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Featured Member: Kipp Lightburn
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September 20, 2022KIPP LIGHTBURN
COLOURIST
"They say nice guys finish last, but really nice guys are never finished."
- Kipp Lightburn
How many years have you spent working or studying in the Vancouver Post Production industry? 7 years in Post, after about 20 years in Performance & Production.
What is your favourite project that you've worked on, and why?
"Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia" was an absolute pleasure from beginning to end. It was an honor to help tell the story of Mahalia Jackson. The cinematography was superb, and the creativity allowed in the look development throughout, was fantastic. The final product is something I'm quite proud of.
Where did you get your start in the community? After a couple of decades on the production side, I transitioned into 2nd Assistant Editor/Dailies at Front Street Pictures. That led to Side Street Post where I started as an online Editor, and have now been a very active colourist for roughly 6 years.
What do you see as the biggest asset your sector provides to the Vancouver industry? Good or bad, a colourist is nothing without footage. Fortunately there is a very talented pool of cinematographers and DPs here in Vancouver.
What do you see as the biggest hurdle for your sector, relative to the Vancouver industry? Shedding the archaic old mindsets, and the problem-focussed methodologies of the past. Creative solution-based thinking is FAR more productive, and usually results in much more evolved finished products.
Why did you join the VPA? To be more involved with the Vancouver Post Production Community.
Who was/is your mentor/inspiration/idol? Roger Deakins. I would have loved to have been his colourist. From Blade Runner to Shawshank to Big Lebowski, his imagery always captures my mind and imagination.
If you could have worked on any series/film ever created, which one would it be, and why?? Star Wars. It was the first film I ever saw in theatres. I saw it on opening night when I was 4 years old back in 1977. It firmly set me on the course of pursuing filmmaking and acting. To be a Colourist on something Star Wars related is one of my dreams.
In one sentence, what advice do you wish someone had given you five years ago, relative to your career today? Don't suffer fools, know your worth.
What is your favourite pastime outside of work? Aside from being a solid dad to my kids... Finding any and every excuse to be creative. Drawing, writing, crafts, video game design, painting... the list has no limits.