Harbor has welcomed well-known colorist Paul Yacono to its team as a Senior Colorist, further strengthening its reputation for creative excellence in post-production. Yacono, a seasoned professional with decades of experience in color grading, has worked across film, television, and advertising, collaborating with some of the most influential directors and brands in the industry.
His portfolio includes standout projects such as House of Cards, Ava DuVernay’s Oscar-nominated 13th, and an array of high-profile Super Bowl campaigns. Over the years, Yacono has developed a distinctive visual style, working with filmmakers like David Fincher, Jonathan Nolan, Gus Van Sant, Errol Morris, and Chloé Zhao. His expertise extends to music videos, having contributed to Beyoncé’s Black is King and Kendrick Lamar’s DNA.
During his tenure at A52, Yacono played a key role in establishing the company’s color division. He later led the color department at The Mill Los Angeles, solidifying his position as an industry leader. His deep understanding of both digital and film workflows has made him an integral force in shaping the visual identity of projects such as The Black Godfather, Five Came Back, and Amanda Knox. He has also worked on over 20 Super Bowl commercials, including this year’s top-rated Budweiser ad First Delivery and last year’s Breaking Bad-inspired PopCorners spot.
Joe Gawler, Co-founder and Head of Color at Harbor, emphasized the impact of Yacono’s addition to the team, stating, “Harbor has built a legacy of creative excellence, and bringing Paul into our team reinforces that foundation. His exceptional talent and deep experience add another layer to what we offer filmmakers worldwide.”
Yacono approaches color grading as an essential storytelling tool, ensuring that each project’s tone, texture, and emotion come through vividly. “For me, color is about storytelling—it’s about finding the right tone, texture, and personality that elevates a project,” he shared.
Harbor’s EVP of Post Production, Massimo D’Avolio, echoed this sentiment, noting that Yacono’s ability to define distinctive visual aesthetics makes him a natural fit for Harbor’s global team. “Paul’s deep expertise, his commitment to craftsmanship, and his ability to foster strong client relationships align seamlessly with our vision of elevating the creative process.”
At Harbor, Yacono will have access to state-of-the-art technology and a global infrastructure to support his work across feature films, commercial campaigns, and episodic storytelling. Based in Los Angeles, he will be available to work across all of Harbor’s U.S. and U.K. studios, continuing to shape the visual language of the industry’s most compelling projects.
The announcement comes at a time of significant change in the post-production landscape, following Technicolor’s decision to shut down The Mill’s Los Angeles studio last month. The closure marks a major shift in the industry, with top talent finding new homes at leading studios like Harbor. As the demand for high-quality color grading and finishing remains strong, Yacono’s move underscores Harbor’s commitment to fostering world-class talent and continuing to shape the future of post-production.
Reel 360 News wishes Paul the best of luck at Harbor.
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