There are several key steps involved in color grading a film:

Setting the look: The first step in color grading is to establish the overall look and feel that you want to achieve. This may involve choosing a specific color palette, setting the mood of the film, and determining the visual style.

Balancing the color: The next step is to balance the color of the film. This involves adjusting the overall color balance of the image to ensure that all of the colors in the frame are accurate and consistent.

Fine-tuning the color: Once the overall color balance is set, the color grader will then fine-tune the color of individual elements in the frame, such as skin tones, clothing, and objects. This is done to create a cohesive and visually appealing image.

Adding effects: The color grader may also add special effects to the film, such as color grading specific scenes or adding filters to create a specific mood or atmosphere.

Checking the final product: The final step in the color grading process is to review the graded film and make any necessary adjustments. This may involve going back and making small changes to the color balance or adding additional effects to achieve the desired look.

Color grading is a complex and time-consuming process, but it is an essential part of the post-production process that can greatly impact the look and feel of a film. By carefully adjusting the color and tone of the film, color graders can create a visually stunning and cohesive final product.