Lecture Notes on Color Grading in Cinema

Introduction to Color Grading

• Color grading has a significant role in cinema, influencing the mood and atmosphere of films.
• Historical background:
  • Black and white films used chemical treatments to create different atmospheres.
  • 1960s Italian Yellow style introduced bright colors mixed with horror and thriller.

Importance of Color Grading Today

• Color Grading: A post-production process for finalizing the image.
  • Should be a refinement, not a fix for poor shooting.
  • Aim for consistent atmosphere through:
    • Lighting
    • Production design
    • Composition

Two Stages of Color Work

1. Color Correction

   • Harmonizes the image to establish a neutral base.
   • Key corrections include:
     • White balance adjustments
     • Exposure equalization
     • Highlights reduction
     • Midtones adjustments
     • Noise reduction
   • Important for matching shots from different angles/cameras.

2. Color Grading

   • Adds character and atmosphere to the image.
   • Tools used include:
     • Curves
     • Masks
     • Color wheels
   • Effects such as grain, glow, and chromatic aberration can be added.

Color Spaces and Standards

• Common Color Profiles:
  • Rec 709: Default for most screens, created in 1990, becoming outdated.
  • Rec 2020 & Rec 2100: New standards for HDR cinema, allowing richer colors and deeper blacks.
  • Broadcast Color Spaces:
    • Use Rec 709 for YouTube.
    • Use Rec 2020 (or P3D65) for Netflix.

Acquisition Specific Color Spaces

• Different camera manufacturers provide unique color spaces tailored to their sensors:
  • Ari: Alexa wide gamut
  • Red: Red wide gamut RGB
  • DJI: DJI D gamut

Recording Options

1. Rec 709:
   • Quick and usable but limited for color grading.
2. Raw:
   • Retains a lot of image data but requires more storage and workflow management.
   • Recorded in higher bits (12 or 14) for richer colors.
3. Log:
   • Balances between raw and Rec 709, preserving detail in highlights and shadows.
   • Requires conversion to Rec 709 for editing.
   • Recognizable by its low contrast and desaturated look.

Utilizing ACES Workflow

• ACES (Academy Color Encoding System): Allows working on original video files without conforming sequences to a destination color space.
• Preserves dynamic range and flexibility throughout the grading process.

Tools & Plugins for Color Grading

• FilmConvert Nitrate: A plugin for film stock look and grain effects.
• LUTs (Look-Up Tables): Tools for color filtering based on RGB values.
  • Useful for color space conversion and calibration.
  • Can vary in intensity for creative looks.

Color Grading Software

• DaVinci Resolve: Leading tool for color grading, free version available.
  • Node system for non-destructive adjustments.
  • Advanced masking and tracking capabilities.
• Other options include Lumetri in Premiere Pro and tools in Final Cut Pro X.

Importance of Scopes

• Scopes ensure modifications don't degrade the image:
  • Waveform: Displays highlights and shadows.
  • RGB Parade: Shows color balance in the image.
  • Vector Scope: Indicates saturation and hue accuracy.
• Essential for avoiding overexposure and ensuring correct color grading.

Curves and Adjustments

• RGB Curves: Adjust brightness and contrast globally or per color channel.
• Hue vs. Sat Curves: Modify saturation based on color hue.
• Sat vs. Lum Curves: Adjust luminance based on saturation.
• Hue vs. Hue Curves: Change hue based on another hue.

Example of Color Grading Process

1. Import log clip into Rec 709 timeline.
2. Apply log to Rec 709 conversion at the end of the node chain.
3. Perform color correction:
   • Adjust white balance, exposure, and saturation.
4. Apply LUT for a creative look, adjusting intensity.
5. Finalize the color grading with desired adjustments such as glow.

Conclusion

• Color grading is an essential skill in post-production for creating visually compelling images.
• Ongoing learning and exploration of tools is crucial for success in the field.