Creative Fervor

Fact 1: Company 3’s industry-renowned colorist Dave Hussey completed 2007 with a host of award recognitions and accomplishments. Fact 2: Hussey has managed to start off 2008 with the same level of creative fervor that has driven his career for the past two decades.

Part of the original Company 3 staff, Hussey started his career at the Toronto post house Magnetic North where he taught himself to operate a telecine.  In1989, he was recruited by Disney to work at its production center in Orlando, Florida and a year later moved to Hollywood to join The Post Group before his position at Company 3.

Now, having honed his skills at Company 3, his dedication to the craft has given the advertising world pause.  Last fall, Hussey was named 2007 Colorist of the Year for Commercials by the Hollywood Postproduction Alliance (HPA). He also was heralded for color-correcting 23 of the music videos that were part of MTV’s Video Music Awards (VMAs) - an amazing feat for just one colorist (this also included the clip for Rihanna’s Umbrella which was named Song of the Year). And lastly, Hussey was included in the 2007 book, Making Music Videos.
 
But at this point in his career, Hussey doesn’t let these accolades go to his head. Instead, they are a humble reminder.  “My accomplishments remind me of the quality people I have worked with, and the high-end work I have been given the opportunity to do,” says the colorist.  “I am appreciative of all the relationships I have built with these directors and agency creatives over the years. Recognition like this just gives you a new perspective to continue to do the best that you can every day, and with each project.”

Although Hussey is in constant demand for music video and commercial work, his goals for 2008 are clear: “I am not one to rest on my laurels,” he elaborates. “Our business is in transition right now, so it is important with each new year to break out of the mold and try innovative ideas and approaches.”

Just last month, the Super Bowl broadcast featured the popular spot Meeting from Taco Bell Fiesta Platters and Jinx For Coca-Cola.  Both spots were color corrected by Hussey with the first directed by Stephen Tsuchida of Oil Factory via Draft FCB while the latter was directed by Paul Gay of Hungry Man via Wieden & Kennedy. Of late, Hussey has kept himself busy and most recently completed telecine for Asience “Highway” directed by Thomas Kloss via Markengilm GMBH/Germany.  In addition to the aforementioned commercial work, Hussey’s recent completed music video clips include Maroon 5’s “Goodnight Goodnight” from director Marc Webb, Idina Menzel’s “I Stand” from director Liz Friedlander, and One Republic “Stop and Stare” from director Anthony Mandler.

These days, Hussey can be found experimenting with new looks for both the commercial and music video realms. “So much content is now being viewed on web sites like YouTube that impacts the creative process of the colorist,” says Hussey, “that you need to keep in mind how people are viewing the content and in turn adapt your approach. For example, you can’t always lean towards the moody if it’s viewed on the small screen.”

As the viewing audience finds new sources for content, the skill that drives it will improve as well.  “Our business is changing,” states Hussey, “but so too is technology.  What seems like a problem today won’t be an issue down the road.  As with anything, the challenges will be different.  And that’s what makes this industry so exciting.”