What challenges and trends do professionals in the dynamic field of freelance coloring face?
The video production industry is constantly evolving. Technology is advancing rapidly, the amount of online and offline content is exploding, and deadlines seem to be getting tighter every year. The systems and structures that were in place a decade ago have been dramatically altered since the global recession. Shops have closed, budgets are shrinking, and clients are seeking alternative solutions to meet deadlines.
The field of color correction has also undergone significant changes. As someone working in the industry, I want to explore certain aspects of the profession to predict where the freelance coloring industry might be heading.
Job Durations
Image from Blackmagic
Job durations can vary greatly. While I’ve worked on some long-form projects, most of my work involves short-form commercials. For these jobs, I often receive an inquiry email from the producer the day before or even on the same day as the job. This is because many clients wait until the last minute to approve cuts. Due to the timing, sessions are often booked before cuts are finalized, and any client changes must be taken into account during or after the session.
Short-form projects usually don’t require a full ten-hour day to complete. Because of this, I believe it’s more fair to charge an hourly rate rather than a daily rate. A typical thirty-second ad may take four hours or less to complete, depending on the client’s desired tweaks and the number of creatives involved. However, with particularly difficult clients, agencies may still choose to book the entire day. They seem to enjoy having the agency to themselves for the day.
Varying Client Setups
Freelance colorists must be adaptable to different client scenarios. Some clients have the resources and funds to provide a dedicated studio, while others don’t. I work on projects in my home studio, both with and without clients present, as well as on-site at client facilities. Sometimes, I even bring my entire system to the client’s location. This variety of setups requires me to be prepared for any situation.
For some exclusive clients, I only work with them about once a month. It doesn’t make sense for them to invest in an expensive color grading system when they can include my equipment rental in their post-production budget. In these cases, I ship my system to their facility, set it up in an edit suite the day before the session, and tear it down at the end of the session day. Clients appreciate these flexible mobile solutions that align with their demanding post-production schedules.
I offer fair rates while saving clients the hassle and additional expenses of grading outside their own space. Clients see the cost savings, and larger color houses are not burdened with jobs that would strain their resources. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
Competitive Rates
Image from No Film School
Due to the specialized nature of the color grading profession and the financial investment required for equipment, freelance colorists can command higher rates compared to other positions that have a larger pool of professionals. Producers will only book you for the days or hours they have budgeted for, so there’s not much downtime waiting for assets to be collected, which I appreciate.
Working Alongside Bigger Color Houses
Image from Blackmagic
There will always be a demand for premium color houses that offer luxurious grading suites and a range of additional client services. However, I don’t see them as direct competition for freelance colorists. We cater to different segments of the industry that operate at different price points. Many of my clients simply want to get the job done and prefer dealing with a single entity.
The Niche Market Today
All freelancers rely on a mix of consistent and diverse clients. Some clients are busiest during fashion week, while others are busiest during the holiday season. However, the level of activity in the industry can be quite random. In major cities, steady work is often tied to having a long list of clients.
The recent recession has kept color grading in high demand. It’s a specialized skill that few possess but every project requires. As color grading continues to evolve technologically, experienced professionals who understand client needs and possess extensive technical knowledge will consistently be hired. To wrap things up, here’s a fun clip from the International Colorist Academy that gives a glimpse into the day-to-day tasks of professional colorists.
If you want to learn more about working as a professional colorist, check out these links from the PremiumBeat blog:
- 5 Reasons to Get a Color Grading Control Surface
- Key Workflow Tips For A Smooth Color Grading Process
- Things Colorists Tweet: Insights from Professional Colorists
What are your thoughts on the current state of the industry? Do you agree or disagree with any of the points mentioned above? Let’s discuss it in the comments below.
