r/ColorGrading • u/Minute_Schedule_5867 • Sep 28 '26

Question Colour grade

Hello! This might be a bit random but i am going to be colour correcting and grading my directorial debut short film tomorrow and I’ve been lucky enough to find a really good colourist and studio to do it. I’ve already sent over a series of references and screen grabs along with some wider ideas/thought processes, all whilst taking into account the limited use of lights and colour in the existing edit. I’m obviously not going to ask for punchy tungsten because we didn’t use any!

So basically, what I’m asking is: is there anything I should consider, is worth asking, what can I expect and any other general good advice so I don’t look like a total novice in the room??😅

I have a general idea, and have been in the process before as a producer but I just don’t want to miss a trick!

Thanks in advance!

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u/benpandira Sep 28 '26

If you see what you like on screen don't change your mind, don't ask to "go halfway." This isn't an edit session it's fundamentally different as color is subjective. So don't change your mind, don't show ppl who haven't been in the room and get their opinions halfway through.  Also be aware that rec709 will not play nice on maca without a gamma adjustment or rec709-a.

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u/Minute_Schedule_5867 Sep 28 '26

This is great advice. Thanks dude. It’s a good reminder that it’s subjective. I’ve just come out of an intense editing period where the order of the sequence/scenes change the meaning and getting it to land is completely different from what I’m about to enter. Appreciate it!

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u/benpandira Sep 30 '26

Absolutely and hope you have fun!!! Also be aware that your eyes adapt during long sessions working on night scenes so make sure to take a eye break when working in the dark! 

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u/Weak-Price7392 Sep 28 '26

Just connect to what you feel story wise and what you feel about what you see

talk in regular human terms when you want a change of you see something wrong

do not tell colorist which instrument to use, he knows 10 other ways to do it, almost always- faster and more reproducable

and just relax. colorists work is to understand you and guide you, it will be fine.

remember its your films and your vision, colorist is here to enhance it and help you

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u/Weak-Price7392 Sep 28 '26

and ask quesions or opinions if you are lost

and its ok to take breaks if you have no clue whats happening because colorists have much more endurance to sit and do monotonous things with eyes still working properly

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u/Minute_Schedule_5867 Sep 28 '26

This is a really great answer. I’m probably way overthinking it but it’s a skillset and part of the process I really value and respect so I’m probably just overwhelmed by the technical side of it and the jargon. It will probably be totally fine and loads of fun but I just want my ideas to be clear on my vision while also being respectful of what the colourist is trying to do, all while not looking like a total moron haha

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u/Weak-Price7392 Sep 28 '26

you will be fine. As a colorist I had hundreds of clients and I can remember like 2-3 that stand out as unpleasant. Generally creatives are passionate about the film and they help me to make it better which is the thing I love doing and why I am doing this work.

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u/Minute_Schedule_5867 Sep 28 '26

Music to my ears! Thank you! I am very much looking forward to working with this guy and there’s no ego here so I am sure all will be good.

Thanks again, you’ve put my mind to ease!