Mailbag LIVE! Selecting The Proper Storage For Post Production
Today's Agenda: What do digital video post production professionals need to consider when buying a storage solution for their digital media?
Color Warper 101 Part 2: Managing Points & Pins + Chroma-Luma Panel
In part 2 of his series, Peder Morgenthaler dives deeper into the controls in DaVinci Resolve's Color Warper.
Color Grading Challenge – Tri-X Style Black & White
Dan briefs you on a Black & White Tri-X look. If you grade to his brief and post in the comments, he'll play 'client' and offer feedback.
Color Management The 'Right' Way?
In this episode, we discuss if project-wide or more custom approaches to color management are the 'right' way to do things.
Look Development Part 2: Dialing In The Contrast Curve
In Part 2 of his series, Cullen Kelly takes a look at dialing in the contrast curve for a look with the new HDR Zone tool in Davinci Resolve 17.
How To Set Up and Deliver Dolby ATMOS in Resolve 17
In this Insight, learn how to setup, monitor, edit and deliver Dolby Atmos immersive audio in DaVinci Resolve 17
Colorist Inspiration – January 2021
Dan looks back at a rollercoaster 2020 and his most memorable moments. Then he looks forward to a new color grading suite he's building.
Mailbag LIVE! About That ACES Workflow??
Today's Agenda: Is it just me or does the ACES color management system feel like it's limiting my creative choices?
Resolve 17 Color Management Tips and Pat's Fixed Node Tree
Learn how to set up Resolve Color Management for success. You'll also see a colorist's node tree, designed for RCM & the HDR Palette.
Color Warper 101 Part 1: Concepts and Interface Fundamentals
The new Color Warper in DaVinci Resolve 17 is very powerful, very accurate, but a bit complicated. In Part 1, learn this tool's fundamentals.
Custom ACES Part 4: Updating For Resolve 17
Watch colorist Joey D'Anna update his custom ACES workflow to better use the new HDR tool in Resolve 17, and use DaVinci Wide Gamut colorspace
Behind The Curtain – GH5 Music Video In Baselight Part Two
How easy is it to do final finishing in Baselight? Dan shares his approach to adding titles, audio, compositing and rendering
Good Grades: Talking Color & Suite Design With Shawn King
We welcome new contributor Jason Druss to Team Mixing Light as he kicks off his new 'Good Grades' series talking to top colorists. First up Shawn King
Getting To Know SetStream.io: A Chat With Thatcher Kelley
SetStream.io is a powerful new remote streaming tool. In this Insight, we sit down to chat with Thatcher Kelley to learn more about SetStream.io
HDR Palette 101 - Resolve Color Management 2.0 + Contrast Controls
In Part 3 of this series, learn how the color grading controls work differently with RCM 2 enabled. Plus, contrast control in the HDR Palette.
Look Development: Part 1
Learn how to establish good color management and clear definitions for your look development workflow.
Help Matching These Shots, Please!
A member asked for some advice on matching two shots that had distinctly different looks. In this Mailbag, we discuss strategies for matching these shots.
The DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor On The Color, Edit, And Cut Pages
The new DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor is a fantastic controller. Learn how to use it for color grading, online editing and multicam workflows,
Behind The Curtain - GH5 Music Video In Baselight
Grading a one-shot music video shot on the Panasonic GH5 was challenging. Check out this Insight to learn Dan's approach.
HDR Palette - Using Multiple Zones, Contrast, Presets, Global Control
In Part 2 of this series, we dig deeper into the HDR Palette and continue exploring its differences from the traditional Primaries Palette.
Revisiting RCM, ACES & CST Workflow
In this installment of From The Mailbag, a member's question about using the CST OFX within a color-managed project got us into revisiting these workflows
Running A Stronger Color Correction Business in 2020
In this Insight, Robbie reflects on 2019 and shares some of his goals for 2020 to help run a stronger color correction buisness
Pay Transparency - What Are Current Rates for US Colorists and DITs?
Are you wondering how much colorists, DITs, or one of their assistants charge per-hour in your city? Katie shares the findings from a survey.
Color Correction Gear Head: January 2020 Edition
In this installment of Color Correction Gear Head, Robbie shares some essential items that went into the building of his new facility.
Color Grading 'Origins' In Baselight - Project Overview
In this new series, Dan's grading the short film 'Origins' (using Baselight). It's got VFX, ACES, multiple deliverables (and light sabers).
Inside Pat's Color Grading Head - The Evolution of His Fixed Node Tree
Learn the benefits of a 'fixed node tree' in DaVinci Resolve. Get a look inside one colorist's node tree - and how it evolved over time.
Emulating Film Halation in DaVinci Resolve
Learn two different methods (with different levels of control) of emualting the beauty of film halation using DaVinci Resolve.
Looking Back On The Past Decade & Forward To The Next One
In this episode, we discuss the past decade and speculate on the next 10 years in the world of color grading.
