LUT

Term from Television Production industry explained for recruiters

LUT (Look-Up Table) is a tool used in video and film production to change how footage looks, similar to photo filters but more professional. It's like a recipe that transforms the colors and mood of video footage to achieve a specific visual style. Production professionals use LUTs to make footage look consistent across different cameras or to create specific visual atmospheres, like making a scene look warmer, cooler, or more cinematic. Think of it as a preset that can quickly transform the appearance of video content, much like how Instagram filters work, but at a professional level.

Examples in Resumes

Created custom LUTs for major advertising campaigns to maintain brand consistency

Applied cinematic LUTs and Look-Up Tables to enhance documentary footage

Developed and managed LUT libraries for post-production workflow

Typical job title: "Colorists"

Also try searching for:

Digital Colorist Color Grading Artist Post-Production Specialist Video Editor Film Colorist DIT (Digital Imaging Technician) Color Correction Specialist

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you approach color grading for multi-camera productions?

Expected Answer: A senior colorist should discuss their process for matching footage from different cameras, creating and managing LUTs for consistency, and ensuring all footage maintains a cohesive look throughout the project.

Q: How do you handle client feedback and revisions in color grading sessions?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in managing client expectations, effectively communicating technical concepts to non-technical clients, and efficiently implementing changes while maintaining project timelines.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What's your process for creating and organizing LUTs for different projects?

Expected Answer: Should explain their methodology for developing custom LUTs, how they organize and name them, and how they ensure consistency across different editing platforms.

Q: How do you handle challenging footage with exposure or white balance issues?

Expected Answer: Should describe their approach to correcting problematic footage, including using LUTs and other tools to salvage and improve the material.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is a LUT and when would you use one?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that a LUT is a tool for changing the look of footage and describe basic scenarios for using them, like matching cameras or achieving specific moods.

Q: How do you apply and adjust LUTs in common editing software?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic knowledge of importing and applying LUTs in standard editing programs and making basic adjustments to intensity and effect.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic color correction techniques
  • Understanding of LUT application
  • Familiarity with common editing software
  • Basic knowledge of color theory

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Custom LUT creation
  • Advanced color grading techniques
  • Multiple camera matching
  • Client collaboration experience

Senior (5+ years)

  • Complex color grading projects
  • Team leadership and training
  • High-end commercial work
  • Color pipeline management

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No understanding of basic color theory
  • Unfamiliarity with industry-standard editing software
  • Lack of experience with different camera formats
  • Poor communication skills with non-technical team members