LUTs (Look-Up Tables)

Term from Editing industry explained for recruiters

LUTs (Look-Up Tables) are color presets that editors use to quickly change how videos and photos look. Think of them like Instagram filters, but for professional editing. They help maintain consistent colors across different projects and can transform the mood of footage from bright and cheerful to dark and moody with just one click. Editors often use LUTs to match footage from different cameras or to achieve specific creative styles requested by clients.

Examples in Resumes

Created custom LUTs for consistent brand colors across marketing videos

Applied industry-standard Look-Up Tables for color correction on feature film

Developed and managed LUT libraries for post-production team

Implemented Color LUTs for matching footage from multiple camera types

Typical job title: "Colorists and Video Editors"

Also try searching for:

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

Where to Find Colorists and Video Editors

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you manage color consistency across different projects and camera types?

Expected Answer: A senior colorist should discuss creating custom LUTs for different cameras, implementing color management workflows, and establishing standards for team collaboration.

Q: How do you handle difficult client requests regarding color grading?

Expected Answer: Should explain their process of translating client feedback into technical solutions, including creating multiple LUT options and managing client expectations while maintaining technical quality.

Mid Level Questions

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

Expected Answer: Should discuss their methodology for developing custom LUTs, how they organize their LUT library, and how they maintain consistency across projects.

Q: How do you ensure color accuracy across different displays?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic monitor calibration, working with different color spaces, and ensuring final outputs match client requirements.

Junior Level Questions

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

Expected Answer: Should explain that technical LUTs are used to convert between color spaces or correct camera footage, while creative LUTs are used for styling and mood.

Q: How do you apply LUTs in your preferred editing software?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of basic LUT application in common editing software and understanding of when to use them in the editing workflow.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic color correction
  • Applying pre-made LUTs
  • Understanding of color theory
  • Familiarity with editing software

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Creating custom LUTs
  • Color matching between cameras
  • Advanced color grading techniques
  • Project color management

Senior (5+ years)

  • Developing complex color pipelines
  • Training and team leadership
  • High-end commercial work
  • Custom LUT development for studios

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No understanding of basic color theory
  • Unable to explain difference between technical and creative LUTs
  • No experience with professional editing software
  • Lack of knowledge about color spaces and calibration
  • No portfolio of color grading work