Jun Kim, a 2022 Broadcasting - Film, Television, Digital Media and Radio program graduate, has dreamt of becoming a storyteller since he was young. He has extensively travelled throughout his life, which he says has allowed him to encounter diverse people in various places and situations, creating experiences that have shaped him into the person he is today.
Now working as a Colourist at Noodle Factory Post, a post-production house in Toronto, Jun has taken a visual approach to storytelling. From colour correction and colour grading to final packaging and more, Jun helps ensure quality visual experiences for audiences. “Our job has always been to create realistic unrealism so that audiences can fully immerse themselves in the magic and fantasy of a film,” he explains.
Reflecting on his time in the Broadcasting program, Jun shares that it played a pivotal role in developing his skills and capabilities. “What I find most enchanting about the program is its strong connection to the industry and the dedication of the teachers, especially Karen, who go above and beyond to connect their students with industry professionals and organizations,” he explains. “This hands-on approach is far more valuable than just studying from textbooks all the time.”
Although Jun could only attend on-campus classes for five months out of the six-semester program due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he says this experience was still valuable. "Despite being unable to utilize the school facilities and equipment fully, I learned to adapt and make the best of the situations at hand. Now, working in the industry, I strongly believe that the ability to improvise and adapt in any given situation is an incredibly valuable skill to possess."
Life after graduation was not without some challenges, particularly due to the pandemic. However, he says he persevered in his job search with the support of his instructors. He took a proactive approach during this time; with the recommendations from Karen and Iljo, instructors within the program, he applied, proceeded through the interview process, and landed the job he has today.
"Of course, it's crucial to emphasize that I had prior work experience in the related field. At 28 years old, I have been working in the industry for several years, primarily in the field of colour grading and in various countries. I don't want to give false hope or create misunderstandings. The current company I'm working for was seeking an experienced colorist as they were dissatisfied with their former one, and I happened to approach them at the right time," he adds.
FAVOURITE PARTS OF THE JOB
Much of the allure of colour grading for Jun stems from the mix of technical and artistic elements. He explains, "Modern digital cameras do not simply capture and print images on film; they process the image into digital data to preserve maximum information, such as colour, texture, and details, within a wide dynamic range. A colorist's job is to decode this encrypted data into visual material with varying technical skills."
Jun also points out that while people watch television and movies daily, many may be unaware that contrast, light, colour, and textures can be artificial. "We have converted a midday scene into a nighttime one, created the coldness of a spaceship, and brought to life the dangerous green mist of a horror film. My job is to create realistic unrealism so that audiences can fully immerse themselves in the magic and fantasy of a film," he says. "Long story short, I am a little hard-working ghost behind the screen, achieving the visual aesthetic by being unseen."
CURRENT PROJECTS
Jun cannot say much about a project he is working on, but he can share that he is involved as the Colourist in a documentary about the science behind James Cameron's film Avatar. "It's a massive project, with shots basically everywhere in the world. One sequence even got the James Webb Telescope before it was launched. It will be aired on Disney + and National Geographic. Guess this is all I can say for now!"
ADVICE FOR ASPIRING BROADCASTING PROFESSIONALS
For those just graduating from the Broadcasting program and looking to pursue a career in this industry, Jun says, "Try to cooperate with your friends and crew and help each other all the time. At the end of the day, they are the people who know you better than others, and you will need their help in the future anyway."
He adds how important it can be to hone in on one strong skill and continuously improve it. Additionally, staying on top of the latest tech trends and technological advancements is something Jun acknowledges is incredibly important, especially in this rapidly changing industry.
Jun's journey to where he is today demonstrates outstanding dedication and passion, and we are thrilled to see his successful journey continue to grow.
Article by: Alexandra Few
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