LUT

Term from Videography industry explained for recruiters

LUT (Look-Up Table) is a tool used in video editing and color correction that helps create specific visual styles for videos. Think of it like Instagram filters for professional video work - it's a preset that changes how colors appear in footage. Video editors and colorists use LUTs to quickly apply consistent color styles across different video clips or to match the look of different cameras. When you see this term in a resume, it indicates that the candidate knows how to work with professional video color correction tools.

Examples in Resumes

Created custom LUTs for maintaining brand consistency across corporate video content

Applied cinematic LUTs and Look-Up Tables to match footage from multiple camera types

Developed signature LUT packages for wedding videography style

Typical job title: "Video Colorists"

Also try searching for:

Video Editor Colorist Color Grading Artist Post-Production Specialist Digital Imaging Technician Video Post-Production Editor

Where to Find Video Colorists

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you manage color consistency across different types of cameras and lighting conditions?

Expected Answer: A senior colorist should explain their process for creating and using camera-specific LUTs, how they handle different lighting scenarios, and their workflow for maintaining consistency across an entire project.

Q: Can you explain your approach to creating custom LUTs for clients?

Expected Answer: They should discuss their process for understanding client needs, creating test looks, getting feedback, and implementing final color grades that can be used across multiple projects.

Mid Level Questions

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

Expected Answer: Should explain how they use LUTs to match colors between different camera brands and models, and how they handle various video formats.

Q: How do you organize your LUT workflow in a project?

Expected Answer: Should describe their system for managing different LUTs, when they apply them in the workflow, and how they maintain consistency throughout a project.

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 like a color preset that changes how video footage looks, and give basic examples of when to use technical vs. creative LUTs.

Q: How do you apply a LUT to footage?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of basic LUT application in common video editing software and understand the difference between technical and creative LUTs.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic LUT application
  • Understanding of color correction basics
  • Familiarity with video editing software
  • Basic technical vs. creative LUT knowledge

Mid (2-4 years)

  • Custom LUT creation
  • Color matching between cameras
  • Advanced color correction techniques
  • Project-wide color management

Senior (4+ years)

  • Creating complex custom LUT packages
  • Color workflow development
  • Team training and supervision
  • High-end commercial color grading

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No understanding of basic color theory
  • Unable to explain difference between technical and creative LUTs
  • No experience with professional video editing software
  • Lack of knowledge about different video formats and color spaces