How to Use Color Grading to Make Your Videos Look Cinematic

If you’ve ever watched a movie and thought, “Wow, this looks stunning,” chances are color grading played a huge role. In filmmaking and high-end video content, color grading isn’t just about correcting white balance or boosting saturation—it’s about telling a visual story with emotion and mood.

In this post, we’ll break down what color grading is, why it matters, and how you can use it to make your videos look cinematic—even if you’re just starting out.

🎨 What Is Color Grading?

Color grading is the process of enhancing or stylizing the colors in your video footage during post-production. It goes beyond color correction (which fixes issues with exposure, white balance, etc.) and aims to give your footage a specific look or feel.

Think of it as applying your video’s “mood filter.”

🧪 Why Does It Matter?

Here’s what good color grading can do:

🎭 Set the emotional tone of a scene
🌄 Create a consistent visual style across shots
🎥 Make your footage look like it belongs on the big screen
💼 Improve the overall professionalism of your content

🎬 Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Footage Cinematic with Color Grading

1. Start With a Flat or Log Profile (if possible)

Shoot in a flat or Log color profile to retain more dynamic range. This gives you more flexibility during grading.

🎥 Tip: Use S-Log (Sony), C-Log (Canon), or V-Log (Panasonic) if your camera supports it.

2. Correct First, Then Grade

Before grading, always do basic color correction:

Fix exposure
Adjust white balance
Balance contrast and saturation

Once that’s done, move to creative grading.

3. Use LUTs as a Starting Point

LUTs (Look-Up Tables) are great for giving your footage a filmic look fast. Try:

Rec709 LUTs for converting Log to standard contrast
Cinematic LUTs for stylized looks (teal-orange, moody blue, etc.)

⚠️ Don’t rely on LUTs entirely—always tweak to match your specific shot.

4. Dial in the Shadows and Highlights

Use color wheels or curves to add color tones:

Warm highlights (orangish) + cool shadows (bluish) = classic Hollywood look
Keep skin tones natural while grading the background

5. Use the “Cinematic Contrast” Trick

Boost contrast slightly, then reduce overall brightness. This gives depth and a moodier tone—especially great for dramatic content.

6. Crop to 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio (Optional)

This wide aspect ratio instantly gives a filmic feel. Add black bars to the top and bottom if your video isn’t shot that way.

🛠 Tools You Can Use

Here are some tools for color grading:

DaVinci Resolve – Industry standard, free version is powerful
Adobe Premiere Pro – Lumetri Color panel is easy to use
Final Cut Pro – Built-in color board and wheels
Mobile? Use VN or CapCut with LUT imports for quick grading

📌 Final Thoughts

Color grading is a game-changer in video production. It’s not just about looking cool—it’s about feeling right. With practice, your videos can evoke emotion, feel more professional, and stand out in a sea of content.

💡 Ready to Level Up?

If you want your content to stand out visually, color grading is the secret weapon. Need help editing your footage or want a pro-grade look? Contact us at TPC Studio—we bring cinematic quality to creators, brands, and businesses alike.