Are you a movie lover looking to enhance your viewing experience on your LG TV? Filmmaker Mode is a special feature designed just for that. It lets you watch movies and shows exactly as the filmmakers intended, without any extra processing that can alter the picture. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to turn Filmmaker Mode on or off on your LG TV, explain what it is, and share tips to make the most of it.
What is Filmmaker Mode?
Filmmaker Mode is a picture setting on LG TVs that turns off features like motion smoothing and image sharpening. These features can sometimes make movies look too smooth or artificial. By disabling them, Filmmaker Mode ensures you see the content in its original form, with the correct colors, contrast, and frame rate. This mode is perfect for watching movies, as it preserves the director’s creative vision and gives you a more cinematic experience at home.
- Why use it? It’s ideal for movie buffs who want to see films as they were meant to be seen.
- When to use it? Best for movies and TV shows, especially those mastered for cinematic presentation.
- Limitations: It works with SDR and HDR10 content but not with Dolby Vision. Also, it’s only available on 4K and 8K LG TVs running webOS 5.0 or later.
Filmmaker Mode was developed by the UHD Alliance, with support from major TV brands like LG, Samsung, and Vizio, to ensure a consistent viewing experience across devices. It’s particularly useful for high-resolution content like Blu-ray or 4K streaming.
How to Turn On Filmmaker Mode
The steps to enable Filmmaker Mode depend on your LG TV’s software version. Below are instructions for different webOS versions. Make sure your TV is updated to the latest software for the best performance.
For LG TVs with webOS 6.0 and Above
- Press the Settings button on your LG TV remote.
- Select All Settings.
- Go to Picture > Advanced Settings.
- Toggle on FILMMAKER MODE Auto Start.
- Exit the settings menu.
For LG TVs with webOS 5.0 and below
- Press the Settings button on your LG TV remote.
- Select All Settings.
- Go to Picture > Picture Mode Settings > Picture Mode.
- Choose Filmmaker Mode.
Note: Once enabled, Filmmaker Mode applies to all content you watch, not just specific streaming services. However, some TVs may automatically suggest enabling it for supported content, like certain movies on Amazon Prime Video.
How to Turn Off Filmmaker Mode
If you want to disable Filmmaker Mode, follow these steps based on your TV’s webOS version:
For LG TVs with webOS 6.0 and Above
- Press the Settings button on your LG TV remote.
- Select All Settings.
- Go to Picture > Advanced Settings.
- Toggle off FILMMAKER MODE Auto Start.
For LG TVs with webOS 5.0 and below
- Press the Settings button on your LG TV remote.
- Select All Settings.
- Go to Picture > Picture Mode Settings > Picture Mode.
- Choose a different picture mode (e.g., Standard or Cinema).
Auto-Switching Filmmaker Mode
LG TVs with webOS 5.0 and later can automatically switch to Filmmaker Mode when watching supported content. Currently, this feature works with some movies and shows on Amazon Prime Video. When enabled, your TV detects the content and prompts you to turn on Filmmaker Mode via a pop-up.
- How it works: A pop-up appears asking if you want to enable Filmmaker Mode for supported content.
- How to disable auto-switching: Go to Settings > All Settings > Picture > Advanced Settings and set FILMMAKER MODE Auto Change to Off.
This auto-switching feature, introduced in 2021, was an industry first, making it easier to enjoy movies without manually adjusting settings. Other streaming services may add support in the future.
Tips for Using Filmmaker Mode
Here are some tips to get the best experience with Filmmaker Mode:
- Viewing Environment: Filmmaker Mode is designed for darker rooms. It can make the picture look dimmer compared to other modes, as it replicates the theater experience. If your room is brightly lit, you might find the picture too dark.
- Content Compatibility: It’s best for movies and cinematic TV shows. For other content like sports or video games, you might prefer a different picture mode.
- HDR Support: Filmmaker Mode works with SDR and HDR10 content but does not support Dolby Vision. If you’re watching Dolby Vision content, you’ll need to use a different mode.
- Check Your TV Model: Filmmaker Mode is available on 4K and 8K LG TVs running webOS 5.0 or later. If you’re unsure, check your TV’s specifications on the LG website.
- Troubleshooting: If Filmmaker Mode is greyed out, try restarting your TV to fix temporary glitches. Ensure other picture settings are disabled before enabling it.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | 4K and 8K LG TVs with webOS 5.0 or later |
| Supported Content | SDR, HDR10; not compatible with Dolby Vision |
| Auto-Switching | Works with some Amazon Prime Video content; can be disabled in settings |
| Best Use Case | Movies and cinematic TV shows in a dark room |
| Alternative Modes | Cinema or Standard for brighter rooms or non-cinematic content |
Conclusion
Filmmaker Mode is a fantastic feature for anyone who loves watching movies on their LG TV. It ensures you see films exactly as the directors intended, with no extra processing getting in the way. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily turn Filmmaker Mode on or off and even set it to auto-switch for supported content. Try it out and enjoy a theater-like experience at home!
