Tracking

Term from Color Correction industry explained for recruiters

Tracking is a fundamental skill in color correction and video editing where professionals follow and adjust specific elements across video frames. Think of it like drawing an invisible line around an object (like an actor's face or a car) as it moves through a scene, allowing editors to make color or brightness changes to just that area. This technique is essential for maintaining consistent colors, creating special effects, or highlighting specific parts of a video. It's similar to how a spotlight follows a performer on stage, but in post-production.

Examples in Resumes

Used Tracking to enhance skin tones consistently throughout commercial projects

Applied advanced Tracking techniques for complex movement in feature films

Developed efficient Track and Tracking workflows for high-volume content delivery

Typical job title: "Color Correction Artists"

Also try searching for:

Colorist Digital Colorist Color Grading Artist Color Correction Specialist Color Timer DI Colorist

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle tracking in challenging scenarios with complex movement?

Expected Answer: A senior colorist should explain their approach to difficult tracking situations, such as dealing with fast motion, objects going off-screen, or changing lighting conditions. They should mention using multiple tracking points and manual keyframing when needed.

Q: Describe a situation where traditional tracking failed and how you solved it.

Expected Answer: They should describe creative problem-solving approaches, like breaking the track into smaller segments, using multiple shapes, or combining different tracking methods to achieve the desired result.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What's your process for tracking faces in dialogue scenes?

Expected Answer: Should explain how they handle common situations like tracking faces during conversations, including dealing with head turns, lighting changes, and maintaining natural skin tones.

Q: How do you ensure efficient tracking workflows on tight deadlines?

Expected Answer: Should discuss their approach to balancing quality with time constraints, including using templates, presets, and organizing work efficiently.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic principles of tracking in color correction?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of how to create and adjust basic tracking shapes, explain when tracking is needed, and show knowledge of common tracking tools in color correction software.

Q: How do you verify if your tracking is working correctly?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic quality control methods like reviewing frame by frame, checking track points, and ensuring the selection stays on target throughout the clip.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic shape creation and tracking
  • Simple object following
  • Understanding of tracking tools
  • Basic troubleshooting

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Complex movement tracking
  • Multiple point tracking
  • Efficient workflow management
  • Advanced shape manipulation

Senior (5+ years)

  • Problem-solving difficult tracking scenarios
  • Training and supervising others
  • Creating efficient tracking workflows
  • High-end feature film experience

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unable to handle basic tracking tasks
  • No experience with industry-standard color correction software
  • Lack of attention to detail in tracking work
  • Poor understanding of when tracking is necessary