Nolo Digital Film Relocates to Sarofsky Studio

Sarofsky principal and executive creative director Erin Sarofsky and Mike Matusek, founder and colourist at Nolo Digital Film, announce their new strategic partnership. Having just relocated into Sarofsky’s state-of-the-art studio in Chicago’s West Loop, Nolo is now also sharing Sarofsky’s customer service and production resources.

As a key part of this new arrangement, Sarofsky’s managing director and executive producer Steven Anderson and head of production Joel Signer will share oversight on production for both companies. This unique collaboration seamlessly combines the offerings of two visionary artist-owned production entities.

Moving forward, Nolo’s top-tier talents remain dedicated to delivering exceptional colour grading and digital intermediate mastering services to both in-studio and virtual clients, catering to the distinct requirements of the advertising and entertainment industries. Whether exclusively for colour, or in combination with Sarofsky’s elite creative and/or finishing pipelines, Chicago’s home for premier colour lives on at Nolo.

Nolo’s Colourful History and Future

Back in 2007 when Mike became a partner and colourist at Nolo, he had already earned a strong following. Essentially, the colour-grading artistry he provided for high-profile commercials and feature films at i-cubed kept many clients coming back. His continuing legacy as colourist for filmmaker Steve James began in that era, and since then, Mike’s prolific collaborations with even more ad and entertainment industry leaders have kept him and his colleagues at the top of their game. Along with colouring many Super Bowl spots, Nolo’s extensive credits also include deep involvement with recent, high-profile restorations for Orson Welles’ 'The Chimes at Midnight' and Tobe Hooper’s 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,' and colouring Steve James’ latest project with ESPN Films, which debuted at this year’s SXSW Festival.

“As an artist-driven studio focused solely on colour-grading commercials and feature films, we are very proud of everything we’ve achieved so far,” Mike began. “While we’re a small studio, we know our talent and services are world-class.”

In addition to Mike, Nolo’s core talents include senior colourist Elliot Rudmann and colour assistant Kathleen Young. “With Elliot onboard since 2009 and Kathleen’s presence since 2016, we have great continuity together as a team,” Mike continued.

“In a business where change and turnover are constants, we are especially proud to have been able to stay together, and in top form, for our clients,” added Elliot. “We feel this new arrangement with Sarofsky is a dream come true for everyone involved.”

Among Nolo’s scores of VIP clients, Sarofsky has been a frequent collaborator since its launch in 2009. Over the years, many of Sarofsky’s biggest projects have been colored by Nolo artists, including last year’s main title sequence for the Apple TV+ original series, 'WeCrashed.'

For Erin Sarofsky, the rationale for this strategic partnership is multifaceted. First, she knows first-hand that Nolo’s boutique colour-grading experiences produce excellent results, whether remotely or in-studio. The fact that Nolo’s talents are both exceptional and humble also stands out to her. “Additionally,” she explained, “having Nolo in the studio while our artists are designing, editing, and animating will enhance the opportunities for collaboration at all stages of the process... which is a nice evolution. Sarofsky and Nolo also share passions for commercial and entertainment projects, which has helped both companies stand out, especially in Chicago.”

Sarofsky continued, “Together with Mike and his team, we see this as an opportunity to work with elite design, VFX, edit, finish – and now colour – all under one roof. Putting brilliant creatives together is what Sarofsky is all about. We don’t just add technology, we add artists who bring their points of view and perspectives to the creative process. Mike and Elliot do just that, and will make our internal creative conversations that much more informed and robust.”

Steven Anderson also shared his thoughts on the new paradigm, “Building on our history of collaborations between Sarofsky and Nolo by teaming-up is a natural progression,” he said. “Also, having the Nolo team here will be great for our artists and the producers to work with and learn from. This collaboration rounds out our finishing capabilities as well, making us stronger and even more valuable for all of our clients.”

To learn more, visit https://www.nolodigitalfilm.com and https://www.sarofsky.com.