CT223: Color Management and Color Grading
This series of six (6) three-hour live online classes is a follow up to our CT123 course. You do not have to complete CT123 before taking CT223 or any other class in this series.
This series is ideal for directors, cinematographers, DITs, post supervisors, editors, VFX artists, conform artists, colorists, assistant colorists, and anyone else interested in knowing more about the collaborative process between the cinematographer on-set and the colorist in the finishing suite. It takes a very practical approach and begins with setting up color grading projects ready for finishing. We use daVinci Resolve, which is freely available, the example color correction system throughout the series, but the principles you will learn apply equally to any other grading software. We follow the interaction between editing, VFX, and final color, and dig deeper into the Academy Color Encoding System (ACES), other color management solutions, and the fundamentals of color grading.
By the end of this series, you will have a thorough grasp of technical grading and matching and be able to use Kevin Shaw’s unique approach to optimizing and tweaking images while remaining consistent with the vision captured during production. The last two classes in this series cover look development using inspiration as well as perspiration. Contrary to popular belief, there is a huge difference between matching the look of another film and developing that look into something new to enhance your project.
Students that take at the complete series of six classes receive an ICA certificate. Each class will be recorded and made available to participants and to those who could not attend the live session.
Class 7 — Project Management: Good housekeeping in the color suite, using daVinci Resolve as an example.
Class 8 —Preparing to Finish: How the plan finally comes together!
Class 9 — ACES and other Color Management Systems: Flying with the ACES. Simplify the technical and focus on the creative.
Class 10 —Technical Grading: Primary steps to reveal the masterpiece within.
Class 11 — What Makes Pictures Better? How to improve inspiration with perspiration.
Class 12 —Look Management: Get your check list for matching and then developing looks.
You will learn:
Resolve project settings and color management
How to conform before grading
All about ACES, Arri, and other color management systems (CMSs)
How to get a great technical grade
Offset and contrast versus lift, gamma, and gain
The difference between a CDL and technical grading
What makes a “look” iconic
Cinematic uses of color and contrast
How to analyze and reproduce reference looks