Quicksilver Color

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of Cottage Grove Productions LLC

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Cottage Grove Productions redefines Midwest storytelling with bold, inclusive, and heartfelt genre-bending stories in film and television.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Quicksilver Color to accomplish?

• Color Grading
• Master Delivery

SOLUTION

How did you find Quicksilver Color?

Referral

Why did you select Quicksilver Color over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Quicksilver Color were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

I had an outstanding experience working with QuickSilver on my DePaul MFA short film, Cottage Grove. Their expertise in color grading and finishing brought a distinctive visual style to the film, enhancing its narrative depth and overall impact. In addition to their meticulous attention to detail, they facilitated the DCP and master delivery for a private MFA showcase at a local Chicago theater, ensuring a seamless exhibition.

Thanks to their exceptional work, Cottage Grove has screened at 18 festivals—both regionally and nationally—and was acquired by AMC+ for a Chicago Showcase in 2025. Ryan, Anna, and the entire QuickSilver team are true advocates for independent filmmakers, particularly in the Midwest, and their commitment to elevating unique voices is evident in every project they undertake.

For theater-quality color grading and master delivery, I highly recommend QuickSilver Color. Their dedication to excellence ensures that independent films achieve their highest visual potential.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The results of their work were undeniable—Cottage Grove has screened at 18 film festivals across regional and national circuits and was acquired by AMC+ for a Chicago Showcase in 2025. Their high-quality color grading and finishing played a crucial role in the film’s success, helping it stand out in competitive festival selections and secure a major streaming deal.

Industry professionals have consistently praised the film’s two contrasting color grades, particularly how QuickSilver transformed the digital footage to resemble film—a look that was beyond our budget but achieved flawlessly through their expertise. Ryan, Anna, and their team delivered a classic cinematic aesthetic that elevated the short film beyond what our production resources allowed, proving their exceptional skill in color grading.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The team was attentive and highly responsive to correspondences via email. We had a preliminary chat about the film to discuss goals, styles and mood for the color grading; as result, our color grading session was smooth, fun and productive. 

What was your primary form of communication with Quicksilver Color?

• In-Person Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I love their committment to amplifying midwest filmmakers and their stories with highl level and theatrical color grading that can compete with industry standards. 

Are there any areas for improvement or something Quicksilver Color could have done differently?

No.