Grading a car commercial

[Virgil Edward]

Hey guys, would love to know what tips and tricks you use in grading a car commercial, particularly an SUV. This is my first time grading one, so it would really help if I know a thing or two about it. Thanks!

[Thomas Singh]

A car commercial is like any other product commercials, it's about making the product look great. It could look clean and contemporary, gritty or surreal like the Honda Ignition spot that James walk you through in his premium article. 

[Andy Minuth]

I coloured that one about a year ago: 

Our approach was to boost the reflexions on the car, which gives a nice texture and attracts the eye. So on many shots I boosted the contrast on specific regions of the car with tracked shapes. And always have an eye for the tires, so that they are not melting with a dark background. 

[Abby Bader]

So sharp and attractive, I love the balance between the softness and the sharpening.

[Abby Bader]

I also think that paying extra attention to how to treat the highlights is very important. Personally, I like to bend the highlights to add more texture and even introduce other colors in the lower IRE levels of the highlights like soft orange/yellow or even red/magenta. 

[Abby Bader]

It depends on the natural ambience, look at the skies and surroundings to see what colors could be throw into the speculars. 

[Tom Evans]

Would be fun to see the ad when it's done!