Expert Color Grading, Sound Design, and Finishing Brings Century-Long Fight for Gender Equality to the Screen
In every great documentary, there is a team of relentless storytellers working behind the scenes. Moonshine Post was privileged to collaborate with Co-Director Deborah Riley Draper, who reflected,
“My relationship with Moonshine dates back to 3 buildings, multiple projects and many years ago. What makes our relationship special is that working together is so easy and the team is committed to delivering my vision in excellence and with fun. I love coming into the building; it’s like coming to my very own filmmaker playground.”
Additionally, this monumental documentary was co-created by Emily Best, Founder and CEO of Seed&Spark. It powerfully explores the 100-year battle to pass the Equal Rights Amendment, led by Black women, while also inspiring hope for a more inclusive future.
DECADES OF ARCHIVAL FOOTAGE AND THEIR CHALLENGES
Moonshine’s Senior Colorist, John Petersen (JP), reflected on the challenges of working with archival footage, stating:
“Balancing vibrancy with authenticity, we focused on preserving the historical and emotional context of each moment, bringing the footage to life and enhancing the overall viewing experience.”
Meanwhile, handling footage from VHS to modern formats, the team’s goal was to create visual consistency while preserving the integrity of each piece of history.
Additionally, Caleb Wood, Finishing Producer, alongside Bennett Paton and Online Editor Ben Hendrickson, ensured a seamless final delivery. Their combined effort polished “RATIFIED” to perfection for its powerful debut.
Annabelle from BOOM Post Audio also shared her thoughts:
“Deborah and her team were a joy to work with. Their passion for the film inspired the whole audio team. I felt a personal connection to this story and learned so much more about the issues by being part of the process.”
A STORY THAT RESONATES
“RATIFIED” goes beyond being a documentary—it’s a cultural milestone that captures the ongoing fight for gender equality and justice. At Moonshine Post, we proudly contributed to a project of such historical and social significance. Our team used expert color grading, sound design, and finishing to preserve the authenticity of the archival footage while ensuring each frame resonated emotionally with audiences.
This project not only showcased our technical skills but also highlighted our commitment to stories that matter. By collaborating with filmmakers like Deborah Riley Draper and Emily Best, who focus on underrepresented communities, we helped elevate an essential conversation, connecting audiences with the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for equality.
As we continue to take on projects that inspire change, “RATIFIED” stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in filmmaking. It demonstrates how post-production transforms stories and shapes the future. We remain dedicated to using our expertise to highlight stories that challenge, inspire, and uplift—because every frame matters, and every voice deserves to be heard.