Color grading for a horror short film.
Stills from the final grade, directly from the Davinci timeline
Final version delivered to the client
Graded in DaVinci Resolve · ProRes 4444 XQ master
Overview of the visual and technical choices that shaped the final look
The look alternates between warm, vintage-inspired tones in the home interior and colder, desaturated palettes in moments of dread. The warm oranges and browns create a nostalgic comfort that the cooler, eerie blues then disrupt to build tension.
Faces inherit the warmth and unevenness of practical sources, giving a natural but uneasy feel. Exposure is carefully shaped to avoid losing detail in the deep shadows while keeping the world intentionally dark.
Matching focused on stabilizing density and contrast as the film moves between warm interiors and cold tension scenes. Color temperature shifts remain intentional but cohesive.
We shot a 5-minute short film for the Jakob Owens Horror Contest 2025, and after picture lock we had just 3 days to submit. We needed a colorist who could move fast. Our gaffer, Luis, recommended Giuseppe. The hardest part was moving big files from Los Angeles to Europe, which took about a day. Once he had the footage, drafts came quickly. Even with the time difference he was always available for notes, so we never felt like we were running out of time. He took our mood board and brought it to life. The result felt like what we had in mind: the right mix of creepy and mysterious. I would recommend him to anyone, even on last-minute jobs, and to any team with a clear mood board.
If you’d like a grade with this level of attention to look, consistency and visual storytelling, let’s talk.
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