When collaborating with clients to define the visual style of a project, several workflows can be followed to create a specific look. Here are some common approaches:
- Pre-production: Designing a look before filming begins, then refining and adjusting it during the first week of shooting.
- Client references: The client provides a visual reference to guide the process.
- Grading options: The client wants to see different look options before making a final decision.
Regardless of the workflow being used, creating a Look Deck—a PDF representation of the proposed looks applied to stills from the project—is extremely helpful. This document serves as a starting point, ensuring that both the team and the client are aligned from the outset.
A typical scenario involves having a project and, after discussing the client’s vision, beginning the work.
First, key shots are selected, known as "hero shots." These are images that represent a variety of scenes within the content, usually choosing one to three shots per scene. The look and mood of each of these shots are then developed, primarily using primary color corrections and a chosen LUT, while avoiding the use of secondary corrections or qualifiers at this stage.
Once this sequence of hero shots is finalized, the stills are exported and compiled into a PDF. This format is not color-managed across different monitors, ensuring that the colors appear consistently, regardless of the device the client uses to view it. To create the PDF, applications like Canva or Photoshop can be used, where templates are designed and then easily updated for each project, streamlining the process.
Disclaimer: It’s important to note that the Look Deck is not the final grade. Its purpose is to showcase the look and feel of the project, providing a visual reference for alignment, but it is not the final version of the color grading.
This process can involve up to two rounds of revisions, but once the Look Deck is approved by the client, the next step is to apply these looks to the rest of the footage and complete the color grading.
If the client has provided references for the desired look or if references have been selected, these are also included in the PDF so the client can see how the look was achieved by comparing it with the reference images.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Look Deck
While creating a Look Deck is an effective way to streamline communication and ensure consistency in your project’s visual style, there are several common mistakes that can undermine its effectiveness. Here’s what to watch out for and how to avoid these pitfalls:
- Overcomplicating the Look Development Process:
- It’s easy to get carried away with intricate color grading techniques early on. However, a Look Deck is meant to convey the overall look and feel, not the final, detailed grade. Overcomplicating the process can confuse clients and make it difficult for them to provide clear feedback. Stick to primary color corrections and simple LUTs for the initial Look Deck to keep the focus on the broader visual style.
- Failing to Align with the Client’s Vision:
- One of the main purposes of a Look Deck is to ensure that your vision aligns with the client’s expectations. Skipping or rushing the initial discussion phase can lead to misalignment and dissatisfaction later on. Always take the time to fully understand the client’s vision, preferences, and references before creating the Look Deck. This ensures that the proposed looks resonate with the client’s goals.
- Neglecting Monitor and Device Variations:
- Colors can appear differently on various monitors and devices, which can cause discrepancies between what you see and what the client sees. When creating the Look Deck, it’s important to use a PDF format because it’s less likely to be affected by color management issues across different screens. However, still be aware that there may be slight variations, and communicate this to the client upfront to manage expectations.
- Ignoring the Importance of Revisions:
- The first version of a Look Deck is rarely the final one. Clients often need to see a few iterations to settle on a look that they are happy with. Ignoring the importance of revisions can lead to frustration and a lack of trust. Build in time for at least one or two rounds of revisions to refine the Look Deck based on client feedback.
- Inconsistency Between the Look Deck and Final Grade:
- The Look Deck sets the visual tone for the project, but it’s crucial to maintain consistency when moving from the Look Deck to the final grade. Drifting too far from the agreed-upon look during final grading can cause confusion and dissatisfaction. Always refer back to the approved Look Deck during the final grading process to ensure that the project stays true to the original vision.
Additional Benefits of the Look Deck Workflow
- Streamlined Communication: The Look Deck serves as a visual communication tool that reduces misunderstandings. By presenting the client with a clear and detailed preview of the proposed visual style, it ensures that both parties have a shared understanding of the project's aesthetic direction. This can prevent miscommunications later in the process, saving time and effort.
- Efficient Feedback Loop: Since the Look Deck provides a visual representation of the final product, it allows clients to give precise feedback early in the process. This feedback can be easily incorporated into the look development stage, minimizing the need for extensive revisions later on. It also helps in managing client expectations by showing them concrete examples of what the final product will look like.
- Consistency Across Deliverables: The Look Deck establishes a visual standard that can be consistently applied across all scenes and shots. This ensures that the final product maintains a cohesive visual style, regardless of the variations in lighting, location, or other shooting conditions. By setting a clear visual guideline early on, the entire production team can align their efforts to maintain consistency throughout the project.
