By utilizing a Research through Design approach this master thesis studies how technological changes might affect professionals working in the motion picture industry, specifically; how the advent of HDR (High Dynamic Range) affects the colorist. The research questions formulated are the following; (1) How can color grading in HDR be approached? (2) What effect can HDR have on visual modality? (3) What specific affordances can HDR offer the colorist? (4) How can HDR affect the creative space of the colorist? Three of the research questions are derived from the theoretical framework applied in this master thesis; starting with the social semiotic implementation of the term modality (models of reality), the Gibsonian term affordance (possibilities for action and meaning making) and its use in communications research, and lastly; the concept of creative space in motion picture production. Analytic autoethnography was used to generate primary data by documenting the process of color grading a 13-minute short film, and also performing semistructured interviews with four colorists. Amongst other findings, this study found that HDR offers a wider range of modality expression than SDR (Standard Dynamic Range); regarding several visual modality markers. Four HDR-specific affordances were formulated; (1) color expandability, (2) highlight differentiability, (3) tonal rangeability, (4) brightness disturbability. Relating to the concept of creative space; the colorists expressed a concern that they will have to create multiple versions when delivering HDR, but not get a bigger budget for it, therefore having less time to spend on other aspects of color grading.

Color correction and grading are processes when fixing colors in recorded footage in Post-Production. The process of the two mentioned is a mix of technical adjustments and creativity. Color correction adjusts the colors between the clips/scenes so they match and look as natural or unique as possible. Grading is about the process of enhancing the look of a footage to achieve a certain style, it is of a more creative nature.Today, color correcting and grading are performed using desktop applications. The process means that recorded material is sent to the colorist from the set where it is received and downloaded to the computer where the work is performed. When the processing is considered complete, it is sent back to the recording team. This could be considered time consuming, and this process could be improved by using Accurate Video which is a web based program. Today, there are no features for color correction and grading in Accurate Video. The aim of this study was to design a User Interface (UI) for color correction and grading tools for Accurate Video application that meet the goals and needs of the people in this field of work, i.e. colorists. Based on literature studies including design guidelines, studies of what existing professional editing programs look like and what Accurate Video looks like, as well as interviews with colorists, a prototype was developed.