Free The Bid adds colourist category

Non-profit diversity initiative Free the Bid is adding a colourist category to its database of women directors, directors of photography, and editors.

The move, done with the support of creative studio Ntropic, expands FTB's mission to promote equal opportunities for women across the full production pipeline

Helena Lee, executive producer at Ntropic, was inspired to add a colourist category after seeing the huge impact of Free the Bid on the advertising community in New York. “Free the Bid has transformed the bidding process with an ever-growing number of agencies and brands asking for female creative talent on every job," she states. "Colour has always been an integral part of production, so it’s only natural for colourists to be included as a part of the package. We’re glad to be at the forefront of showcasing the incredible female talent in this category.”

In support of the expansion, Lee and Ntropic colourist Ayumi Ashley compiled an international list of women colourists, which recently launched on the Free the Bid website. Ashley, who started her career by co-founding her own finishing facility in San Francisco, says: “By including colourists alongside directors and editors, Free the Bid is raising visibility for what has traditionally been a very behind-the-scenes role. That feels like an exciting development for all colorists. I’m happy to have helped create this directory for those wanting to bring more women into their creative process, and hopefully inspire a future generation of colourists.“