Instructor

Full interview with Heinz Donnelly Schmidt in The Kurious Academy

Heinz is a British film colourist with over two decades of experience in the film industry. Born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, he developed a keen eye for colour and composition from a young age, inspired by the scenic landscape and visually rich culture of his homeland.

After completing his studies in photography and visual arts, he worked for two decades as a photographer, image retoucher and videographer. He then embarked on his journey as a colourist, working on a wide range of projects, from independent films to feature films that won awards at festivals and sold to distributors in Hollywood. His ability to enhance the visual narrative through skilful colour grading and his mastery of digital tools enabled him to work for various clients in the north of England, London and the United States.

Beyond his technical prowess, he has a keen understanding of storytelling and his ability to capture the emotional resonance of a film through colour and tone. He views colour grading as an art form, using his palette to evoke specific moods, create visual metaphors, and guide the audience’s emotional journey.

Heinz’s dedication to his craft is matched by his commitment to mentoring the next generation of colourists. He frequently shares his knowledge and experience with aspiring artists and strives to contribute to the continued growth and evolution of the film industry.