LONDON — Color and finishing company Cheat (www.cheatit.co) has hired two new colorists: Jack McGinity and Tim Smith, who come from Time Based Arts and Electric Theatre Collective respectively. The hirings double the size of the studio’s colorist team and follow the recent opening of two new suites.
Photo (L-R): Jack McGinity and Tim Smith
Prior to joining Cheat, Jack McGinity was working as a colorist at Time Based Arts, collaborating on advertising, music and fashion projects. His commercial work includes campaigns for Dior, Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Nike, Mercedes, F1, ASOS, Ballantines, Arla, TK Maxx, WWF and Sainsburys. He was recognized with a Gold at Kinsale for the grade on Dennai Moore’s music video Trickle. And in 2018, he graded the winner of the best short film category in BIFA – Dawn Shadforth’s The Big Day.
“It’s exciting to join an ambitious and growing company that’s focused so much on color, saus McGinity. “Cheat have been making waves in the color industry by having the willingness to try and be as varied as possible, which is something that is already paying dividends. I’ve been lucky to work with some fantastic directors and made some very good friends at the same time, so I’m looking forward to continuing working with them and to meet and enjoy working with many new people too.”
Tim Smith cut his teeth at The Mill as a color assist, then quickly climbed the ranks to colorist after moving to Electric Theatre Collective. Throughout his career he has worked with many exciting up and coming directors. In the commercial sphere, Smith has worked on big-name brand campaigns for the likes of Sony Bravia, Stella McCartney, Nike, Jimmy Choo, Rimowa, Carlsberg, Burberry, Converse, Carhartt, Adidas, Bershka and Ralph Lauren. He also has rich experience in music videos, grading promos for musicians such as Dizzie Rascal, Rejjie Snow, Wiley, J Hus, Tom Walker, Kamasi Washington and Ray BLK . His music video Kong for Neneh Cherry was nominated for Best Color Grade at the 2018 UKMVAs.
“Like Jack, one of the big reasons Cheat appealed to me is its heavy focus on color,” says Smith. “Traditionally, the role of the colorist is very singularly driven and individually focused - but here the model is different. I’m looking forward to expanding my horizons and seeing how working in a team of colourists can help to drive this business.”