Meet Maksim Zverev | Colorist

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

Hi Maksim, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk has always been an important part of my journey. I see it not as a gamble but as a way to take responsibility for my decisions. Every risk I’ve taken, regardless of the outcome, has taught me something valuable. It’s not about avoiding mistakes but learning from them and moving forward with new experience.

One of the biggest risks I took was deciding to focus on color grading. It meant leaving behind other areas where I had built skills over the years, like photography and motion design, and pursuing something that inspired me but where I had less experience. This decision wasn’t easy, but it opened doors I couldn’t have imagined, like working with major brands and collaborating with talented people.

For me, risk is about making thoughtful choices and being ready to face the unknown. It’s not recklessness but a way to step out of your comfort zone and trust the process, knowing that every experience helps you grow.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is all about storytelling through color. I specialize in film and video color grading, where I get to shape the mood and emotional tone of a story with subtle, yet powerful adjustments. What sets me apart is my ability to blend technical precision with creative vision. I believe that every shot has a story to tell, and my role is to bring that story to life by enhancing its visual impact.

One of the things I’m most proud of is having the opportunity to work on projects with incredible filmmakers and brands. It’s exciting to be part of the creative process and see how much of a difference color grading can make to the final piece. But the journey to where I am today wasn’t easy. I’ve had to overcome a lot of challenges – like building a reputation in the industry, learning on my own, and constantly improving my skills.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is to embrace progress over perfection. Early on, I used to overthink everything, trying to make sure every step was flawless before moving forward. But I realized that the best way to grow is by taking action, learning from mistakes, and improving a little bit every day.

What I want the world to know about my work is that I approach every project with care and creativity. Whether it’s a small indie film or a large-scale commercial, I always strive to bring out the best in every frame. My story is about following a passion, taking risks, and committing to constant growth – and I hope it inspires others to do the same.

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?
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles, I’d make sure to show them a mix of the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems. We’d visit Griffith Observatory for the amazing views, explore the art at The Broad or LACMA, and spend time at Santa Monica or Venice Beach for that classic LA vibe. I’d also take them to downtown LA to check out the historic architecture and some unique boutiques.

For food, we’d enjoy brunch at a cozy café, try some of the city’s best tacos from a food truck, and have dinner at a seafood restaurant overlooking the ocean. Drinks at a rooftop bar with a stunning city view would be a must, and we’d finish with a relaxed picnic at a park to soak in the atmosphere before they head home.

Los Angeles has so much to offer, and I’d want them to experience its creative energy, diverse cuisine, and the beautiful mix of urban and natural landscapes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible support and inspiration I’ve received from others along the way. First and foremost, my family and close friends deserve a huge shoutout. Their encouragement and belief in me, even during uncertain times, gave me the confidence to pursue my creative journey.

I also want to recognize the mentors and industry professionals whose work inspired me to improve and grow. Studying the techniques of top colorists, especially those at Company 3, was a turning point for me – it showed me what’s possible in color grading and pushed me to aim higher.

Lastly, I want to thank the creators and educators on platforms like YouTube and Vimeo. Their tutorials and shared knowledge were invaluable when I was teaching myself the skills I needed. It’s a reminder of how much we can achieve when we share and learn from one another.

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