Steve Bodner, a seasoned colorist at Picture Shop, had always been passionate about his craft, but when he received the call to join the team of Apple TV+ "Masters of the Air," it marked the beginning of an unforgettable journey. The call came from Cinematographer Adam Arkapaw, ACS, for the first block of the series, and acclaimed Director Cary Fukunaga. Their vision for the series was clear but ambitious.
“I got involved in ‘Masters of the Air’ when they started prep in London a few years ago,” Bodner recalled. This initial outreach set the stage for his extensive involvement in crafting the visual identity of the series, a crucial component of the storytelling.
The visual approach for "Masters of the Air" was meticulously designed to resonate with the tones set by its predecessors, "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific." Bodner explained, “I would say the look of this series continuously evolved over the years and did so all the way to the end. The overall palette was kept pretty neutral with nothing being too pushed. Most of the aerials were kept on the cooler side to coincide with the altitude to which they were flying.”
The series, also photographed by Jac Fitzgerald, David Franco, Richard Rutowski, ASC, delves into the American 100th Bomb Group flying raids into Germany from bases in the U.K. required a visual style that could convey both the grandeur and the grim reality of aerial warfare. Bodner's task was to ensure that the color grading reflected the high-altitude chill of the skies and the neutral tones of wartime Europe.
“For the most part, I did a full color pass on my own prior to the DPs seeing anything but dailies,” Bodner noted. This initial pass was crucial as it set the foundation for the show's look before any adjustments were made based on feedback. “Once I was finished with a pass, then the DPs and other execs would watch it and either send notes or come into the office to sit with me. I worked in both Burbank and New York on this show.”
One of the most distinctive aspects of "Masters of the Air" was the staggering amount of visual effects (VFX) involved. Bodner highlighted, “I think there was something like 3,500 VFX shots. Due to the enormous amount of VFX shots and the many vendors and artists that worked on this, the greatest thing I learned on this series was finding ways to make all the different VFX shots work together.”
The collaboration between the color department, VFX artists, and production team was intricate and essential. Bodner’s role extended beyond traditional color grading; it was about harmonizing the myriad of VFX elements to maintain a cohesive look throughout the series. This process involved constant communication and fine-tuning, ensuring that each shot contributed seamlessly to the narrative.
As "Masters of the Air" approached its final form, Bodner reflected on the evolution of the series’ look and the collaborative efforts that brought it to life. The result was a visually stunning and emotionally resonant series that honored the legacy of the earlier series, while standing out on its own. Through the lenses of history and artistry, "Masters of the Air" emerged as a testament to the dedication and skill of everyone involved. You can see the series now on Apple.