Lecture Summary
This class focused on creating a cinematic look using the color grading and stabilization techniques in Adobe Premiere Pro. The instructor used footage shot on a Canon 5D Mark IV with a Sigma 35mm f/1.4 lens, discussing the benefits of using a flat picture profile for dynamic range improvement. Important tips on using footage settings, adding cinematic effects such as black bars, film grain, and motion blur were covered, as well as optimizing video output settings for YouTube.
Key Points and Steps in the Cinematic Process
1. Footage Settings and Picture Profiles
- Shot with Canon 5D Mark IV, Sigma 35mm f/1.4 lens, handheld.
- Used C-Log picture profile by James Miller for better dynamic range.
- Recommended shooting in the flattest picture profile possible (regardless of camera brand) for optimal post-production flexibility.
2. Premiere Pro Project Setup
- Sequence set to 24 frames per second.
- Check 'Maximum Bit Depth' and 'Maximum Render Quality.'
3. Handling Footage
- Convert high frame rate footage to slow motion by changing frame rate to 24 FPS using
Modify > Interpret Footage.
4. Basic Color Grading
- Add an Adjustment Layer for global effects.
- Apply a LUT (Look-Up Table) – used CMG Canon LUT as an example.
- Adjust contrast, temperature, and other basic corrections per clip needs.
- Important to adjust highlights and saturation for aesthetic preferences.
5. Advanced Color Adjustments
- Color grading tools located under Lumetri Color panel.
6. Adding Cinematic Effects
- Black Bars: Add cinematic black bars using Crop effect or by overlaying PNG files.
- Film Grain: Overlay film grain to achieve a textured, film-like appearance.
- Blend mode set to Overlay at 70% opacity.
- Consider resizing and duplicating layers depending on video resolution and grain file.
- Motion Blur: Utilize Real Smart Motion Blur (RSMB) to add natural-looking motion blur.
7. Stabilization in Post
- Use Warp Stabilizer to smooth out excessively shaky shots.
8. Export Settings for Optimal YouTube Upload
- Render at 1440p resolution and 24 FPS for improved bitrate handling by YouTube.
- Use VBR (Variable Bit Rate) 2-pass with a target of 30 Mbps and a max of 50 Mbps.
- Always check 'Use Maximum Render Quality'.
9. Final Touches
- Match footage with appropriate background music.
- Add subtle post-sharpening and additional adjustment layers as needed, particularly useful for soft footage from cameras like the Sony A6500.
10. General Advice and Tips
- Always experiment with different settings and adjustments to find the most visually appealing outcome.
- Engage with others (through comments or forums) to learn from their techniques and experiences.
Conclusion
Throughout this workshop, the instructor emphasized the importance of both technical settings and creative choices in achieving a professional and visually compelling cinematic video.