Profession
Colorist
The color that defines the mood of the film.
As a colorist, you shape the mood and look of films, shows, commercials, and music videos by adjusting color, contrast, and light after everything is filmed. When a scene feels warm and nostalgic, cold and tense, or bright and playful, that is often your work. Day to day you sit in a darkened suite at a specialized workstation, using color grading software to balance shots, match footage from different cameras, and craft a consistent style the director wants. You collaborate closely with directors and cinematographers, taking their vision and making it real frame by frame, which takes both a great eye and real patience.
Average salary
$4,000 – $15,000
Education
3 years
Employability
75%
🎥 See what it's really like
A Film Colorist Explains What a Colorist Does
A working colorist from a post-production house explains how color shapes the look of a film.
What Does a Colorist Do?
A short overview of color correction for commercials, TV and film.
How a Pro Colorist Sets the Look for a Feature Film
A colorist walks through the look-development process on a feature.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
How much does a Colorist professional earn?▾
Salary ranges from $4,000 – $15,000 per month, depending on specialization, region, and experience. Professionals in major cities tend to earn above the national average.
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