Freefolk launches new-look colour department
Operating as a freelance collective, the powerhouse team will consist of colourists [L to R] Duncan Russell, Marty McMullan, Matt Turner, Peter Oppersdorff and Vic Parker, in what is an exciting transition for the business.
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Freefolk announce the creation of a brand-new colour department, consisting of not one, but five award-winning artists.
Operating as a freelance collective, the powerhouse team will consist of colourists Duncan Russell, Marty McMullan, Matt Turner, Peter Oppersdorff and Vic Parker, in what is an exciting transition for the business.
“The move to this curated collective is a new direction for us, and we think it’s an answer to a lot of the industry’s current problems” says Freefolk CEO Fi Kilroe, “To have five artists of this calibre on one roster is a no-brainer, but it also gives our clients a fantastic range of talent to collaborate with. Each brings their own distinct signature, and a catalogue of industry leading work too. That not only allows us to match any brief that comes our way, but a bespoke offering will set us apart in a time where agility is proving to be a super power in the industry.”
Vittorio Giannini, Director of Business Development at Freefolk, states: “The move to this new model is an expression of Freefolk’s proudly independent position. Established, in-demand talent, that is nimble enough to flex with capacity. The department can now scale to the project and the schedule as required, in a way that more rigid studios cannot.
Our clients therefore get freelance level flexibility, with the backing of cutting-edge facility support. At the moment, that combination seems to be getting harder to find, especially as the industry consolidates. That's the gap that Freefolk now fills.”
Duncan Russell has been a colourist for over two decades, with stints at MPC, Glassworks and Freefolk making him one of the most senior freelance colourists working globally. Most of his time is spent grading commercials for the world's biggest brands, alongside episodic TV, documentaries and feature films. He combines considerable experience with an insatiable curiosity and a real joy in making beautiful images. Recent commercial collaborations with Max Fisher for Pieta, Declan Lowney for Warburtons and Johnny Kelly for The Humane World for Animals Campaign.
"Put five colourists of this calibre in one building and something happens to the work” continues Russell. “We've all built our own signatures over our long careers, and we've all got a different answer to the same shot. Being able to lean on that, and to push each other, is not something most of us have ever had access to. It’s a bold new direction, and one that will put us right at the cutting edge of the industry."
Marty McMullan is a senior colourist with over a decade of experience crafting bold, dynamic looks across commercials, music videos and branded content. His work spans campaigns for Guinness, Nike, Audi, Škoda, Warburtons and Dyson, alongside promos for Stormzy, Burna Boy and Raye. Raised around art and a painter's understanding of light, he brings both artistry and energy to every project.
"The thing that most excites me about this move to a collective is the collaboration” says McMullan. “The ability to continue working alongside Duncan and Vic, while also benefitting from the added expertise of Peter and Matt is a real rarity. Not only does it mean we can pick the right artist for the work every time, but couple that with the calibre of projects each artist is bringing to the table, and it’s a really exciting new chapter for everyone here.”
Matt Turner has 25 years of experience grading commercials, long-form and music videos, and has featured in Televisual's Top 10 Colourists every year for more than a decade. He has worked with directors including Baz Luhrmann, Ringan Ledwidge, Dexter Navy and Andreas Nilsson on global campaigns, multiple Super Bowl spots and music videos seen by audiences in the billions. He has held senior roles at The Mill, Framestore, Company 3, Absolute (Partner) and No.8, with work recognised at Cannes Lions, D&AD, the British Arrows and AICP, among others.
“Freefolk is one of the few genuinely independent, owner-run facilities. With the post-production landscape changing so dramatically over the last couple of years, I think the time is right for a different kind of model.
What particularly appeals to me is the balance between independence and collaboration. I retain the freedom and flexibility of working as a freelancer, while having the opportunity to work with Freefolk on projects and benefit from the support, infrastructure and creative environment of a great facility. Having that backing without losing the independence that comes with being a freelancer is invaluable.”
Peter Oppersdorff is a multi-award-winning Senior Colourist who began his Colour career at MPC, where he developed an in-depth knowledge of his craft. Working in one of the industry's most successful, respected and demanding Colour departments, he then acted as co-head in Colour departments for The Mill & Absolute.
Oppersdorff’s work has been recognised at the highest levels of the industry, with nominations and awards at The British Arrows, Kinsale Sharks, AICP Post Awards, Filmlight Colour Awards, The Creative Circles & the Berlin Commercial Awards. Over the past decade, Oppersdorff has cultivated an impressive and diverse portfolio, collaborating with many of the industry's most respected directors. This includes Dave Meyers, Sam Brown, Si&Ad, Dorian & Daniel, Dom&Nic, The Sacred Egg, David Wilson, Jake Scott, Vedran Rupic & Michael J Ferns.
Oppersdorff sums up the model's appeal for artists: "You get the independence of freelance and the backing of a proper facility, which is a combination most of us have spent our careers choosing between. The support is there, the pipeline is there and we still get to move nimbly when a schedule changes. It's a rare thing, and I don't think it's an accident that it's one of the leading independent post houses doing it."
“We want Freefolk Colour to become a benchmark department globally, a place where talent can thrive and where clients want to be. I've admired and built an excellent rapport with the rest of the team over the years, so I cannot wait to get cracking on this new exciting chapter."
With over 20 years in the industry, Vic Parker brings a fine art background and a lifelong passion for cinema, painting and photography to his work across commercials, narrative and music videos. He has graded for Chanel, Versace, Apple, Porsche and Nike, and honed his craft on 35mm at VTR under pioneers Mick Vincent and Seamus O'Kane. His approach draws on everything from Caravaggio to Bruce Davidson, bringing depth, texture and emotion to every frame.
Vic points to the work itself. "The scripts landing here are ambitious, and ambitious work is the only thing worth grading. Our department has been evolving, working on award-winning projects that demand the best of the team, and that's what's coming through Freefolk's door in spades. It's a studio putting out work at a level that stands up anywhere, and the addition of Pete and Matt to the department will only drive this further."
