maintain workflow efficiency. Resolve’s updates have improved our experience with vertical content as the interface adapts well to the needs of the format, and the transition between horizontal and vertical is very smooth.”
With multiple microdramas constantly in the works, the team’s need for intuitive tools is crucial. “We complete post in about six weeks for each series, and to do this, we need tools that are easy to use. We also have two DaVinci Resolve Micro Color Panels which help us speed up workflows even more,” said Bolívar.
He continued, “When it comes to colour, we use a palette based on primary colours. We modify the primaries and use some masks, especially when we have overexposures in a window, for example. We control the overexposures, the highlights, the shadows, and make sure the cameras match in terms of saturation and white balance. Because many of these microdramas have a very similar aesthetic, we usually know what we need to achieve in terms of visuals, so we keep it simple and consistent.”
In addition to editing and color grading, the team uses the Fusion page’s rotoscoping toolset to generate mattes that are then integrated into VFX workflows. Bolívar added, “We have a compositing team that works incredibly fast. For example, the ‘Destinada a mi Alfa Prohibido’ series has some CGI logos that we created, and we completed those in two weeks, which is a record time for creating CGI shots with animation and interaction.
“These series also have a lot of VFX, as each one has up to 30 shots that could need clean ups or some kind of treatment, perhaps on the actors’ eyes to give them a sparkle to convey a certain emotion or visual expression during a specific scene.”
With multiple big projects on the horizon, the Stargate Studios Colombia team is excited for what’s to come. Valencia concluded, “DaVinci Resolve has been key to our success. We’re excited to continue working on vertical projects and take advantage of all the tools Resolve has to offer.”
About Blackmagic Design
Blackmagic Design creates the world’s highest quality video editing products, digital film cameras, color correctors, video converters, video monitoring, routers, live production switchers, disk recorders, waveform monitors and real time film scanners for the feature film, post production and television broadcast industries. Blackmagic Design’s DeckLink capture cards launched a revolution in quality and affordability in post production, while the company’s Emmy™ award winning DaVinci color correction products have dominated the television and film industry since 1984. Blackmagic Design continues ground breaking innovations including 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI products and stereoscopic 3D and Ultra HD workflows. Founded by world leading post production editors and engineers, Blackmagic Design has offices in the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore and Australia. For more information, please go to www.blackmagicdesign.com/au.
