TORONTO — Colorist Society (CSI) has launched a new chapter in Canada (coloristsociety.com), which will be led by Abe Wynen, CSI, senior colorist at Redlab, Toronto, and Eric Whipp, CSI, co-founder and head of color at Alter Ego, Toronto. The chapter is open to colorists across Canada working in film, television, advertising and other media. The group will plan networking, training and social events, both in-person and virtual, to support the development of a community of colorists in Canada, and promote the art and science of color.
“We want to bring colorists in Canada under one roof and show them how much fun it is when we share ideas and experiences with our colleagues,” says Wynen. “We want to encourage participation from both experienced colorists and those who are new to the profession. It’s about building a better culture and forming friendships.”
Photo (L-R): CSI Canada's Abe Wynen and Eric Whipp
Wynen is relatively new to Canada, having relocated to Toronto in 2022 after six years at boutique color and finishing studio Crayon in Melbourne, Australia. His aim in co-founding CSI’s Canada chapter derives from his experience as a member of the organization’s Australia/New Zealand chapter.
“The ANZ chapter was well organized and very successful in building a community of colorists from cities across Australia and New Zealand,” he explains. “It was a great way to meet and learn from other colorists and to celebrate our craft.”
Whipp also moved from Australia to Toronto, where he co-founded Alter Ego. He became a colorist in the 1990s and collaborated with George Miller on his Oscar-winning film Happy Feet. He reunited with Miller for the ground-breaking film Mad Max: Fury Road. Recent credits include The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part.
Last fall, Wynen and Whipp hosted a Colourist Catch-Up as a precursor to the formal launch of the Canada chapter. Held at Danu Social House, it brought together Toronto’s top colorists and other industry professionals for an evening of socializing.
“It was so lovely to finally get the colorists in town in one room,” Wynen says. “We are planning more events soon.