Color Script!

Color scripts.  I’ve used and seen them in various film and video game projects I’ve worked on. I’ve also been a huge proponent of them in the  various talks I’ve given and lecture circuits I’ve participated on.  But this is the first time I’ve actually authored one myself.

So what the heck is a color script and why did it take me so long to do my own?  I actually have never encountered a formal definition of one. Even after I did a quick wiki and google for it I didn’t find one.  I’m sure if I dug deep enough I’d find one.  So in addition to my first color script, here’s my first attempt at a definition:

Color Script: A visual document or guide showing how hue, saturation and value unfold in a film, TV show, or video game.

Hmmm… not bad for a first shot.  I’m sure I’ll refine it further in future lectures, but that’ll do for now.  So utilizing Photoshop and snapshots from animatics and storyboards, I put together the color script attached to this blog entry.  So what?  Is it useful?

I’d say it is.  It helps me as a director keep track of how this short piece evolves visually.  Color affects mood, atmosphere and feelings among other things.  I have to say that I didn’t truly appreciate the power of color until I worked at ILM where I used light and textures to complete my shots in several commercials and films.  Now I really appreciate and use color to help express any story, idea, or concept in every piece that I direct or produce.

Anyway, I believe this script will prove handy in managing and directing the team of artists that are currently hard at work on an elaborate public service announcement I’m directing in Shanghai.  If all goes well, it will air during the the Shanghai 2010 World Expo which opens in less than a month.

More next time…