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Film Color Grading Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Sr. Manager, Technical Production

Cupertino, CA

$233K - $351K/yr

... and color grading processes using tools such as Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve. Expertise in lighting design for both film and live environments, including hands-on experience with modern LED ...

Apple

Sr. Manager, Technical Production

Cupertino, CA · On-site

... and color grading processes using tools such as Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve. Expertise in lighting design for both film and live environments, including hands-on experience with modern LED ...

GOEBEL FIXTURE COMPANY

Video Editor

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

Manage all aspects of post-production, including AI-assisted color grading, sound design, and ... Bachelor's degree in Film, Media Production, or a related field (preferred but not required)

Company3

Vault Technician

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

They will shelve, re-shelve, shift, and re-pack media including, but not limited to film, video ... color grading, post-production finishing, marketing/trailers, live-action production, experiences ...

Company3

Restoration Technician

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

The Restoration Technician will perform digital image restoration on scanned film and digital ... color grading, post-production finishing, marketing/trailers, live-action production, experiences ...

Air Apps

Video Producer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Guide the editing process, including color grading, sound design, and motion graphics, to deliver ... Requirements * Bachelor's degree in Film, Media Production, Communications, or a related field.

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Film Color Grading information

What is film color grading?

Film color grading is the process of altering and enhancing the color of a motion picture or video during post-production. Colorists use specialized software to adjust contrast, brightness, saturation, and color tones to create a specific mood or visual style. This process helps ensure consistency between shots and can dramatically influence the overall look and feel of a film. Color grading is essential for storytelling, as it can evoke emotions and guide the audience's focus.

What are the typical collaboration points between a film colorist and other departments during post-production?

Film colorists work closely with directors, cinematographers, and editors throughout the post-production process to achieve the desired visual tone of a project. Regular communication is essential, as colorists must interpret creative briefs and adjust color palettes based on feedback from these stakeholders. They often participate in review sessions where adjustments are made in real time to ensure continuity and meet the project’s artistic vision. This collaborative environment requires strong interpersonal skills and flexibility, as priorities can shift rapidly as the film nears completion.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a film color grading specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Film Color Grading Specialist, you need a deep understanding of color theory, digital imaging, and post-production workflows, typically supported by experience with film or video editing. Mastery of color grading software such as DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro, along with knowledge of LUTs and color calibration tools, is essential. Strong attention to detail, creative vision, and excellent communication skills help you collaborate effectively with directors and cinematographers. These competencies ensure the final visual product achieves the desired mood, consistency, and professional quality, which are crucial for storytelling and audience impact.

What is the difference between Film Color Grading vs Film Post-Production Specialist?

AspectFilm Color GradingFilm Post-Production Specialist
CredentialsKnowledge of color theory, editing software, and color grading toolsProficiency in editing, sound, and visual effects software
Work EnvironmentPost-production studios, editing suitesPost-production facilities, editing suites
Industry UsagePrimarily in film, TV, and digital media for color correctionBroader role including editing, sound, and visual effects

Film Color Grading focuses specifically on adjusting the color and tone of footage to achieve the desired visual style. In contrast, a Film Post-Production Specialist handles a wider range of tasks, including editing, sound design, and visual effects. While both roles work in post-production environments, color grading is a specialized skill within the broader post-production process.

How to become a film colorist?

To become a film colorist, you typically need a strong understanding of color theory, proficiency in color grading software such as DaVinci Resolve or Baselight, and experience in post-production or film editing. Gaining relevant skills through formal education, online courses, or apprenticeships, along with building a portfolio of work, can help establish a career in this specialized role.

Is a film colorist a good career?

A film colorist is a specialized professional responsible for enhancing the visual tone and mood of films through color correction and grading using tools like DaVinci Resolve or Baselight. The career offers opportunities in the film and television industry, often requiring technical skills, creativity, and an understanding of color theory; it can be competitive but rewarding for those with a passion for visual storytelling.

What are popular job titles related to Film Color Grading jobs in California?

For Film Color Grading jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Film Color Grading jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Film Color Grading jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Film Color Grading jobs?

Cities in California with the most Film Color Grading job openings:

Film Color Grading jobs near you
Infographic showing various Film Color Grading job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 55% In-person, 18% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution.

Post Finishing Specialist

San Francisco, CA • On-site

MFI Technologies Incorporated
See more jobs at MFI Technologies Incorporatedexternal

$108K - $139K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Post Finishing Specialist
  • This role is critical for ensuring the technical and creative integrity of our final delivered assets, spanning editorial, color grading, graphics, mastering, and quality control.
  • The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in industry-standard software, including Avid Media Composer and DaVinci Resolve, coupled with a strong understanding of modern finishing workflows, color science, and delivery specifications.
  • This position requires someone to be located in the San Francisco Bay Area. This position is considered Hybrid, which means the employee will work primarily onsite in our San Francisco office and occasionally from home.
Role Type

Full-time

Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree in Film, Digital Media, a related field, or equivalent work experience.
  • 8-10 years of professional work experience required in post-production and/or studio mastering.
  • 3-5 years of experience with DaVinci CTL and Resolve workflow automation and scripting.
  • In-depth knowledge of media and cut formats relevant to the editorial and finishing stages.
  • Must possess very strong organizational, communication and project management skills to multi-task and be able to handle a variety of tasks in an efficient manner while meeting deadlines.
  • Must be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously while displaying the highest level of professionalism, commitment, and work ethic.
  • Ability to adapt and work with diverse personalities and work styles.
  • High level of initiative, flexibility and confidentiality.
  • Be familiar and comfortable with UHD, DCI, SDR, HDR, Dolby Vision and ACES workflows.
  • Be familiar and comfortable with Stereo, 5.1, and Atmos audio post production workflows.
  • This position may require some weekend work as well as the ability to work overtime on an ongoing basis.
  • This position requires on-site attendance for in-person sessions and reviews.

Full-time

Compensation: $108,200 - $139,900 /year USD

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