Pizza Hut – Hotter Things

The Challenge- Produced at The Onion Labs, this commercial for Pizza Hut was designed to perfectly emulate the visual aesthetic of Stranger Things. The goal was a high-stakes stylistic recreation that required more than just a “vintage look”—it required a frame-by-frame match of the 1980s-inspired film grade that defined the hit series. Under the direction of EP George Zwierzynski Jr., the production team delivered incredible footage that served as the canvas for a technical color-grading marathon.

The Execution- I utilized the full range of my DaVinci Resolve arsenal to elevate this piece, balancing period-accurate saturation, grain structure, and high-contrast finishing. By deeply manipulating the shadows and highlights to replicate the specific “Netflix-Original” color science, I was able to push the project beyond its original scope. The final grade was so effective that a disclaimer was added to the spot because the aesthetic matched the source material so seamlessly.

The Outcome- The project was an overwhelming success, serving as a testament to what is possible when high-caliber production meets specialized finishing. This commercial remains a highlight of my time at The Onion, demonstrating my ability to handle complex, brand-critical stylistic requirements for national clients while maintaining the highest level of visual brand consistency.