PRODUCTION ÉLITE
IMAGES Netflix
Definition discovers how Deluxe Spain crafted Spanish teen drama series Élite’s vibrant visual signature
É lite , created by Carlos Montero and Darío Madrona and produced by Zeta Studios, is Netflix’s longest-running Spanish series. Spanning seven seasons – with an eighth currently in production – it pulls in millions of viewers around the globe. The show is set in the upscale Las Encinas high school, charting the lives of a group of wealthy teens, and blends melodrama, thriller elements and hedonism. Since its premiere in 2018, Deluxe Spain’s colourists Andrés Lopetegui and Chema Alba, along with online editor Mario Martínez Duque, have been instrumental in developing and safeguarding its visual style. “The first thing to bear in mind is that Élite is an adult series starring 18-year-olds with flawless complexions and a lot of style in their wardrobe and surroundings,” begins Alba. “That’s why, from the very beginning, our work with colour was to bring out this youthful perfection and beauty.” In this sense, Élite showcases a catwalk of beauty and youthful vibrancy, with individual colour palettes developed for each character. “On-camera tests for Élite manifest the joy of colour in every aspect, from wardrobe and makeup to set design, cinematography and colour grading,”
LADIES OF SPAIN Each character in Élite has their own, deeply saturated, colour signature
reflects Alba. “Our fundamental role as colourists is to build on the pre-existing art and characterisation.”
” Élite embraces scandalous plots and this daring approach extends to its use of light and colour. For the show’s colourists and cinematographers, opting for desaturation was never considered; they consistently pursue bold, vibrant visuals.” In terms of production, technologies have evolved significantly throughout the years Élite has been streaming. As a result, Deluxe Spain’s labs and its teams have adapted to those new possibilities, allowing them to push boundaries in the grading process. Season 1, which was shot on the Sony VENICE in SDR and outside of the ACES colour environment, contrasts with Season 7, filmed on ARRI ALEXA in
AN EVOLVING CANVAS As colourists, Lopetegui and Alba each strive for aesthetic continuity between every season, while allowing cinematographers their stylistic imprint. The series’ initial, more naturalistic look was set by Ricardo de Gracia and Daniel Sosa. However, as Alba explains, a dozen cinematographers have contributed over the seasons, evolving the visual style, welcoming experiments in light and colour and each leaving their own mark.
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