The opening title sequence from the classic television series, Mannix, features a dynamic split-screen montage. The split screens helped to convey energy and excitement. The title sequence is set to the show’s jazzy-waltz theme by composer Lalo Schifrin.

The font used in the show’s title sequence is a variation of the ‘City’ typeface.

Courtesy: Paramount Pictures, Desliu Productions, CBS Television Distribution

That was the reaction from my first time client after seeing his :15 second commercial that I produced and created for him.

My client was recommended to me by Rob Nelson, who is one of the finest photographers in South Florida!

The commercial I produced is unique for a number of reasons:
First, it is comprised solely of photographs, some taken by Rob in his studio, and some that I took on location at the Wellington greenmarket.

Second, there is so much going on at the greenmarket that I wanted to show as much as I could on screen. But in the TV world, :15 seconds goes by so quickly, what to do?

After sketching out some ideas, I drew my inspiration from the graphics driven title used in in the classic television series, Mannix, which used split screens in the opening title sequence to convey energy and excitement.

Using split screens helped me convey more of the Wellington Greenmarket in a brief amount of time.

Credits: Producer, Writer, Director, Motion Graphics, Senior Colorist.

The concept of the commercial is fun and excitement that will make you feel like a kid. 

Color correction done in DaVinci Resolve.

Credits: Producer, Videographer, Editor, Motion Graphics, Senior Colorist

I will agree that many of my clients don’t know what specific program I use to create their project, nor should they care. They only know that I produce great work, and that their projects look stunning. I have long maintained how I get there doesn’t matter, it’s the final result that counts.

I was asked by a CBS Television affiliate to demo FCP X when it first came out, and while evolutionary it was not something that fit a professional workflow. Many in my business questioned the continued use of the word ‘Pro’ in the name since too many features were missing.

Like many people I passed on the taking the initial plunge, but I never dismissed it outright. Experience has taught me to never take my eyes off Apple. So I watched, and waited.

Apple has now released a free update to FCP X that restores many of those missing features, including:

- Import FCP 7 projects via 7toX
- Media re-linking
- Multicam editing
- Video out via 3rd party video cards
- Support for Thunderbolt devices

Since some of these reinstated features are better than they ever were in FCP 7, it may be time to re-consider the future.

The New York session was short, but intensive.
I picked up advanced techniques for color grading Epic, ARRI Alexa, 2K, 4K, film scans and much more.

At the end of our session, Warren awarded me my ICA certification.

Click here to see me and Warren in New York.

Warren Eagles, co-founder of the ICA, and Senior Colorist Jim Wicks in New York

Warren Eagles, co-founder of the International Colorist Academy, was in New York to present me with my Certification. As Senior Colorist, I am certified by the International Colorist Academy.

Warren has been grading for over 20 years, and now lives in Australia. The 2-day New York workshop was short, but intensive.
I picked up advanced techniques for color grading Epic, ARRI Alexa, 2K, 4K, film scans and much more.

My thanks to the Manhattan Edit Workshop for hosting the 2-day event.

Jim Wicks Productions is off to a great start this year.
I’ve produced a TV commercial campaign for a new client. They were so thrilled with the final result that they have entered the commercial for a national award.

I’m currently in post-production on very different style of TV commercial for new client.
They were recommended to me, and I must say it has been an absolute joy to produce the commercials for them.

As I say in my mission statement, above:
Make it look great, be nice to work with, stay within budget . . . and deliver on time.

One last thing that you might enjoy.
Jack Tunnicliffe was kind enough to include a news item about me on his re-deisnged website.
Click here, to read about my visit to Java Post Production, the best facility in Western Canada.

Best, Jim

May this New Year open up for you more opportunities.
May all your dreams turn into reality, and all your efforts into great achievements!

From me to you, Happy New Year!

Peace. Jim

I finished color grading 3 projects, one shot on the Red Epic, a second shot on Canon’s 5D Mark II with Cinestyle. Rounding out the top three: a television promo that utilized HD video from a number of different cameras.

I’ll be updating my Color Correction reel after the holidays and have it up early for you in the new year. You’ll be able to see before and after scenes from the projects I just listed plus a lot more.

Stay tuned.