Who is the Colorist at your Production Company?
Color grading is the invisible weapon of your video production, the quiet hero who works in the shadows at your production company. You may be asking what exactly IS color grading, and you wouldn't be alone; most people have heard of directors, producers, even editors and special effects artists, but even in this age of digital tools and distribution, few people realize that the colorist is the person at your production company who takes a shot that looks like this:
and change it to this:
With all of the software, hardware and other tools that exist now for altering and coloring your video footage, it is easy to get confused or not want to consider your options at all--or worse, consider all options to be equal. Ask your potential production company who is going to be in charge of coloring the footage that you are investing in. What tools and formats will they be working in? Is this the best tool for your particular project and budget? The best pipeline could be changed depending on where your production will end up. In the end it's important to realize that:
The person grading your video production of absolute importance.
Every member of your team is there to supply your production company with a vital bit of influence that helps to shape your project overall, whether it's the director or the editor. Whatever you do, if you're trying to stand out from your competition, one place not to fudge the budget is in the color grade. There's a reason why Hollywood and top ad agencies invest a good portion of their budget into finishing in post production.
