Specialist responsible for color grading and the final visual look of a film or video production.
Definition
The Colorist is the specialist for color grading in post-production. They work closely with the director and cinematographer to realize the desired visual style – from subtle correction to dramatic creative looks.
Application in Practice
Well-known colorists such as Stefan Sonnenfeld (Company 3), Tom Poole, or Asa Shoul shape the look of blockbusters. Their work includes shot matching, look development, HDR mastering, and the creation of various deliverables for cinema, TV, and streaming.
Technical Details
Colorists work in calibrated grading suites with high-end monitors (Sony BVM, Flanders Scientific), control surfaces (Tangent, Blackmagic), and software like DaVinci Resolve, Baselight, or Mistika. Typical workflows utilize ACES or manufacturer-specific color pipelines.