In film production, color grading is like a tailwind—often invisible, but undeniably powerful. It’s one of the final steps in post-production, yet its impact can be felt throughout the entire film. Just like a tailwind can give a cyclist or runner that extra boost to finish strong, color grading pushes a film’s visuals and storytelling to new heights, working in harmony with elements like sound design to create an emotional resonance with the audience.
When we worked on "Inches to Miles" with Athletic Brewing Company, we approached color grading with two key considerations. The film follows three athletes on their journey, and much of the narrative is a retelling of past events. To visually separate the past from the present, we used color grading to establish a distinct look between the two.
In Acts 1 and 2, where much of the story is told through reflection, we opted for a more muted, nostalgic tone. This decision created a visual cue for the audience, signaling that these moments were memories, stories of past events. In contrast, Act 3, which focuses on the athletes competing in real-time, features vibrant and dynamic colors. This shift in the color palette mirrors the excitement and immediacy of the race, drawing the audience into the high-stakes atmosphere of the present moment.
But as with any post-production process, balance is key. A good color grade should add to the story without overpowering it. When done right, it enhances the mood and supports the narrative, ensuring that the audience feels the emotions the film seeks to convey, without distraction. Color grading isn't about flashy effects—it's about subtle enhancement that brings the best out of the footage, much like a well-timed tailwind that makes all the difference in the final stretch of a race.
In *Inches to Miles*, color grading helped us elevate the film, creating a visual experience that not only complemented the athletes' stories but also deepened the audience’s emotional connection to their journey. And in the end, that's what great storytelling is all about—using every tool at our disposal to enhance the narrative and connect with the viewer on a deeper level. Read the full case study and watch our BTS color grading breakdown video below.
