Colourist (1 years diploma)

Colourist click here

Brief Job Description: Individuals at this job need to enhance and/or correct the
colour to reflect the desired creative style and mood of the production.

Personal Attributes: This job requires the individual to have a good knowledge of
the theory of colour and depth. The individual must know the fundamentals of
photography and lighting. The individual must be able to use colour grading

equipment i.e. colour correctors, telecine and synchroniser and work on
software such as Apple’s Final Cut Pro, Adobe’s After Effects and Premiere

Description
Budget Budget is an estimate of the total cost of production that may include a
break-up of cost components
Color grading Color grading is the process of modifying/enhancing the color of
productions

Compositing Compositing is the process of combining layers of images/elements into a
single frame
Computer-generated
effects
Computer-generated effects is the process of creating illusionary images
for use in productions

Creative Brief Creative brief is a document that captures the key questions that serve as
a guide for the production including the vision, objective of the project,
target audience, timelines, budgets, milestones, stakeholders etc.

Digital Intermediate Digital Intermediate is the process of altering the colour characteristics of
a digital version of the production
Editing Editing is the process of organizing, cutting and putting together audio,
visual footage to prepare an accurate, condensed and consistent final
output that communicates the expected content

Footage Recorded medium in any media
Ingest Ingest is the process of importing the relevant audio visual files and/or
images to the computer’s hard disk and uploading them to the editing
software

Modeling Modeling is the process of creating three-dimensional models for
animation using a specialised software application.
Rendering Rendering is the process of converting three-dimensional models into twodimensional images with 3D effects
Rotoscopy Rotoscopy is the process of breaking down content into individual frames,
tracing out individual images and altering content according to
requirements

Screen conversion Screen conversion is the process of conversion from 2D to 3D
Sound editing Editing of sound materials with/ without visuals
Visual effects Visual effects is the process of integrating live-action footage with
computer-generated effects

Timelines It is a basic part of editing software to view/ cut material
Sector Sector is a conglomeration of different business operations having similar
businesses and interests. It may also be defined as a distinct subset of the
economy whose components share similar characteristics and interests.
Sub-sector Sub-sector is derived from a further breakdown based on the
characteristics and interests of its components.

Vertical Vertical may exist within a sub-sector representing different domain areas
or the client industries served by the industry.
Occupation Occupation is a set of job roles, which perform similar/related set of
functions in an industry

Function Function is an activity necessary for achieving the key purpose of the
sector, occupation, or area of work, which can be carried out by a person
or a group of persons. Functions are identified through functional analysis
and form the basis of OS.

Sub-functions Sub-functions are sub-activities essential to fulfill the achieving the
objectives of the function.
Job role Job role defines a unique set of functions that together form a unique
employment opportunity in an organization.
Occupational Standards
(OS)

OS specify the standards of performance an individual must achieve when
carrying out a function in the workplace, together with the knowledge and
understanding they need to meet that standard consistently. Occupational
Standards are applicable both in the Indian and global contexts.

Performance Criteria Performance Criteria are statements that together specify the standard of
performance required when carrying out a task
National Occupational
Standards (NOS)

NOS are Occupational Standards which apply uniquely in the Indian
context.
Qualifications Pack
Code

Qualifications Pack Code is a unique reference code that identifies a
qualifications pack.
Qualifications Pack(QP) Qualifications Pack comprises the set of OS, together with the educational,
training and other criteria required to perform a job role. A Qualifications
Pack is assigned a unique qualification pack code.

Description
NOS National Occupational Standard(s)
QP Qualifications Pack
NSQF National Skill Qualifications Framework
NVEQF National Vocational Education Qualifications Framework
NVQF National Vocational Qualifications Framework

Understand requirements and plan workflow
Description This OS unit is about understanding the post-production requirements and planning the
process and workflow
Scope This unit/task covers the following:

 Understanding requirements for post-production
 Planning the process for post-production.
 Preparing and finalising effort estimates and work plan
Performance Criteria (PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria
Understanding

requirements for
post-production
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. understand the creative and technical requirements and expectations in terms
of quality of deliverables and timelines, as necessary to the role
Planning the process

for post-production
PC2. determine key post-production processes that would be involved to produce
the desired outcome and chart-out the process workflow, as per role
 key processes could include computer-generated effects, colour grading,
digital intermediate, screen conversion, rendering, rotoscopy, keying,
match-moving and compositing

Preparing and
finalising effort
estimates and work
plan
PC3. translate, or support senior personnel in translating, expectations into effort
estimates for each process

PC4. prepare a work plan, for oneself or other team members if appropriate,
keeping in mind the impact on the production budget, timelines and technical
viability

