Color Grading
Color Grading is the process of adjusting and enhancing the colors in video footage to create a specific look or mood. It's like Instagram filters for professional video, but much more sophisticated. This step happens near the end of video production, after all the footage has been shot and edited. Color graders use specialized software to adjust things like brightness, contrast, and color balance to make sure all scenes in a video match and have the desired emotional impact. You might also see this called "color correction" or "color timing" in job descriptions.
Examples in Resumes
Performed Color Grading for over 50 commercial projects using DaVinci Resolve
Enhanced storytelling through Color Correction techniques in documentary films
Led Color Timing sessions with clients to achieve desired visual aesthetics
Typical job title: "Color Graders"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Color Graders
Online Communities
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle challenging client feedback during a color grading session?
Expected Answer: A senior colorist should discuss their experience in managing client expectations, communication strategies, and ability to translate non-technical client requests into technical solutions. They should mention examples of difficult situations they've resolved.
Q: How do you ensure color consistency across different delivery formats?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they maintain quality when delivering to different platforms like cinema, TV, web, and mobile, including understanding of basic technical requirements for each format.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What's your process for matching footage from different cameras?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they handle footage from various sources to make it look consistent, including basic understanding of different camera characteristics and color spaces.
Q: How do you approach creating a specific look for a project?
Expected Answer: Should discuss their creative process, including reviewing references, understanding the project's mood, and working with directors/clients to achieve the desired visual style.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic adjustments do you typically make when starting a color grade?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain basic corrections like exposure, contrast, and white balance adjustments in simple terms.
Q: What software do you use for color grading and what are your favorite features?
Expected Answer: Should be familiar with at least one major color grading software (like DaVinci Resolve) and able to discuss basic tools and features.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic color correction
- Understanding of primary color tools
- Knowledge of popular grading software
- Basic matching of shots
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced color matching
- Look development
- Client session management
- Multiple delivery format handling
Senior (5+ years)
- High-end commercial/film grading
- Complex look creation
- Team supervision
- Technical troubleshooting
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience with professional color grading software
- Unable to show a demo reel or portfolio
- No understanding of color theory
- Lack of experience working directly with clients
Related Terms
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