Color Institute
The Blog
When Dorothy opens the door from sepia-toned Kansas into the Technicolor world of Oz, audiences feel the magic before a single word is spoken. In that iconic moment from The Wizard of Oz (1939), color became a storytelling device as powerful as character or dialogue. As a color psychology expert and consultant (with over a decade spent working in film and television), I’ve spent my career studying these moments. I’ve seen how a well-chosen palette can heighten emotion, define a character, and even foreshadow fate. Color is not just visual decoration: it’s a language of mood and meaning that speaks directly to your audience’s subconscious. (PixFlow, P. Bellantoni) In this blog, we’ll journey through classic and modern examples of color psychology in film and television. From the Technicolor marvels of The Wizard of Oz to the meticulous palettes of Bridgerton, we’ll explore how color affects audience psychology, shapes character perception, and guides emotional arcs. This analysis draws on academic research and industry insights; including Patti Bellantoni’s seminal work If It’s Purple, Someone’s Gonna Die, which groups films by color-induced emotion as well as the dozens of shows and movies I’ve personally worked on - seeing the colors used by directors, editors
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Book Library
Color Secrets: Learning the One Universal Language We Were Never Taught” unveils the hidden power of color psychology, showing how color shapes emotions, decisions & success across industries. This groundbreaking book equips readers with the knowledge to harness color intentionally—transforming branding, leadership & everyday life.
Sabrina Nasser
Color Secrets is the book I didn’t know I needed! Not only does Michelle share each color’s history and how it affects our behavior, but she dives into the science, how it’s used in film, why you love it, why you hate it, and so much more. I feel like I learn more about myself and our world with every new page. My roommates are already lining up to read it after I finish! Definitely a good one to add to your bookshelf.
Ryann Maxwell
Michelle has put on full display her hard work and research into the topic of color. I personally did not know how color can affect the body on a daily basis. Learning more about color has opened my eyes to another perception of reality. Hopefully she writes a follow-up as I’m sure delving deeper into the world of color only opens more doors to how we emotionally respond to color and what we can do to live a more full and happy life.
Christine Luken
This is a fascinating book about color psychology. The author does an amazing job explaining the science behind how color affects us physically and emotionally. She covers a wide range of examples and tells about the different ways color influences politics, film, business, and our physical health. This subject feels so important that I kept asking myself, “Why has nobody told me this before??” Armed with this knowledge, I now know what colors to use to close client deals, calm down hyperactive children, and either chill myself out or cheer myself up, depending on my mood. I think color is my new secret weapon! Buy this book now; you won’t be disappointed!
Teresa Kohler
If you are looking for an edge in your personal and professional life, this book is for you. I have implemented the color scheme rules in this book based on my desired outcome. I am amazed at the results! Every time I wear a specific color, I get a connection and a YES. As an attorney, my favorite part of this book is the idea that “you can’t argue with pink.” Now, I wear a pink blouse under my suit to every highly contested negotiation. The contents of this book work so well, I hope none of my colleagues find this secret!!!
Ella
I loved this book, it made every creative cell in me do a little happy dance. It was very informative as to why color affects us they way it does.
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