Jon Stojan
Image credit: Zhiying Huang
Great filmmaking delves beyond the elements on screen to consider both what we see and how we process visual narratives. This is particularly true of the use of color in film, which can be transformative in how we engage with the narratives on screen.
Coloring is one of the most vital yet often underappreciated aspects of film and music video production, and Gloss Studiohas revolutionized its application. It shapes the mood, enhances storytelling, and brings characters and settings to life in ways that transcend words. Whether creating a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere for a short series or evoking a raw, emotional tone for a documentary, colorists play a pivotal role in how audiences experience narratives.
At the forefront of this revolution is Zhiying Huang, a colorist famed for her innovative approach and meticulous craftsmanship. Huang’s vision shines across numerous successful projects, from independent films and documentaries to global music video productions, each of which has made a significant industry mark.
Huang’s skills also extend to her work as a creative editor: “an editor is omniscient in every film’s context. I select, compose, layer on details in many ways, either obvious or subtle, crafting the story and shaping it.”
Delving into a Creative Vision
Huang brings stories to life through innovative color grading and visual storytelling techniques. Her portfolio spans genres and formats, from commercial projects like FENDI’s Peekaboo campaign and Calvin Klein’s spring/summer collection, both of which she worked on during her time at Gloss Studio, to independent films and series projects.
Huang’s dedication to both technical precision and creative vision has made her a highly sought-after talent, earning recognition from the most prestigious industry festivals, including Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival, IDFA, Visions du Réel, and the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen.
Home Conversation Practice: A Career-Defining Moment
Every great creative has a defining project, and for Huang that is Home Conversation Practice, a short film that provides a powerful example of color as a storytelling device.
This film, which Huang directed herself, was selected for the 2024 Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival as part of its “Short Film Market Picks.” It was chosen as one of just 346 films out of the 9,000 submissions, providing a platform for Huang’s bold stylistic choices to finally receive the acclaim they deserve.
Huang believes that “every mood has a unique color palette,” and this was highlighted in her work on Home Conversation Practice, as she transformed the film’s original monotone palette into a daring approach to color grading that showcased an undeniable ability to combine theme and imagery in a way that’s both evocative and engaging.
Documenting the Chinese Diaspora: Juntai Academy and People’s Republic of Letters
An alternative side to Huang’s work is showcased throughout her body of documentary projects, which are rooted in a commitment to authenticity on screen. Huang’s key documentaries to date, Juntai Academy and People’s Republic of Letters, have both used natural textures and raw footage to focus on the hope, struggles, and resilience of those navigating the different contexts of Chinese Diaspora.
In Juntai Academy, Huang achieved this goal through the use of a dry, warm color palette that preserved the natural textures of the film while enhancing its emotional power, earning the documentary a place at the Visions du Réel Film Market.
In People’s Republic of Letters, Huang made the groundbreaking decision to embrace the unique qualities of footage that was filmed with a wide-range of tools, from cameras to iPhones, which ensured an intimate, authentic texture throughout. The film’s selection for the world-leading 2024 IDFA Forum was a testament to those skills, highlighting the importance of Huang’s work for effectively portraying both the individuals on screen and the spirit of their journeys.
Blending Artistry and Popular Appeal: Ozymandias and Short Series Success
Few creatives manage to seamlessly blend artistry and popular appeal, but this is a talent showcased throughout Huang’s portfolio, particularly her acclaimed projects like avant-garde dance video Ozymandias and key short seriesLove Again, My Princess and The Lady Boss From Betrayed to Beloved.
Huang’s work in the short series genre has reached a particularly wide audience, with Love Again, My Princess ranking #1 on the Short Series Weekly Hot Trending list, while The Lady Boss From Betrayed to Beloved has amassed over 628.6K views on IMDb.
Huang’s emotionally resonant visual styles and contrasting elements played a large part in these successes. Meanwhile, Ozymandias has received widespread acclaim for showcasing both the power of Huang’s technical precision and her ability to bring experimental concepts to life in a way that appears to the broadest audience possible.
Inspiring the Next Generation
From award-winning selections at prestigious festivals like Clermont-Ferrand, IDFA, and Visions du Réel to viral success, with her work garnering over 600K views, Zhiying Huang has established herself as a masterful colorist and editor across diverse genres. Her innovative work spans personal narratives in ‘Home Conversation Practice,’ authentic documentary storytelling in ‘Juntai Academy’ and ‘People’s Republic of Letters,’ and commercial success with major brands like FENDI and Calvin Klein. Through her distinctive approach to color grading and visual storytelling, Huang continues to shape the future of visual media.
Zhiying Huang’s ongoing commitment to using color to amplify emotion, convey meaning, and bridge cultures stands to both transform visual media and inspire the next generation of creatives to see color as an integral part of the filmmaking process.
You can see Huang’s creative vision first-hand on her Instagram profile.