LUT

Term from Cinematography industry explained for recruiters

LUT (Look Up Table) is a tool used in video and film production to change how footage looks. Think of it like an Instagram filter, but for professional video. It helps create specific moods or styles in videos by adjusting colors and contrast. Video editors and colorists use LUTs to save time and maintain consistent looks across entire projects. Some people also call them "color presets" or "color profiles." When you see this term in a resume, it means the person knows how to work with professional video color adjustment tools.

Examples in Resumes

Created custom LUTs for matching footage from different cameras on major advertising campaigns

Applied professional LUTs and Look Up Tables to enhance visual storytelling in documentary films

Developed standardized LUT workflow for maintaining brand consistency across multiple video projects

Typical job title: "Colorists"

Also try searching for:

Video Editor Color Grader Digital Imaging Technician Post-Production Specialist Cinematographer Colorist Film Editor

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you approach creating a custom LUT for a major client's brand?

Expected Answer: Should explain process of working with brand guidelines, converting creative vision into technical settings, and ensuring consistency across different cameras and lighting conditions.

Q: How do you handle technical LUT implementation across different software platforms?

Expected Answer: Should discuss experience with various color grading software, understanding of color space conversion, and methods for maintaining consistency across different editing platforms.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What's your process for matching footage from different cameras using LUTs?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic approach to analyzing footage characteristics, selecting or creating appropriate LUTs, and ensuring consistent look across various camera sources.

Q: How do you organize and manage LUTs in a professional workflow?

Expected Answer: Should describe systems for naming, categorizing, and applying LUTs efficiently in production environment, including version control and backup procedures.

Junior Level Questions

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

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that LUTs are color presets that help achieve specific looks, and describe basic situations where they're useful in video editing.

Q: What's the difference between a technical LUT and a creative LUT?

Expected Answer: Should explain that technical LUTs are for converting between color spaces or cameras, while creative LUTs are for achieving specific artistic looks.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic LUT application in editing software
  • Understanding of color correction basics
  • Familiarity with common video formats
  • Basic knowledge of color spaces

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Custom LUT creation
  • Color matching between cameras
  • Advanced color correction techniques
  • Working with multiple editing platforms

Senior (5+ years)

  • Complex color pipeline management
  • Creating company-wide color workflows
  • Technical troubleshooting
  • Training and supervising junior colorists

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No understanding of basic color theory
  • Unfamiliarity with professional video editing software
  • Inability to explain difference between technical and creative LUTs
  • No experience with color-critical hardware like calibrated monitors

Related Terms