Ep 237: The Art of Color Grading: Alice Abrams on Shaping Emotion Through Color
Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby - A podcast by Damien Swaby

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Episode Summary:What makes a scene feel cold, nostalgic, or magical—before a single word is spoken? In this illuminating episode, we’re joined by Alice Abrams, a freelance colorist whose work has helped define the visual identity of campaigns for Netflix, Meta, Google, Volvo, and more. Based in Austin, TX, Alice brings a decade of experience in film to her color suite, where she transforms raw footage into emotionally resonant, cinematic experiences.Alice shares her unique journey from working as a director of photography and editor to discovering that color grading was her true calling. You'll hear how her background behind the camera influences her work in post-production, and why she views color not just as a technical tool—but as a storytelling language in its own right.Whether you're a filmmaker, editor, aspiring colorist, or just a visual storytelling enthusiast, this deep dive into the world of professional color grading offers both inspiration and practical insights.Alice Abrams is a seasoned freelance colorist with a background in cinematography, editing, and color grading. After spending years working across California and New York, Alice now resides in Austin, TX, where she operates her own grading suite and works with clients worldwide. Her work spans narrative film, commercials, branded content, and music videos—bringing a distinct visual signature that blends cinematic precision with emotional depth.📬 Contact: [email protected]🌐 Website & Reel: alicefilmcolor.com📸 Instagram: @alice.filmcolor🎨What You'll Learn in This Episode:The evolving role of a colorist in today's film and commercial landscapeHow color influences mood, tone, and storytellingThe technical and artistic sides of color gradingTips for building trust with directors and cinematographersHow to start offering remote grading servicesWhy building your aesthetic voice mattersHow Alice balances professional growth and personal creativity📢 Call to Action:🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it really helps others find the show!