PODCAST: The 5 Most Critical Color Grading Mistakes Made By Filmmakers

Written by Noam Kroll

Color grading tools have become more accessible than ever, and as a result filmmakers are becoming hyper aware of the role that color plays in their work. Countless filmmakers are now training themselves in the art and science of color grading as a means to elevate the quality of their work without needing to rely on post-houses.

That said, the color process as a whole still poses a steep learning curve, and many filmmakers jump into their color processes before being fully aware of the technical and creative challenges that they will be faced with.

In this episode, I address 5 of the most common and most critical color grading mistakes made by filmmakers. Topics covered include: the importance of a correct order of operations, how to approach shot matching, why to never overprotect dynamic range, and much more.

Check out Episode 22: The 5 Most Critical Color Grading Mistakes Made By Filmmakers

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About Author

Noam Kroll

Noam Kroll is an award-winning Los Angeles based filmmaker, and the founder of the boutique production house, Creative Rebellion. His work can be seen at international film festivals, on network television, and in various publications across the globe. Follow Noam on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for more content like this!

2 Comments

Kyron Gray
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Thanks for a great podcast Noam. I’ve been colour grading for years on our projects, but I tend to get stuck in my own personal echo chamber and rarely get the chance to collaborate on this side of the film making equation to improve and grow. So its nice to hear how you work and it reminds me to get back to basics first.

I have a massive love/hate relationship with grading. It’s the one part of the whole process that I can get completely stuck in due to being hyper critical or simply not trusting my eyes. Or more often than not… be happy and then come back the next day and hate the look with a vengeance haha. My eyes seem adjust far too easily to shots. I keep my monitor calibrated with an xrite i1 display, but deep down I also have a mistrust of the technology. It’s a neurotic spiral! lol
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Noam Kroll
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I hear you! Grading can be frustrating for all of us from time to time… In my opinion, the less time you spend on each shot (within reason) the better. Often times our instincts are best when we work quickly, and spending too long on a shot or scene can end up resulting in color that’s overdone… Maybe it’s just me, but generally I find that to be true! Also, another easy tip – listen to music when grading. It keeps your mind occupied and keeps any self doubt at bay. I grade everything to music for that reason.
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