Color, Craft & Calm: Why Great Colorists Are Part Therapist with Colorist Luke Cahill
Join us for a conversation with Luke Cahill, a Los Angeles-based colorist whose credits include Icarus, With Love, Meghan, Tangerine, American Murder: The Laci Peterson Story, and the newly released Left-Handed Girl — now streaming on Netflix and selected as Taiwan’s official submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
Luke shares how he discovered color grading and the moment the craft truly made sense for him. We talk through his early career, finding confidence in the suite, and how balancing technical skill with emotional awareness is core to the job. From grading Tangerine (shot entirely on an iPhone) to navigating high-pressure documentary schedules, Luke offers an honest look at the realities of finishing at a high level.
A key theme of this episode is the human side of color. Luke discusses why colorists are often part technician, part therapist, how to build trust when clients arrive stressed or protective, and why simplicity, balance, and communication often matter more than deep node trees or plugins. We also explore look development, log workflows, and the importance of creating a safe, collaborative space where directors can actually see their film take shape.
This episode is full of insight for colorists, cinematographers, editors, and filmmakers who want to understand the craft and psychology of finishing.
Guest Links:
IG - https://www.instagram.com/lightwavepost/
Website - https://www.lightwavepost.com/
IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1760738/
Mentioned Work:
Left-Handed Girl — Directed by Sean Baker, Streaming on Netflix
Icarus — Netflix
American Murder: The Laci Peterson Story — Netflix
With Love, Meghan - Netflix
Tangerine — Directed by Sean Baker
Flanders Scientific Inc. (FSI)
High-Quality Reference Displays for Editors, Colorists and DITS
Color Training and Color Grading Tools
PixelTools
Modern Color Grading Tools and Presets for DaVinci Resolve
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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This episode is brought to you by FSI, DeMystify Color, and PixelTools
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Produced by Bowdacious Media LLC
01:00 - Luke’s path into color
02:00 - Luke’s path into color & early influences
12:37 - Breakthrough projects & career highlights
18:51 - Communication, trust & the “therapist” side of color
32:11 - Understanding Notes
44:15 - Closing thoughts
