How can you design an effective color grading plan in pre-production?

Color grading is the final touch, the cherry on top, and the final mood-setting element of most films. The presence and purpose of color should not only be extensively focused on throughout the preproduction, but also in the post production. In order to grade effectively, you need to first define the goals of what the colors mean to your film, and how they will build the storytelling. Different pallets can create different moods, agendas, inferences, etc. Be selective, and be intentional.

The key to creating a visually stunning film lies in the story being told and the director's approach. While references can be useful, they should only be incorporated if they truly serve the story and its authenticity. With this in mind, it's important to prioritize the narrative and vision of the director rather than simply relying on references for visual appeal. Remember, a film that stays true to its story will ultimately captivate and resonate with its audience.

Color grading can often go unnoticed by the average viewer. And I think that’s a good thing! A good color grade should largely go unnoticed, because the viewer isn’t distracted or taken off guard by a sloppy grade. It should further immerse your audience into the story you’re trying to tell. Having a vision for the “look and feel” is super important and should be a part of everyone’s pre production plan when it comes to visuals. Use reference frames and lighting diagrams to plan ahead and create your final look.

Knowing your color palettes before production will make a big difference when you enter the color grading process. Color is a great way to reveal themes, convey complex ideas, and show the inner world of a character. A great example is the movie “La La Land.” Damien a gazelle uses color to express characters (Mia is blue, Seb is Red). As their relationship develops, the color palette changes in their clothes & their environment. This is all thought of before pressing record.

The available formats in the camera you select for a project will determine how far you can push the envelope with your color grade. For example, if your camera is capable of shooting in 10 bit RAW or log, you'll have that much more latitude in post-production whereas a standard profile will significantly limit how much you can change the appearance of your footage. Spend the necessary time researching the formats that your camera is capable of shooting in and be sure that your settings fall within the range of what is recommended in order to maximize your potential with a color grade. When possible, shoot test footage and experiment with the results in order to ensure that you're totally confident once production begins.

Selecting the appropriate camera and lenses for a project is highly important. To achieve the desired look for a film, it is necessary to conduct tests, work with the raw footage of each camera, and analyze the results in a color grading suite to determine which one works best.

The colorist can provide a LUT (Look Up Table) for the team to use on set. This LUT can be used for both the camera and the monitors. By doing so, the director and the photography department can have a better idea of how the final product would look like.