What do we mean when we say ‘grading’…and why is it so important?
Grading is essentially altering the look of an image to enhance the appearance of the video image. Generally people are aware of the use of photoshop to manipulate still images, essentially we do the same but at 25 frames per second!
What’s the benefit?
A colour grade can vastly enhance the finished look of a video, it allows the editor to control the images and assists in helping to tell the story.
When filming we generally record a ‘flat’ image (top image), by this we mean there is no real definition, no singular tone or specific colour that stands out from another. The image just looks a bit wishy washy!! When a client sees this ‘flat’ image we reassure them that the overall look will be extremely different. The reason we record this ‘flat’ image is so in post-production we can then manipulate the different registered tones of an image to make the image have the ‘look’ we desire for the finished video.
There are many reasons why we have different emotions when watching a video or film; the content, the tone, and the music (more so with blockbusters)! They all add to the sensory experience. Being able to manipulate the grade can change the mood of a video significantly. You don’t necessarily have to do anything drastic to the image; just small, subtle changes can make a massive difference to the way an audience perceives the finished film.
Whilst producing a series of product videos for sports nutrition brand Bulk Powders, their aim was to have videos that encapsulated the feeling the user gets from using their product. One of the ways we achieved this was by giving the image a certain aesthetic to match the intensity of the footage.
You can see more examples of our grading in our showreel!! as well as individual videos on our Portfolio page.
Want to discuss your next project? Call our friendly team on 01274 452108 or use the contact form at the bottom of the page.
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