Knowledge and Understanding (K)
A. Organizational
Context
(Knowledge of the
company /
organization and
its processes)

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. production vision, objectives, expected output, distribution/exhibition
channels

KA2. post-production objectives, expected outcomes and quality standards
KA3. the technical, budget and time constraints applicable
KA4. established data management and work flow systems
KA5. how to maintain quality control as production scales

B. Technical
Knowledge
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. post-production techniques that would apply to the current production, as per
role
KB2. the relevant equipment and software required e.g. silhouette, nuke, fusion,
combustion, shake premier, pf track, after effects, renderman, quantel, smoke,
FLAME, AVID, 3DS MAX AND FCP

KB3. how to translate script requirements and post-production objectives into a
schedule that could cover the workflow, key activities, deliverables and
timelines, as appropriate to the role
KB4. the implications of each activity on time, materials, equipment, manpower and
budget, as appropriate to the role

KB5. the impact of each activity on the one’s own, or the wider team’s, process
workflow
KB6. how to estimate the cost and time it would take, keeping in mind the intended
visual style
KB7. domestic and international post-production best practices prevalent in the
industry

KB8. applicable copyright norms and intellectual property rights
KB9. applicable health and safety guidelines
Skills (S) (Optional)
A. Core Skills/
Generic Skills
Writing Skills

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA1. document post-production requirements that can serve as a reference
document for circulation to the team
SA2. document decisions on the processes involved and techniques to be used with
reasons thereof

SA3. document the project work-plan including the key deliverables, resources
involved and timelines, as required in the role
SA4. document do’s and don’ts for different machines and software for reference
of the team

SA5. document other areas (e.g. requirements of the target audience, market, endproduct, reference links and videos) that may be relevant for the team
Reading Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA6. read and understand the script and determine requirements, as per role
SA7. read and research about emerging techniques in post-production
SA8. read user manuals for equipment and software

SA9. read about the tastes and preferences of the target audience and the market
where the end-product intends to be distributed
Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA10. understand the creative vision of the director and producer, and resolve any
issues, as necessary to the role

SA11. communicate with team members, relay instructions, collaborate and resolve
issues with members of the post-production team handling different
aspects/processes to determine the effort involved for the activities that would
need to be performed (Supervisor)

B. Professional Skills Plan and Organize
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. plan the activities, workflow, resourcing and timelines in accordance to the
creative and technical requirements

SB2. create post-production schedules, for oneself or the wider team
SB3. use time management techniques so that the scheduled time is not exceeded
SB4. manage and enforce deadlines successfull

SB5. work well in a fast-paced environment

Problem Solving
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB6. identify any issues that may arise during post-production and find solutions to
address them

Analytical Thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB7. have a keen eye for detail and maintain an aesthetic sense towards colour
grading, vfx components and software capabilities of the final output
SB8. envision the impact of selecting a particular technique/activity on the budget,
resourcing and timelines

Critical Thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB9. appraise the quality of the raw footage gathered to ensure it is in line with the
post-production requirements and quality standards

Decision making
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB10. manage decision on suitable course of action

Customer Centricity
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB11. check that the medium finalized/selected meets project/customer
requirements

Manage equipment & material
Description This OS unit is about managing equipment and material throughout the postproduction process
Scope This unit/task covers the following:
 Preparing materials and equipment for the post production process
 Managing interim work-products during post-production

 Ensuring work-products are distribution/exhibition ready as per the required
technical specifications
Performance Criteria (PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria
Preparing materials
and equipment for
the post production
process

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. gather raw footage/material and select, or assist in selecting, relevant material
that can be used for post-production
PC2. ingest, or support in ingesting, the footage and keep the material ready for the
post-production process
Managing interim
work-products during
post-production

PC3. ensure that back-ups for interim work-products are saved in the appropriate
file formats, and take responsibility/manage others’ interim work-products as
relevant to the role
Ensuring workproducts are
distribution/exhibition
ready as per technical
specifications

PC4. ensure, or supervise others in ensuring, that final work-products are prepared
in appropriate file formats (such as mp4, avi, wmv, mpg and mov), appropriate
mediums (such as dvd, film, tape and digital), and are compatible with
intended distribution/exhibition mediums

PC5. clear logs/data and keep the software and equipment ready for future use
Knowledge and Understanding (K)
A. Organizational
Context
(Knowledge of the
company /
organization and
its processes)

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. the purpose and intended use of the end-product
KA2. the creative and technical specifications of the work-product, including the
quality standards expected of the final output

KA3. the intended distribution/exhibition mediums for the production
KA4. established data management and work flow systems
KA5. how to maintain quality control as production scales

