As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform the post-production industry, there’s an ongoing conversation about the role of AI-assisted tools in color grading. Are these tools truly groundbreaking, or are they just another passing trend?

This article explores how AI tools are reshaping color grading and whether they are worth adopting for video editing professionals like you. By the end, you will know whether you should adopt AI for color grading or if it’s one trend best left behind.

The Rise of AI in Color Grading

AI technology is no stranger to the film and video industry. From automated editing tools to advanced visual effects, AI has carved a niche for itself. And now, the latest frontier for AI is color grading.

Traditionally, color grading was a meticulous and time-consuming task that required highly skilled professionals (colorists) to manually adjust and correct the color balance, contrast, and tone for each shot to achieve the desired look. However, with AI, many of these steps can now be automated, promising faster and more efficient workflows.

What is AI-Assisted Color Grading?

AI-assisted color grading refers to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms to enhance or automate some of the manual processes of color correction and color grading in post-production.  

AI color grading tools work by using AI and ML algorithms trained on vast amounts of visual data. These tools analyze a video’s color dynamics (frame by frame) by comparing different color profiles, textures, and other visual cues. Then, they automatically give suggestions or adjust things like exposure, contrast, saturation, and even the overall color balance. Some AI tools go even further, helping with skin tone correction or background enhancement. For instance, tools like Colorlab AI or DaVinci Resolve’s neural engine use AI to detect the different elements in a video and apply color corrections based on pre-set guidelines.

How Effective is AI in Color Grading?

As a filmmaker, video editor, or videographer, your time is valuable, and every minute you spend on repetitive tasks is a minute you are not focused on the creative side of your video project. And this is where AI-assisted color grading tools can help you.

Unlike traditional manual grading, which relies heavily on the editor’s expertise, AI tools can:

• Identify scenes and adjust colors for consistency.
• Suggest creative color looks.
• Make adjustments based on factors like lighting, shadows, and skin tones.
• Speed up repetitive tasks like matching shots across a sequence, fine-tuning skin tones, or correcting lighting issues.

The Benefits of AI-Assisted Color Grading

One of the biggest draws of AI in color grading is speed. Tasks that used to take hours can now be completed in minutes, making it ideal for projects with tight deadlines or large volumes of footage. 

Plus, since AI tools can process color grading in real-time, it is much easier to experiment with different looks and see results quickly without getting bogged down in lengthy render times.

On top of that, AI can help ensure that your footage maintains consistency across scenes. The software can automatically analyze each shot and apply similar color grading. This is particularly useful for a long video shoot where maintaining consistency can be tricky, especially if you are working with multiple cameras or lighting conditions.

At Motion Edits, we’ve used AI-assisted tools to expedite grading for larger projects with tight deadlines. However, speed doesn’t always equal quality. AI may fall short when it comes to capturing a specific creative vision or evoking a particular mood.

Where AI Falls Short

Many professionals worry that over-reliance on AI could undermine the creative essence of the craft. Since AI tools are only as good as the data they are trained on, they can still fall short when it comes to more intricate and nuanced grading choices that skilled colorists bring. As a result, many professionals wonder if this technology will enhance the creative process or simply make it more formulaic.

For example, while AI might correct the exposure or contrast in a shot, it cannot necessarily adjust colors to evoke a specific mood or emotion (at least not yet). You could end up with a technically accurate grade, but one that feels flat or uninspired. 

Can AI Really Replace a Human Colorist?

AI is unlikely to replace human colorists anytime soon. As industry expert John Daro puts it, AI can handle tedious tasks, but the creative side of color grading remains a uniquely human skill. Instead of replacing colorists, AI will serve as a powerful tool to enhance their efficiency, allowing them to focus on the artistic aspects of their craft.

Should You Use AI-Assisted Color Grading?

The decision to use AI-assisted color grading depends on your project needs. If you want fast turnarounds or basic corrections, it’s worth experimenting with AI-assisted grading. However, if your projects require meticulous attention to detail and creative expression, nothing replaces expert color grading.

In the end, we at Motion Edits believe that AI-assisted color grading is worth exploring. However, we also know that there is no substitute for the artistry and precision of a human colorist. That is why we use AI-assisted tools and provide expert color grading services. So, if you want to take your projects to the next level with professional color grading, we are here to help!

Explore our color grading services here.