Finishing Strong | C. Ryan Stemple on Post, Pivots, and Producing Your Own Films

In this episode, Mishu sits down with colorist, editor, and producer C. Ryan Stemple, CSI to talk about why finishing is its own art form—and why post-production might be the most adaptable corner of the industry right now. They dig into pivoting through strikes and slowdowns, how machine learning is quietly reshaping drudgery work, and why Ryan is committed to building a Midwest hub for finishing, teaching, and producing under one roof.

Ryan Stemple has graded over 50 features and countless shorts, docs, and branded projects. He’s the founder of Quicksilver Color, co-owner of Journeywork Entertainment, and adjunct faculty at Northwestern, where he teaches (what else?) color grading. In 2022 he and his wife, Ana Christian (founder of Anachrony Post), merged their companies under Journeywork Entertainment, which now spans color, online, dailies, and production. As of 2025, they’re producing the indie feature Line Cooks in partnership with Who’s To Say Productions.

We talk about:
→ Why post-production pivots faster than other roles in the industry
→ How “the AI we actually use” frees up editors for creative work
→ Going from colorist to producer on Good Guy With a Gun
→ Building a full-service post house with his wife, Ana Christian
→ Navigating union paperwork on their first in-house feature
→ What it takes to finish a film so it truly feels done

Stream the trailer & support Line Cooks: seedandspark.com/fund/line-cooks

More about Ryan and his companies:
🔗 quicksilvercolor.com
🔗 journeyworkent.com
🔗 anachronypost.com

Instagram:
@crstemple
@journeyworkent
@quicksilvercolor

Listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @mischiefpod.
Produced by @ohhmaybemedia.