DaVinci Resolve Users Discuss Louper for Remote Color Grading

In the world of post-production, color grading is considered both an artistic and technical process. While productions typically employ just one colorist on a given project, this seemingly solidary role actually serves as the “central hub” between departments, including production, editorial, and visual effects. Ultimately, a successful colorist has to communicate and collaborate well.

Historically, color grading was an “in-person” process. Directors, DPs, post-supervisors, and even agency creatives would visit the colorist in their physical suite to watch, supervise, and collaborate together. Now, advances in bandwidth and collaboration platforms enable colorists to offer the same level of service — from almost any remote location.

We spoke to three accomplished colorists from all around the world and they explained why they choose Louper for remote color grading sessions.

Remote Color in France - William Ferré

William Ferré is a freelance colorist based in Paris who has graded a wide range of projects — including high-end commercials, music videos, film and TV. William loves to collaborate with directors and DOP’s, helping realize artistic visions, while also solving technical challenges. Recently he has been able to transition his work from freelancing on location at larger studios, to working remotely out of his own custom color suite.

Collaboration & Supervised Sessions:

“In color grading, interactivity is paramount. It’s not easy to talk or communicate “intentions” regarding color decisions. I need to develop a common language with everyone I work with. In a typical session, I present something and in a matter of seconds get feedback on it — my clients and I tune our language and eyes together, to quickly accomplish a shared creative vision.”

Working With Louper:

“I found Louper while working on a commercial campaign with a Canadian director who wanted to work together remotely. I signed up for the trial, and in a matter of minutes, we were up and running. The session went flawlessly, even across the Atlantic, and the producer was really impressed with the system. The agency creatives joined the room, and after a couple minutes of working together, we got approval. It really felt like everybody was in the room with me.”

Cost-Effective Solution

“Being a one-person color shop, price is an important consideration. It’s tough to commit to the huge upfront and ongoing costs of a dedicated hardware streaming solution. And I don’t have an assistant that could help with a more complicated set-up. With the price point of Louper plans, and the ability to run easily on any computer, I can better see the ROI in implementing a streaming solution in my workflow."

"Louper helps me deliver the premium experience I strive to offer to my clients!”

Visit William’s website here.

Mexico City - Heather Hay

Heather Hay is a well traveled industry veteran, having worked at facilities and agencies in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Australia. In 2014, a work opportunity brought Heather to Mexico City where she has continued her career working on both film and TV projects including the feature film, “La Niña de la Mina”, music videos for Natalia Lafourcade, and commercials for brands like Nissan, AT&T, Samsung, Coca Cola and Pizza Hut.

Now with Louper in the mix, Heather is able to work from her home studio with both local and internationally based clients.

Simplicity & Workflow

“Communication and video stream reliability are paramount when working in remote color sessions. We can't have a laggy experience. Any hiccup and the session starts to unravel pretty quickly. Fortunately, that doesn’t happen with Louper; my sessions have gone effortlessly. My favorite thing about Louper versus other platforms I have used is the simplicity for my clients. I send a link, they open it on Chrome (or any browser), and Bob’s your uncle! There isn’t the pain of opening a video chat app or some complex sign-in procedure, it's all there in one easy-to-use link.”

"Louper's tech support is great and the price is right. I won't use anything but Louper. My clients love it".

Visit Heather’s website here.

Heather is represented for remote work by ColorNation

High Profile Projects in California: Vincent Taylor

Another industry veteran who has worked all over the the globe is Vincent Taylor. Originally known as an award-winning cinematographer in his native Australia, Taylor has led a prestigious career as a senior colorist working in film and television. Selected by Technicolor to help launch MPC in Shanghai, Vincent ran the commercial color department — working on Airbnb’s first TVC launch in China and contributing to major campaigns for Coca Cola, Mercedes, and Johnny Walker. Taylor then worked for MPC’s New York office before relocating to Los Angeles in 2021.

A respected working freelance colorist, Taylor has recently worked on high profile documentary projects including: “Albert Brooks: Defending my Life” for HBO and “The Tiger King” for Netflix.

“Louper is simply part of my toolkit now. The client-friendly aspect of Louper is exactly what I need for remote sessions. The support from Louper has been fantastic and there hasn't been a single question I've asked that hasn't been concisely explained — so I was up and running right away.”

"Louper has become an essential component of my supervised grading sessions."

The Color Timer Podcast

In 2023 Vincent Taylor launched his own podcast The Color Timer, where he interviews other professionals in the color industry. He was so impressed with his experience working Louper, that he asked Louper’s founder, Alex Williams to join him for a chat. Watch the video:

Visit Vincent’s website to learn more about his work.

Looking to stream remote color sessions from DaVinci Resolve?

Louper offers affordable streaming options for independent colorists starting with the Free tier. Upgrade to a Louper paid plan for more options.

Compare plans here