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David M. Blum

David M. Blum brings a unique perspective to post production. Starting as a film editor in San Diego, Mr. Blum evolved his skills to include videotape. Moving to Los Angeles in 1978 he immediately began to focus on the use of videotape and film for visual effects. This work earned him a spot doing the first major effects on tape for Columbia Television's “Mr. Merlin”.
Seeing a need for efficient tape editing for film products, Mr. Blum worked with Francis Ford Copola on “One From the Heart”. It was this pioneering effort that led him to devise his own proprietary system. Working with Universal Pictures Television Mr. Blum was the first person to edit a show on tape and return accurate film codes successfully. Expanding his software development he wrote and created the CMX EDL Optimizer, inventing “C” mode editing, which is still in use today around the world.
Mr. Blum pursued his research into visual effects by focusing on Music Videos. He pioneered many of the effects still used today. Working for all of the major Record and Production companies Mr. Blum has been responsible for over 1500 videos in the past two decades. When visual effects made their return to television he was involved as both a consultant and designer for “Twilight Zone”, “Max Headroom”, and ”Star Trek, The Next Generation”.
As Senior Editor at Varitel Video in Los Angeles, he created the first digital laboratory in Los Angeles. This enabled him to combine 3D imaging, computer graphic technology, and digital compositing techniques, to meet his and the clients’ creative needs. He completed projects for Amblin Entertainment and Warner Bros. using this new technology.
Mr. Blum next took his effects capabilities to Digital Rezolution. As Director of Creative Services and Visual Effects Supervisor he created, designed, and coordinated special effects for feature films. His projects included using motion control, 3D, motion capture, and blue screen processing for films like “Buddy”, “Elvis Meets Nixon”, and “Jerry McGuire”. Focusing on the expansion of Theme Parks world wide, Mr. Blum used his talents to create and produce attractions for Universal Studios, Warner Bros., and many others. His projects are currently in use in five countries around the world.
Building on past experiences, Mr. Blum designed and administered the Visual Effects department for a subsidiary of Flashpoint Ltd. While at New Standard Post, he designed and produced the award winning effects for Nickelodeon's, "100 Deeds For Eddie McDowd". This history making show combined live action and 3D imagery allowing the star, a dog, to speak in over 100 shots per show.
In the early 2000’s David has worked on films including “Charlies Angels”, “Matrix”, and “Seabiscuit”. Moving more into the animation field he’s been working with The Henson Company using motion capture to interface to their Digital Puppet System. Mr. Blum was also a guest instructor at Santa Monica City College as well as hosting instructional workshops at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles.
In 2004, Mr. Blum opened a new office of his five year old company, Catalyst FX, in Phoenix. This unique visual effects and post production company combines the very best in digital technology including design, supervision, and implementation. David also began a full time teaching career at the Art Institute of Phoenix. He has been teaching there since 2005 as an Associate Professor focusing on Digital Film and Visual Effects instruction