Meet Vijey Adithya | Digital Colorist in Motion Pictures

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vijey Adithya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vijey, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
The film industry harbors a hidden artistry that often eludes the awareness of outsiders—the intricate craft of color grading and the invaluable role played by colorists in shaping a film’s visual landscape. In the bygone era, their work in post-production was seldom recognized, with final touches seen as an extension of the cinematographer’s vision. However, in recent years, the perception has shifted, and color grading has emerged as a powerful tool, capable of transporting audiences to fantastical worlds and evoking a myriad of emotions.

A digital colorist is responsible for enhancing and manipulating the visual aesthetics of a film, video, or other media projects through color grading. Their expertise lies in fine-tuning color balance, contrast, saturation, and overall visual consistency, ensuring that the final product conveys the intended artistic vision.

The Colorist Society International, an exclusive community I am part of as an Associate member, has propelled colorists into the limelight, uniting professionals from around the globe. They bring their unique perspectives to bear, enriching the visual storytelling of short films, big-budget features, commercials, and music videos. Technological advancements, such as Dolby Vision and HDR, have empowered colorists to enhance cinematic experiences through the manipulation of colors and detailing in the highlights and shadows, providing a real-life-like image. Unbeknownst to many, colors hold profound sway over our emotions, subtly guiding our responses while we immerse ourselves in a film’s narrative. Colorists possess the freedom to refine and elevate every shade and hue during the final grading process. They become the architects of visual splendor, using their artistry to shape scenes beyond what was captured during production. This revelation often astonishes general audiences, who remain largely unaware of the transformative power of color grading. Colorists are instrumental in translating the cinematographer’s vision, elevating their work while retaining their own artistic sensibilities. Their collaborative efforts with directors of photography forge a symbiotic relationship, where the colorist becomes a tool to actualize the cinematographer’s intentions. Outsiders to the film industry frequently overlook the pivotal role of colorists. While cinematographers lay the foundation, colorists meticulously sculpt and refine each frame, imbuing them with depth, mood, and emotion through the manipulation of colors. It is through the skillful hands of colorists that we are transported to extraordinary realms, where the power of colors breathes life into the stories that unfold before our eyes.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am currently working as a Digital Intermediate Colorist in the Hollywood industry, specializing in various formats such as short and long-form narratives, documentaries, commercials, and music videos. My professional journey began as a Cinematographer, where I first discovered my passion for image creation through the art of framing and lighting on set. Over time, I gradually shifted my focus towards post-production color grading, realizing the immense potential it held in shaping the final look of the films I had shot. This transition opened new doors for me, fueling my curiosity to explore the extensive possibilities that lay in manipulating images after they were captured on set. This pivotal phase played a significant role in shaping my career and leading me to my current role as a Colorist. To date, I have had the privilege of working on over 35 short films, as well as a few full-length features and documentaries. With numerous exciting projects ahead, I recently seized the opportunity to be part of the visual effects team for the Ben Affleck directorial film “Air,” starring Matt Damon. Presently, I am collaborating on remastering digital color projects for prestigious clients such as Sony, CBS, Warner Bros., and Paramount Pictures which happen to go to streaming platforms like Amazon, HULU and Netflix. This experience has provided me with invaluable insights into the traditional workflows of older film projects. The remastering process involves initially scanning the original film scans into high-resolution 4K/8K digital image sequences, which are then meticulously graded from scratch inside a color bay, while referencing the previously released versions of the projects. Through this work, I have developed a deep appreciation for the inherent qualities of film, its ability to preserve color information, and its unparalleled ability to evoke emotions in ways that are challenging to replicate organically on digital sensors.

Additionally, I am eagerly anticipating the theatrical release of “Isabel’s Garden,” a feature film on which I served as a Dailies colorist. This project holds a special place in my portfolio as I happened to grade the dailies on set collaborating with the Cinematographer. Moreover, I have had the privilege of working on notable films that have garnered recognition and acclaim. “A Fragile Heaven,” for instance, has achieved success in numerous international film festivals and was honored with the esteemed Best Colorist award at the Los Angeles Cinematography Awards. Similarly, “Earrings,” a project where I held the dual roles of cinematographer and colorist, has received nominations for Best Cinematography at esteemed award ceremonies including the New York, Canadian, and European Cinematography Awards. Notably, it recently secured the prestigious title of Best Short Film Cinematography at the Los Angeles Cinematography Awards. Another recent project I was involved in is the comedy-drama “So I Met This Guy,” directed by the award-winning filmmaker Max Lauren, which is currently being featured in esteemed festivals across the United States. These endeavors have further enriched my professional experience and contributed to my evolving portfolio.

One of the initial challenges I faced in my career was understanding how to effectively comprehend the visions of my clients, whether they were directors or cinematographers. This skill is paramount in post-production, as it requires striking a delicate balance between integrating my own creative inputs and aligning with the client’s specific needs and desires embracing their vision towards the visual look. Over time, through consistent work and experience, I have developed my own approach to client communication, striving to gain a deep understanding of their unique visions and successfully translate them onto the screen, as a Colorist. This process is ever-evolving, as each project presents new opportunities for learning and growth. In conclusion, my philosophy is simple and revolves around constantly pushing boundaries, embracing experimentation, and consistently seeking growth and improvement. I firmly believe that perseverance and dedication are the key ingredients to achieving one’s goals. By remaining committed to the craft and continually expanding my knowledge and skill set, I am confident that I will continue progressing along this fulfilling journey, trying to explore something new every day and keeping the inner child in me curious all the time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When a friend visits, I prioritize spending quality time engaging in meaningful conversations and reconnecting. In this process, I find solace in immersing ourselves in the beauty of nature. Consequently, I would recommend exploring the picturesque beaches of Orange County, including Huntington, Laguna, and Newport. Growing up in Chennai, a coastal city in South India, I developed a deep affinity for beach environments. Additionally, I would be delighted to accompany them on a tour of Hollywood and its esteemed studio attractions, especially the Universal Studios in studio city which is a must-go to experience the wonder. As for culinary experiences, I would encourage them to indulge in the diverse array of cuisines available. Notably, Artesia offers exceptional Indian cuisine, while Los Angeles boasts hidden gems of authentic Mexican and Italian eateries, though relatively modest in size, that offer incredibly flavorful culinary delights.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I draw significant inspiration from the intricate details of everyday life and the observations of my surroundings. Presently, I am fortunate to work within the esteemed Hollywood film industry, a journey made possible through the unwavering support and encouragement of my family. Their steadfast presence during both triumphs and challenges has been instrumental in my growth. I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to my mentors, Mr. Bill Dill, ASC, and Mr. Johnny Jensen, ASC, under whom I trained and they have guided me along the path from an aspiring Cinematographer to my current role as a Colorist. Their mentorship has been invaluable.

As a visual artist, I find immense value in platforms like Instagram, which provide a rich source of inspiration and insight. By following the works and workflows of esteemed cinematographers and colorists, I have gained a profound understanding of unique artistic perspectives. This exposure has left an indelible impact on my own approach to visualizing images, representing a wonderful evolution in my creative journey.

Website: viadcolor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vijey_adithya/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijeyadithya/

Image Credits
Hansjeet Duggal