Color Grading in Cinema

Importance of Color Grading

• Color grading plays a crucial role in defining the atmosphere of films, from gritty looks to vibrant visuals.
• Historical context: Even in black and white films, chemical treatments were used to evoke different atmospheres.
• Italian Yellow style in the 1960s introduced vibrant colors linked with lighting and production design.

Basics of Color Grading

• Definition: Color grading is a post-production process that adds the final touches to the image.
• Importance of In-Camera Look: It's vital to achieve a consistent atmosphere through lighting and production design before post-production.

Stages of Color Work

1. Color Correction

   • Harmonizes images for a neutral base ready for grading.
   • Involves adjusting:
     • White balance
     • Exposure
     • Highlights and midtones
     • Noise reduction
   • Matches shots between different angles and cameras.

2. Color Grading

   • Adds character and atmosphere to the scene.
   • Uses tools such as curves, masks, and color wheels.
   • Effects can include grain, glow, and chromatic aberration.

Color Spaces

• Most common profile: Rec 709
  • Ensures consistent image display across devices.
• Newer standards: Rec 2020 and Rec 2100 for cinema, offering richer HDR color space.
• HDR: High dynamic range provides more brightness, vivid colors, and deep blacks.
• Options for exporting based on platform:
  • YouTube: can use Rec 709.
  • Netflix: requires Rec 2020 or P3D65 for more realism.

Acquisition Specific Color Spaces

• Different camera manufacturers have optimized color spaces:
  • Ari: Alexa Wide Gamut
  • Red: Red Wide Gamut RGB
  • DJI: DJI D Gamut

Recording Formats

• Rec 709:
  • Easy to use but limited in information; colors may clip quickly.
• RAW:
  • Captures maximum information but results in larger file sizes and requires development.
  • Offers richer data (12-14 bits) vs. Rec 709 (8 bits).
• Log:
  • Optimized gamma curve records more information in highlights and shadows.
  • Middle ground between RAW and Rec 709.
  • Requires conversion to Rec 709 for output.

ACES Workflow

• ACES: A dynamic color grading process that preserves wide dynamic range throughout the grading process.
• Allows for easy export to multiple color spaces at the end of the project.

Tools and Software for Color Grading

• FilmConvert Nitrate: Plugin that mimics film stock and provides customizable looks and film grain.
• LUTs (Lookup Tables):
  • Files that replace RGB values for color grading.
  • Can be technical (for color space conversion) or creative (for style).
  • Important to use LUTs judiciously to avoid overdoing effects.
• DaVinci Resolve: Leading software for color grading, offering nodes, masking, and tracking tools.

Scopes for Color Correction

• Waveform: Displays highlights and lowlights; helps avoid exposure issues.
• RGB Parade: Breaks down the waveform into red, green, and blue to check for color balance.
• Vector Scope: Displays saturation and hue; useful for checking skin tones.

Curves for Adjustments

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

Practical Example of Color Grading Process

• Import a log clip and convert it to Rec 709.
• Perform color correction (white balance, exposure, contrast).
• Apply a creative LUT for desired look.
• Adjust color grading settings to refine the image (warmth, saturation, skin tones, etc.).

Conclusion

• Color grading is an essential skill for filmmakers to enhance their project visually.
• Familiarity with tools, color spaces, and techniques will greatly improve the final output.