The importance of color in filmmaking.

[Shoots.Video]

If anyone is interested, here's a good article about coloring.

"There are few professions in video production that have as much influence in manipulating our emotions than that of a Professional Colorist. Of course if you’ve watched a lot of films you’ve likely noticed the role color plays in terms of design but a Professional Colorist’s role goes much deeper than simply the surface appearance of a film. The Colorist plays with our emotions.

Typically, as a Professional Colorist coming in at the very last step of the Post-Production process, you will be expected to interpret the Director’s vision using the tools and skills of perception you have trained yourself to master, to utilize your sensibilities, knowledge and skills to play your part in advancing the story, perhaps even beyond what the Director may have envisioned.

There are two important factors that will determine whether or not you are successful in getting to this level; first is your investment in the tools of the trade; and second is your willingness to spend the number of hours necessary to master them."

[Cornucopia]

I understand the sentiment, but the site plays fast and loose with the facts. Becky Sharp was the first Technicolor film in 1935, nearly 30 years after the rise of Movies in the Silent Era. Being a Colorist meant very little in the era of Technicolor, as it was often exaggerated by Technicolor reps to emphasize their unique process. It wasn't until Eastmancolor, where timing development started the true role. And that was as much technical as it was artistic, until the rise of digital filmmaking in the late 90s/early 2000s. And it actually wasn't until the late 50s/early 60s before there were more color films than B/W.

Plus, I would say Director, DP, main Actors, Screenwriter, and Editor have as much if not more influence over the artistic outcome of a film.

I would also say that, for any profession that combines artistry with technical wizardry, the formula for success is a varying combination of talent & skill, methodical learning & practice & perserverance, reasonable access to quality toolset, and just plain dumb luck - being at the right place at the right time.


Scott