Computer science meets cinema: University of Waterloo researchers closely analyze colour in films
It's not a pairing you'd expect – computer science and cinema.
Researchers from the University of Waterloo and Carleton University are closely analyzing the colour used in films to learn more about them.
The team looked at more than 29,000 North American movie trailers from 1960 to 2019. Using a technique called k-means clustering, they extract the dominant colours from each trailer to create a colour palette. And it's those colour palettes that show there's more than meets the eye when it comes to colour in films.
"One interesting trend we observed is colour sort of leaking out of films over the years," said Andreea Pocol, a Ph.D. candidate in computer science at Waterloo.
"It's not to say individual films don't use it. But, on a whole, those vibrant greens and oranges have disappeared," says Lesley Istead, adjunct assistant professor of computer science at Waterloo and assistant professor at the Carleton School of Information Technology.
They found specific colours are favoured in certain genres too. Horror, action and adventure films often use darker, grittier tones.
"Things like O Brother, Where Art Thou? Wonderful movie, the colour in it is very muted and sepia-toned. You remember that," Istead said.
Researchers point to the idea that colour could eventually find its way into streaming service suggestions too. They say that's because colour says a lot about the type of movie someone wants to watch.
"What if colour could be part of the recommendation for you? We see you like horror movies, we're observing all the horror movies you watch that have these colours. Here are some others that are similar," says Istead.
There is a much-anticipated sequel to this study, which is determining whether a movie might be a blockbuster or a flop.
"And we think colour might play a role in this, and that's where this research is headed," Istead said.
Pocol pointed to some examples where colour caters to specific audiences.
"Kids prefer more colourful movies. If you want a profitable movie, add a lot of strong, bright, saturated colours. Maybe adults prefer the more muted colour palettes," Pocol says.
It's these findings that could change the film industry forever. For directors, film production companies and even the average viewer, it helps paint a clearer picture of a motion picture.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.