Color Grading
Color grading is the process of adjusting and enhancing the colors in video footage or films to create a specific look or mood. It's similar to how photographers edit photos, but for moving images. This step typically comes near the end of video production, after all the editing is done. Think of it like giving a movie its signature visual style - making horror films look dark and moody, or making beach scenes look warm and vibrant. Some people also call this process "color correction" or "color timing," though color correction usually refers to the more basic adjustments to make footage look natural.
Examples in Resumes
Created cinematic looks for feature films using Color Grading in DaVinci Resolve
Performed Color Correction and Color Grading for over 200 commercial projects
Led Color Timing workflow optimization for post-production studio
Typical job title: "Colorists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Colorists
Online Communities
Professional Networks
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you manage color grading workflows for large projects with multiple collaborators?
Expected Answer: A senior colorist should discuss project organization, color management standards, creating and sharing look libraries, and ensuring consistency across multiple episodes or scenes. They should mention experience with various delivery specifications and managing client feedback.
Q: Can you explain your approach to developing a unique look for a project?
Expected Answer: They should explain how they work with directors and cinematographers to understand vision, create test looks, and develop a consistent style guide. Should mention practical examples of translating creative briefs into technical execution.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What's your process for matching footage from different cameras?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they analyze footage characteristics, adjust color and exposure to create consistency, and maintain quality while matching different source materials.
Q: How do you handle difficult footage with exposure or white balance issues?
Expected Answer: Should describe techniques for salvaging problematic footage, understanding of color correction tools, and when to communicate that footage might need to be reshot.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What's the difference between primary and secondary color correction?
Expected Answer: Should explain that primary corrections affect the entire image (like overall brightness and contrast), while secondary corrections target specific areas or colors in the image.
Q: How do you ensure proper skin tones in your color grading?
Expected Answer: Should discuss basic understanding of skin tone values, use of scopes to check levels, and importance of maintaining natural-looking skin regardless of creative grade.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic color correction tools
- Understanding of color theory
- Simple grade matching
- Working with scopes and monitors
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced color matching
- Look development
- Working with RAW footage
- Client session management
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex look creation
- Project management
- Technical troubleshooting
- Team supervision and training
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of color theory basics
- Inability to explain difference between color correction and grading
- No experience with professional color grading software
- Lack of eye for detail and consistency
- No knowledge of different delivery formats and specifications
Related Terms
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