At Company 3, Senior Colorist Stephen Nakamura‘s exceptional work on Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II exemplifies the artistry and precision of high-end color grading. In a feature for Definition Magazine, Nakamura shares insights into his creative process and his long-standing collaboration with the legendary director. Over the past 15 years, Nakamura has contributed his expertise to nearly all of Scott’s films, including The Martian, the Alien franchise, and Napoleon.

For Gladiator II, Nakamura worked closely with Scott and Director of Photography John Mathieson to craft a visually stunning experience defined by deep shadows, saturated colors, and striking hues in flashbacks and action sequences. His work began once the film was cut together, using Mathieson’s dailies as a foundational reference. “The dailies are everything,” Nakamura explains. “They set the tone for the entire film—contrast, color temperature, saturation; all of that is already established to a degree. My job is to refine and enhance those choices.”

One of the project’s notable challenges was grading the day-for-night sequences, a technique that required a delicate balance to maintain realism while ensuring the visuals felt cinematic. Nakamura’s expertise in tools like DaVinci Resolve allowed him to seamlessly transition bright daylight footage into convincing nighttime scenes, preserving the drama and intensity of these moments.

Operating from Company 3’s Los Angeles facility, Nakamura collaborated seamlessly with the production team to ensure the film’s aesthetic aligned with Scott’s bold vision. Even after decades in the industry, he remains passionate about his craft. “Every project feels like a new adventure,” he says. “You’re constantly reimagining and innovating—maybe this scene could be warmer, or this sequence cooler? The possibilities are endless.”

Uncover the full story behind Stephen Nakamura’s creative process and how he shaped the look of Gladiator II. Read the complete feature now on Definition Magazine.