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Meet the… head of grade assist and workflow

Maikel Popic, head of grade assist and workflow at UNIT, tells TVBEurope about the "magic" feeling he gets from seeing his work on the screen

Talk us through an average day in your role

No two days are the same, but much of my work centres on designing and refining workflows to optimise the creative process for our clients. Responding to the intricacies of new camera formats and codecs so our clients’ jobs run smoothly. I usually start the day by checking in on the colourists, ensuring everything is running smoothly with current grade sessions. Then I focus on tasks such as conforming shows, handling grade notes, overseeing VFX sessions, running reviews and QCs, and preparing deliverables to keep each project moving seamlessly. 

Maikel Popic, head of grade assist and workflow at UNIT
How did you get started in the media industry?

I started working at a small documentary production company in Caracas after university, taking on editing and managing all of their post production. When I moved to London, I began working with in-camera/production crews and grading on independent projects, until I joined Technicolor – first as an editor, and later moving into dailies on full feature drama productions.

What training did you have before entering the industry?

I studied at UCAB University in Venezuela, where I grew up, specialising in communications and audiovisual arts. I also took photography and filmmaking courses during the summers while growing up. When I moved to London, I completed a Master’s in Cinematography and Post Production at the University of Greenwich.

Why do you enjoy working in the industry?

It can be very demanding at times, with long hours when projects reach crunch time, but it’s amazing to see these stories and worlds come to life and evolve until they are released for everyone to enjoy. It feels a bit magical to realise you helped create that in some way. I also find it very satisfying to be part of teams that are truly passionate about what they do. I think most people in the industry genuinely want to be part of that magic.  

What piece of advice would you offer someone looking to explore a role similar to yours?

Start recording, editing, grading—doing whatever you can as early as possible. Get involved in as many projects as you can; the more you do, the more experience you gain, and the more you learn and grow. Be respectful: filmmaking is a team effort, and your work is part of something bigger that will be passed along to someone else in the chain. Also, try to connect with professionals as early as you can.