Hello dear reader and welcome to this post.
Today I would like to introduce you to the unsung hero of the movie world. The Colourist. So I hear you ask yourself what is a colourist?
At the end of this post is some useful information about careers in post production and how to turn your colour grading hobby/passion into your dream career.
Colour is a powerful tool used frequently in film, advertising and TV shows. Directors use colour to set the feel of their product, to convey a theme, message or emotion of a film. The same is true for TV and advertising. This is done by developing a colour palette for the theme of the product and using it through out. When working on a set or sound stage colours can be chosen specifically and lighting can be used to emphasise the value and saturation of the colours used. When working on location, it is not as easy to effect control over urban building colour, natural background colour or the most important aspect, light.
This is where the expertise of the colourist comes in. Working, usually in post-production, they are responsible for enhancing the colour scheme. Once the film has been shot and edited it is sent to the colourist who works alongside the director ensuring that finished film is exactly as the director envisioned it.
They also correct technical errors or adjusting colours to give the end product a more natural appearance. They word in a specially designed environment called a colour suite, this space has neutral grey walls and lighting that mimics natural light to accurate changes can be made. Up to the advent of digital processing, it is worth noting that the colourist would work on the original celluloid film using photo chemicals. Now of course computer software is used to create the desired effect.
The duties of a colourist fall into two categories, grading and correction.
Grading
The colourist adjusts the appearance of the footage for technical on creative purposes. With the creative aspect the colourist ensure that moods and atmospheres are conveyed via the films colour palette.
Using warm or cool colours can drastically affect the feel and emotion of the piece. Colours can be contrasting, complimentary or monochromatic. Depending on the required finish colours can be highly saturated or muted. The most common palette is that of three colours, 60% is the primary colour roughly 20% is the secondary colour and 10% is given to the accent colour. The importance of this is that the audience is draw to the main character or action without being distracted by the background.
Specific colours may be assigned to a specific character and that colour can be used to foreshadow the appearance of the character in an up coming scene. The image below is a still from the Martian, the palette is monochromatic to reflect the surface of Mars. In addition to the literal interpretation, through the use of one colour, it also confers the isolation of the character.
Correction
This is necessary because cameras are not as yet as sophisticated as the eye and can not capture light in the same way. In addition to this filming takes long periods of time and natural light changes across the course of the day. Colour correction ensures the continuity of the scene. The consistency of colour throughout a production is paramount for creating a cohesive look and feel to the story.
One example given by Tyler Fergerstrom, was that of the South by Southwest production of “Mr Roosevelt”. During the shoot, the sun kept moving in and out of cloud, which is quite common when shooting outdoors. The end effect was very distracting in the scene. To combat this the colourist adjusted the contrast to match the changing light giving the scene a more appealing and less confusing finish.
As many beautiful films are shot with a monochromatic palette with the lead character being given a contrasting signature colour. Think about, say superman as an example. In the world of Metropolis, the colours are muted greys and browns of a city scape, even Louis Lane is dressed in drab muted colours, a pale dress shirt and a cream suit.
The hero and focus of the piece is brightly dressed in red and blue. He draws the eye because he is the hero, he is where the action is. Whenever I give thought to the use of colour I am pulled back to the movies, I love cinema and there is good reason for this. Every shot is lovingly crafted to attract my attention. The use of colour, light and shade drives the emotion of the scene and the emotion of the viewer.
Colourist also known as a Post Digital Imaging Technician
What do they earn?
These Figures are for 2019, however they are a good indication of the salary. Published by mixinglight.com.
Average came out at $115. Those working in LA averaging $112.75 those based in New York averaging $104.97. These are not starting salaries the annual income for those at the beginning of their career came to around $36K – $53K
What Qualifications do you need?
You don’t necessarily need specific qualifications to work as a colourist. However it is advantageous to have a degree in art or film production. You will need an excellent eye for colour and light.
Being an excellent communicator is key, so you can help the director realize his vision. You also need to be able to take instruction so you can work confidently without direct supervision.
This is a very technical process. You will need a good understanding and working knowledge of the software used. Also you will need to know how digital cameras process light this way you will have a realistic expectation of what can be achieved in post production.
A good understanding of colour theory will help you create the most effective colour palette to give the film the best finish. Though the Art Director and Film
Director will give you clear instruction of what they expect.
Knowing about the psychology of colour and what effect it will have on the audience will improve with practice. The Director will be responsible for the actual colour palette you are going to be helping them to set the mood of the film.
Once you land your dream job, you must continue your education and improve your craft. The International Colorist Academy runs a week long summit every year and has year round classes in colour grading topics. Follow the link for more information.
The Hobbyist
There is a lot to be said for the hobbyist. Having a deep interest is going to be your ground state of being. It is likely that you have been the person who has already spent time working on your own photography, correcting colour and improving the final image. This drive and passion is what will push you to do well.
You are the person who will already have a basic or good understanding of the software available and what effects can realistically be achieved. You will have a good understanding of time constraints and how to manage your workload for the best out come.
Above all your passion will have driven you to practice, a lot, to become good at what you do and all the time learning to be better at it. Everything you do, keep, and use it as a portfolio of your work. Your passion hobby may become your dream career.
Where to start?
In this age of YouTube, there is a teaching session or instructional video for just about anything. There are plenty on this topic that will walk you through the process. Follow this link for a beginner introduction to DaVinici editing software. Then you are on your own, enjoy the rabbit hole!
Find work in a production company. Nobody starts out in this job working on the latest block buster you need to earn your chops. Seek out small independent production companies send them your portfolio. If necessary start as a production assistant and learn the business from the ground up.
Network! Keep intouch with your peers either through education and workshops or with online forums. LiftGammaGain is an online post production community. This site is lively, relevant and stuffed to the gills with helpful information and people. Awesome information available on Production Beast.
Good fortune to you. I hope this post was useful please feel free to leave a comment below.