Color has long been understood to be something which appeals greatly to our visual senses and is frequently being utilized as a tool in marketing. Studies have shown that each color has its specific effect on consumers and also viewers. One color can stimulate areas of the brain that will generate excitement, whereby other colors generate tranquility. Color is one of the most powerful means in storytelling. Colors are everywhere in our lives and have way more influence then we initially think. Also the degree of saturation, the hue, temperature and exposure will of course be deployed to variate with these colors and influence the final result. Should TV producers make use of this knowledge and decide on forehand what ‘feel’ they would like to go with their program?
For instance, green is a color that can evoke powerful emotions. It is a dominant color in nature that makes you think of growth. Green also evokes a feeling of abundance and is associated with peace, rest and security. Whereas blue is a color in the cool category, like ‘pale blue’ of a daytime sky or ‘rich dark blue’ of a deep pool of water. Although blue is the world’s favorite color it can create feelings of coldness, sadness or aloofness. Nevertheless blue is known as the men’s color and is often considered for tough or sporty programs. Of course it’s important to choose the right color of blue; in other words the chosen shade is important. Emotion-wise there’s a big difference between ‘corporate blue’ and ‘baby blue’.
The color yellow evokes an ‘emotional’ feeling and the effect of red is more a physical one; it stimulates us and raises the pulse rate. It relates to the masculine principle and can activate the ‘fight or flight’ instinct.
There is much more to tell about the use of the right color(s) to create the preferred mood or feel. When you like to define your ‘program colors’ before you start recording and you could use some help, feel free to contact us at Color in Motion.