Halation Sees the Light, Launches in LA, NY and London
Halation has announced its official launch as a boutique post-production studio that says it’s built on a clear philosophy: “Strip away the noise and return to what matters most–people, story, and balance.” The news comes from its Executive Producer, Natasha Sattler.
‘Nimble’ may be a buzzword, but Sattler says Halation truly embodies it. “We’re built to be adaptable and flexible, allowing incredible talent to be boundless. It’s such a joy to connect gifted artists to brands that want to work with them, regardless of their location.
“The industry is changing in a really exciting way,” Sattler continues. “We’re creating more content than ever, across more platforms than ever. Brands need a single message across every touchpoint, which means consistency and quality above all else. Halation believes you shouldn’t have to sacrifice great work because the volume of work has increased.”
Built with the humans behind the work at the front of mind, Halation offers editorial, color grading, and full service post-production. The studio works globally, collaborating closely with creatives to produce work that feels human, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant. Its roster includes colorists George Neave, Jeffrey Chance and Luis Silva, and editor Sarah DeSimone.
Sattler herself comes from renowned studios including Company3, SMUGGLER and Ethos. “We have such immense talent at Halation, I’m excited for the amazing projects we’ll get to work on in 2026,” she adds. “Our goal is to offer a calm, focused environment in an industry that often feels overwhelming. We want to redefine what a modern post-production partner can be.”
The Howler reached out to her to get a little more info on Halation. Here’s what she had to say:
How does Halation distinguish itself from other post production boutiques in the marketplace?
Natasha: We’re talent-driven in the truest sense of the phrase. We didn’t check boxes. Every artist has a distinct visual language, particularly in color, where nuance can completely change how a story lands. What excites me is work that lingers, where it stays with you for days and makes you think a little differently about the world around you. That kind of impact comes from artists who trust their instincts and are given the space to explore them. At its core, Halation is about intention. If a story has the potential to move people or shift perspective, we want to be the team trusted to help bring that story to life.
You’ve worked for some of the top production and post houses in the industry. What lessons have you taken from those experiences, and how are you going to apply them to how Halation works?
Natasha: I’ve been lucky to work on both ends of the spectrum with experience at large, established studios and smaller boutique environments. From the bigger shops, I learned the value of structure, clarity, and systems that allow creativity to scale without disruption to workflow. From boutique studios, I learned how powerful personalized care can be for both clients and artists. I really value both, and want to keep the flexibility of a boutique shop while maintaining the efficiencies I’ve learned at bigger places. We’re creating an environment where people feel supported, and where the work benefits because of it.
How did you go about choosing the right talent to join Halation?
Natasha: Our first priority was to work with good, kind, incredibly talented people. So much falls into place when this is at the top of the list. What made Halation so exciting was giving incredibly talented artists a home and a platform to create unforgettable work. Great work takes a team and I personally feel we have such a special team at Halation. Our artists bring diverse, distinct voices to the work.
With Halation being across LA, NY and London, is the studio remote or are there physical presences.
Natasha: While we’re remote by design, allowing clients to work with exceptional talent globally and adapt quickly to different project needs and budgets, we also understand the value of being in the room together. Sometimes we just want to see each other beyond the Zoom screens. We have the ability to host color sessions in both Los Angeles and New York. This way of working keeps us open to possibilities without sacrificing quality.
The post production business is changing rapidly, from the introduction of AI technology to the competition from in-house units and the holding company centralization thereof. How are you planning to address these shifts in terms of how Halation is structured and how it offers its services?
Natasha: My heart feels immensely for everyone who’s been laid off recently. Whether it is due to the economy, redundancies from mergers, or AI shifting the way we work; it’s hard to watch the industry shift so drastically. With that said, I’m incredibly hopeful for the future. Halation is built on a belief in human-driven storytelling. Technology will continue to change how we work, of course, but taste, empathy, and intention can’t be automated.
We’re excited to collaborate with the new wave of agencies and studios emerging from this shift; it’s really highlighting people who value thoughtful work. That energy feels aligned with where Halation wants to exist: supporting meaningful stories, made by people who care deeply about how and why they’re told.
What does the name signify for you?
Natasha: It’s an industry term, with the literal definition being ‘the spreading of light beyond its proper boundaries,’ which felt like a perfect reflection of what we’re building. Going beyond geographic boundaries. Beyond traditional structures. Beyond the idea that post production has to feel a certain way.
I personally love the idea of softness, of letting light into darkness. Post production is the end of the road, and I want Halation to feel like the light at the end of the tunnel.
