CSI promotes the creative art and science of color grading, restoration and finishing and is dedicated to advancing the art of color correction and color grading in the production of motion pictures and television. CSI is not a union or guild, but an honorary association. CSI seeks to increase the entertainment value of film and digital projects by attaining artistic pre-eminence and scientific achievement in the creative art of color; and to bring into close alliance those color artists who desire to advance the prestige and dignity of the color profession.

It sounds like a small thing, but colorists are a major part of the post-production structure of any film, many would argue that their importance is on a par with Directors, Editors and Directors of Photography in shaping the feel of a project and removing the defects that would break the relationship between the created reality and that of the viewer. Directors have been represented by the DGA, the Director’s Guild of America since 1936. DPs have been represented in the entertainment and broadcast industry since 1919 by the ASC, the American Society of Cinematographers, and matching groups internationally.  Editors similarly have been represented by ACE, American Cinema Editors, since 1950, with matching groups internationally.  For those who have been elected to membership of these groups it is an honor and a distinction to be able to put the letters DGA, ACE or ASC behind their name.

Now Colorists have that same platform for recognition and development through the CSI.  Like the ASC, who started with just 19 founder members, the CSI has started small but is growing steadily as new members are elected to join Jim and Kevin.  The first group of 37 members was established only a few months ago, and includes household names – well households who follow film color grading anyway –  like Alexis Van Hurkman.  Today that group has grown to 54, and I’m sure that it will continue to grow as more members are elected.  I’m very proud to have Chris Layhe in there as number 38, it means a great deal to be recognized by such a small and select group of peers.  These are my 53 co-members: