Color theory refers to the rules and science behind color, including how humans perceive color and how colors visually mix with and contrast.
The color wheel is at the foundation of color theory. This wheel acts as a visual representation of colors, arranging them according to wavelength. Colors opposite each other on the wheel are complementary colors, meaning they cancel each other’s hues when combined.
Knowing color theory can allow you to adjust the colors within your film to create the right balance, contrast, and temperatures for your desired tone.