ACES

Term from Color Correction industry explained for recruiters

ACES (Academy Color Encoding System) is a standard way of managing colors in movies and TV shows. Think of it like a universal language for colors that helps everyone in the film industry work together consistently. Just as Microsoft Word helps keep document formatting consistent, ACES helps keep colors looking the same from the camera all the way to the movie theater or TV screen. It's created by the same organization that gives out the Oscar awards (the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) to make sure movies look exactly as their creators intended.

Examples in Resumes

Managed color workflow using ACES for major streaming platform TV series

Implemented ACES color pipeline for feature film post-production

Trained junior colorists in ACES workflow standards

Typical job title: "Color Pipeline Engineers"

Also try searching for:

Digital Colorist Color Pipeline TD Color Workflow Specialist Digital Imaging Technician Color Management Specialist Post-Production Colorist Digital Intermediate Colorist

Where to Find Color Pipeline Engineers

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you implement ACES in a multi-vendor pipeline?

Expected Answer: Should explain how to coordinate different software tools and ensure color consistency across various platforms, mentioning practical experience with major software integration and troubleshooting.

Q: Describe a challenging ACES implementation you've managed and how you solved any issues.

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience with large-scale projects, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of both technical and workflow challenges in real production environments.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the main benefits of using ACES in a production workflow?

Expected Answer: Should explain practical advantages like consistent color appearance across different cameras, standardized color space handling, and future-proofing content for different display technologies.

Q: How do you handle HDR content in an ACES workflow?

Expected Answer: Should describe the basic process of managing high dynamic range content within ACES, including proper display setup and output considerations.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is ACES and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that ACES is a standard color management system that helps maintain consistent colors throughout the filmmaking process, from filming to final viewing.

Q: What are the basic components of an ACES workflow?

Expected Answer: Should mention input transforms (IDTs), working space, and output transforms (ODTs) in simple terms, showing basic understanding of the color pipeline.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of color management
  • Familiarity with common color correction software
  • Basic ACES workflow knowledge
  • Understanding of basic color theory

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Implementation of ACES in various software
  • Color pipeline troubleshooting
  • Working with multiple camera formats
  • Understanding of HDR workflows

Senior (5+ years)

  • Complex color pipeline design
  • Team leadership and workflow optimization
  • Multi-vendor system integration
  • Technical problem-solving at production scale

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No understanding of basic color theory
  • Lack of experience with professional color correction software
  • No knowledge of different camera color spaces
  • Unable to explain basic ACES workflow concepts