B. Technical
Knowledge
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. how to work on relevant equipment and software e.g. silhouette, nuke, fusion,
combustion, shake premier, pf track, after effects, renderman, quantel, smoke,
flame, avid, 3ds max and fcp

KB2. the format, resolution and quality in which the material would need to be
ingested, based on the intended final output
KB3. how to identify issues with the raw material/footage prior to, or during, the
ingest process

KB4. the storage media relevant to the type of production
KB5. file-naming conventions appropriate to the production
KB6. applicable health and safety guidelines

Writing Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA1. prepare documentation to accompany the work-product

Reading Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA2. read and understand the technical specifications of equipment and software
SA3. gather and watch raw footage/material

SA4. gather references of work-products and productions that could provide ideas
and help conceptualise possibilities for post-production

Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA5. discuss and understand requirements and specifications from the producer
and supervisor

SA6. discuss any problems with the footage that could impact the post-production
process and solicit suggestions for resolving them

B. Professional Skills Plan and Organize
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. plan and prioritise work according to the requirements
SB2. manage and enforce deadlines successfully–on time
SB3. work well in a fast-paced environment

Problem Solving
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB4. highlight any issues (such as visual and sound) with the raw material that may
impact the post production process and take pro-active steps to resolve them
SB5. identify and resolve commonly occurring issues in the equipment

Decision Making
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB6. select the equipment to be used in line with the budget allocated and project
specifications and targets.

Customer Centricity
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB7. check that the equipment selected (hardware and software components)
meets project specifications and requirements

Critical Thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB8. have precise attention to all the details of systems, project specifications,
outputs of post production.

Analytical Thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB9. have a keen eye for detail and maintain an aesthetic sense towards the final
output

Grade and adjust colour
Description This OS unit is about enhancing and/or correcting the colour to reflect the desired
creative style and mood of the production
Scope This unit/task covers the following:
 Understanding requirements

 Conceptualising creative possibilities for colour enhancement/corrections
 Enhancing/correcting the colour through the use of software
Performance Criteria (PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria
Understanding
requirements

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. assess footage to determine need and capability for colour enhancement
keeping in mind the mood, creative look, style and visual treatment (all original
camera footage must be made available to the colourist)
PC2. ensure that the media format, resolution and the required format of the end
product are as per the specified requirements

Conceptualising
creative possibilities
for colour
enhancement/
corrections
PC3. conceptualise possibilities for the use of colour to depict/enhance the mood or
style of production wich could include feature films, television series,
documentaries, advertisements, animated films and short films
Enhancing/correcting

the colour through
the use of software
PC4. adjust colour and image sharpness in accordance to creative and technical
requirements and ensure that the final product conforms to the required
quality standards

PC5. work alongside the director/ director of photography to finalise the desired
look of the production, and any parts in particular
PC6. ensure continuity in the final output

Knowledge and Understanding (K)
A. Organizational
Context
(Knowledge of the
company /
organization and
its processes)

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. production vision, objectives, expected output and distribution/exhibition
channels
KA2. the creative style and mood of the production
KA3. the dominant colour schemes for key scenes
KA4. the creative and technical specifications of the work-product, including the
quality standards expected of the final output

KA5. the technical, budget and time constraints applicable
KA6. established data management and work flow systems
KA7. how to maintain quality control as production scales

Technical
Knowledge
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. The theory of Colour and depth
–How audiences perceive different shades of colour
–How to assign colour grades to determine depth
KB2. the principles and techniques of colour grading
KB3. fundamentals of photography and lighting
– how to visualise a frame under different lighting conditions
– how different elements would look and respond to different lighting
conditions

– how shooting equipment and techniques affect colour
KB4. the conforming process and how to troubleshoot any mismatches
KB5. how to break content down into individual frames
KB6. how to work on grading software such as apple’s final cut pro, adobe’s after
effects and premiere
KB7. how to use colour grading equipment i.e. colour correctors, telecine and
synchroniser

KB8. how to calibrate the software to the required colour space
KB9. applicable health and safety guidelines
Skills (S) (Optional)
A. Core Skills/
Generic Skills
Writing Skills

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA1. document colour notes and specifications, for discussion and for use during the
grading/correction process
Reading Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA2. gather suitable references from various sources for use during production
Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA3. understand the creative vision of the director and producer
SA4. discuss creative possibilities for adding colour with the director and producer
and agree on key decisions
B. Professional Skills Plan and Organize

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. plan and prioritise work according to the requirements
SB2. conduct regular screenings and obtain approvals from the director/ director of
photography

SB3. manage and enforce deadlines successfully–on time
SB4. work well in a fast-paced environment
Problem Solving
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB5. address comments on the interim/final work-products and make changes
accordingly

Critical Thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to: