Mark Meadows is a colorist at Stone Dogs, a London-based post house offering full production services, VFX, color and finishing. Meadows, who joined Stone Dogs in February, has worked in post for over 15 years. He moved up the ranks — from runner to MCR operator toassistant — learning to lace and scan film. With his aptitude for colors, hues and saturation, color grading was a natural progression in his career path.

With a portfolio spanning commercials, short films, fashion and music videos, Meadows has an eye for detail and a particular love of beauty work. His past clients include brands such as L’Oréal, Toyota, Apple, Adidas and Virgin, as well as musical artists including David Bowie, Dua Lipa and Stormzy.

Let’s find out more…

As a colorist, what would surprise people the most about what falls under that title?
When I tell most people outside the industry that I’m a colorist they assume it is for hair. Being lacking in that area myself, they doubt my qualifications, but when I explain the actual job, many are unaware of its existence, so I would say all aspects of it surprise people.

Are you sometimes asked to do more than just color on projects?
I primarily work on commercials, where we follow a general workflow and clients know what they are paying for. I always encourage them to make the most of the skillset I provide, but I will always help with a bit of cleanup or beauty cover-up where I can, and I am careful not to step on the toes of the Flame artists I will be passing my work on to.

How do you prefer to work with the DP/director?
I like the director and DP to attend the grade in person and to give me as much direction as possible. It is more their vision than mine. I feel as though I am just adding to what they have created — putting the cherry on top.

What about when they describe the look they want? Physical examples? Films to emulate?
It is great to get a description from the DP and director of what they have visualized from the start of the process — mixed with references from film, TV and art that influenced their creative process. As the saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

Any suggestions for getting the most out of a project from a color perspective?
Always keep in mind what was shot and the point that was being conveyed when it was filmed. Build on that rather than trying to force a look onto a project.

What are the benefits of working in short-form?
Working on commercials gives you a lot more time to be very specific about all aspects of the picture. Longer-form projects have broader strokes.

What are some recent projects you’ve worked on?
I have been working on the Compare the Market projects recently, something that is now a franchise… which is always nice to say you’re a part of.

What system do you work on?
DaVinci Resolve with an advanced panel and a giant 31-inch Eizo Prominence reference monitor.

What’s your favorite part of color grading?
I really enjoy grading beauty and cars and generally making things look beautiful.

Do you have a least favorite?
A change of direction by a client/director very late in a grade can be a challenge.

Why did you choose this profession?
I got a degree in set design, and once I finished, I spent a year working in preproduction. That’s when I realized it wasn’t for me. Too much waiting around! However, I knew television/film was the only thing I had an interest/flare for, so I looked at other areas I could get involved in, and post was an obvious option. After becoming a runner and discovering grading, my career path was mapped.

If you didn’t have this job, what would you be doing instead?
Probably something manual, although I always wanted to be a stuntman when I was little.

What is the project that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of the work that I have had to rescue. This could be due to bad weather, the wrong lighting or mistakes made on the shoot. This is when my skills are really put to the test. The finished piece looks great, and hopefully the viewer isn’t aware of the hard work done to get it there. It is quite easy to make something look great if it is brilliantly shot.

Where do you find inspiration?
I would say mostly films.

Is there a film or show that sticks out to you as an example of great color?
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is my favorite-looking film of all time.

What do you do to de-stress from it all?
Spending time with the family (I have two little girls that take up most of my spare time), walking the dog and socializing.