Filmmaker Friday Chicago x Harbor Picture Company: A Rare Look Inside High-End Post-Production

Filmmaker Friday Chicago welcomed panellists from Harbor Picture Company for an in-depth conversation on post-production, sharing insights on colour grading, VFX, sound design, and the collaborative process behind some of today’s biggest films and commercial campaigns.

On April 11, 2025, Filmmaker Friday Chicago once again proved why it’s become a cornerstone of Chicago’s creative community — this time bringing together three of some of the most accomplished post-production artists working today. The event, hosted at the Chicago Cultural Centre, featured a panel discussion with Andrew Pellicer (creative director of VFX), Kevin Szczepanski (senior conform/VFX artist), and Oisín O’Driscoll (senior colourist) from Harbor Picture Company, one of the most respected post houses in the world.

Founded in 2012, Harbor set out to unify the filmmaking process — bringing every stage of production and post-production under one roof. With studios in New York, Los Angeles, London, Chicago, and Atlanta, Harbor’s creative reach spans the globe. Their recent entertainment credits include Apple TV’s The Studio, Netflix’s Adolescence, Universal Pictures’ Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Warner Bros’ Mickey 17, A24’s Babygirl, Searchlight Pictures’ Nightbitch. In the advertising world, Harbor has been just as prolific, working on four Super Bowl campaigns this year alone for brands like Ritz Crackers, Pfizer, Squarespace, and Sandals Resorts — while recently being shortlisted for seven AICP Post Awards.

Image: Harrison Crain

“This panel offered such an excellent insight into how high-end post-houses operate,” said host Armin Korsos, founder of Filmmaker Friday Chicago. “Hearing how Harbor’s teams work across both entertainment and advertising really emphasised just how critical the post-production process is - not just technically, but creatively - in shaping the final story.”

Throughout the night, the panellists shared not only their technical expertise but also their personal journeys into the industry. Each speaker emphasised the importance of relationships - that every project is an opportunity to build trust, over-deliver, and lay the foundation for future collaborations.

Image: Aaron Palmer

“In post-production, people may seek you out for your technical expertise, but they return because of how you collaborate and communicate,” said Andrew Pellicer. “Strong partnerships are just as critical as strong skills.”

Kevin Szczepanski expanded on that idea, noting, “Whether you're working on an independent project or a major studio feature film, if you bring care and intention to every frame, people remember that, and it opens you up to building long lasting creative partnerships. "

Another standout thread from the conversation centered on the value — or limitations — of film school. All three panellists reflected on their own paths, agreeing that while education can offer a foundation, nothing compares to real-world experience.

Image: Armin Korsos

“You can learn almost anything online in today’s world,” said Oisín O’Driscoll. “But tutorials don’t teach you how to handle feedback, navigate difficult deadlines, or collaborate in a high-pressure room. That only comes from being in it.”

For the crowd of filmmakers, producers, colourists, editors, and students in attendance, the event was an inspiring reminder that post-production isn’t just about software or tools - it’s about people, process, and persistence.

As Filmmaker Friday Chicago continues to grow, events like this reinforce its mission: breaking down the walls between industry veterans and emerging creatives, sparking connection, and creating a space where Chicago’s film community can thrive - one story at a time.