Intersections of Production Design + Color Grading in Visual Storytelling
– A talk and presentation with colorists Sam Daley and Natacha Ikoli
This workshop offers Production Designers an inside look at the color grading process and how it can influence design choices. We’ll explore how Directors, Cinematographers, and Production Designers collaboratively shape a film’s visual palette, and how to find a balance between on-set design and post-production grading. The session will also cover ways for Production Designers to stay involved during post to help ensure the final look aligns with their original vision.
Senior Colorist Sam Daley is an ASC Associate Member and has earned two HPA Award nominations for color grading. Daley is best known for his work on HBO’s acclaimed show Succession, as well as feature films The Florida Project, Sorry To Bother You, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, and Barbarian. Recent episodic credits include Dead Ringers, Gossip Girl, I’m A Virgo, Station Eleven, Scenes From A Marriage, and I Know This Much Is True.
Natacha Ikoli was born in Kinshasa and raised in Paris, where she developed an early interest in literature and philosophy. After pursuing a degree in Media and Video Production at London South Bank University, she moved to Brooklyn and worked as a documentary filmmaker and editor. Since 2014, she has been working as a colorist, which has enriched her understanding of visual storytelling and heightened her appreciation for bold, evocative imagery. Her notable works include Seed (Sundance Best Documentary Winner 2025), Union (Sundance premiere 2024) Invisible Beauty (Sundance premiere 2023), 32 Sounds (Sundance premiere 2022), Shut Up and Paint (Oscar shortlisted), Philly D.A. (PBS series 2021), Farewell Amor (Sundance premiere 2020), La Cravate (César Awards nomination 2020), Swarm Season (CPHDOX premiere 2019). She teaches a graduate color theory class each year at NYU Tisch and currently divides her time between Brooklyn, New York, and Banyuls-sur-Mer, France.
About the Organizer:
Established in 1992, Manhattan Neighborhood Network is a media learning, production, and distribution hub that promotes creative expression, independent voices and community engagement.