Revisiting Using A Single Large Format Monitor
Team Mixing Light revisits the idea of using a single large format monitor in a color suite. Is it a viable solution?
Get Out There! - Updating Your 2019 Showreel
Dan shares the reasoning behind his new showreel and also gives some tips on when and where to share it for maximum views
Looking Back At 2018 & Forward To 2019
In this installment of From The Mailbag, we take a look at trends and thoughts about 2018 and discuss what 2019 will hold for colorists.
Elsewhere On The Web: The Fall 2018 Edition
These 'don't miss' color grading related articles and videos are culled from 2018's 4th quarter of the weekly curated Tao Colorist Newsletter.
Is High Dynamic Range (HDR) Video Legit? Should I Invest In HDR Tech?
Team Mixing Light discusses a member question about HDR: Is here to stay and should they be investing in HDR tech?
Revisiting The Judd Modification When Calibrating OLED Displays
Team Mixing Light answers a member question about using the Judd Modification for an OLED reference monitor. What is it? When to use it?
Colorist Podcast EP 020: Ian Vertovec
In the first installment of the Colorist Podcast for 2018, Josh sits down with well-known colorist Ian Vertovec from Light Iron. They discuss Ian's work, ACES, HDR, VFX workflow and much more!
Elsewhere On the Web... Insights You Shouldn't Miss 'Out There'
Our focus in our Insights Color Correction Library is on creating original content. But sometimes we see original thoughts on other websites that you need to read. In this post, we share a few of those don't-miss insights from the internet.
Talking About and Understanding Dolby Vision Color Grading
Building on Robbie's recent articles, Pat and Dan ask questions about workflow and Robbie's recent trip to Dolby in Burbank, CA.
About the New Blackmagic Design Conference, The New iMac Pro
Team Mixing Light discusses the first ever Blackmagic Design Conference & Expo as well as our thoughts on Apple's latest - the iMac Pro.
Evaluating And Exploring The New Color Tools in FCPX 10.4
FCPX 10.4 update introduces some long-awaited color correction features, like wheels and curves. This Insight reviews the standout points of this new color correction toolset - and gotcha's you should understand.
Getting To Know Dolby Vision Part 2: Delivering To non-HDR Televisions
In part 2 of our Dolby Vision series you learn more about suite setup. Then you dive into using the Dolby Vision trim controls (in DaVinci Resolve) for Standard Dynamic Range TVs. Plus, Dolby Vision 'mezzanine' file creation.
Learn How to Start Scripting El Gato's Stream Deck Using Autohotkey
The Elgato Stream Deck is a powerful control surface add-on for colorists, especially when paired with autohotkey. In this insight, learn to take that functionality to the next level with advanced scripts and workflow examples.
Breaking Geographic Boundaries: Remote Grading Part 2
In part 2 of this ongoing series, Robbie explores using Streambox's Hybrid Encoder for remote sessions plus some additional gear.
Breaking Geographic Boundaries: Remote Grading Part 1
In part 1 of a 3 part series, we explore the different methods of remote grading and how remote work can help your bottom line.
How To Prepare And Quote A Bid To Color Grade A Feature Film
Dan jumps from commercials to features in this series and shares his guide to getting organized and plan for efficient feature grading
Using Reference Monitors & LG's OLEDS Together In The Color Suite
Team Mixing Light discusses choosing colorist reference monitors. Plus, using LG's consumer OLED televisions in our color suites.
Screwing Up A Flat Bid: 5 Strategies To Prevent & Fix Low Flat Bids
In this Insight, Robbie shares some hard-won tips on what to do when you screw up the pricing on a flat bid & how to prevent these mistakes.
How to Handle Scaling in XML Workflows for Premiere Pro CC
Learn what settings to use in Premiere Pro CC when Scaling in XML workflows. And the settings to use for importing into DaVinci Resolve.
Developing Looks And Settling On Your Exposure Levels
In How I Grade Part Two Dan shares more steps in his grading process. We look at auditioning looks and checking the correct exposure
Colorist Podcast Episode 08
In this episode of the colorist podcast, Josh talks to industry veteran/legend Dale Grahn about his storied career & many other subjects
The Look Of 'Westworld' & Look Creation Philosophies
Robbie, Pat, and Dan discusses the look of the series 'Westworld' and our look creation philosophies when color grading.
Color Correction Gear Head: January 2017 Edition
The Color Correction Gear Head Series is back! This time around we cover a video router, a couple sets of adapters, and a streaming solution.
An Overview of the Logitech G13 Gaming Keypad For Use By Colorists
Get an overview of how the Logitech G13 Gaming keypad works - with ideas on how it can speed up your video post-production workflow.
Sky Replacement - Is It An Essential Skill For Colorists?
If a client asks for a sky replacement; as a colourist, should you? If so, how? Plus a tip on where to start when evaluating a sequence.
Why We Love LUTs and How To Replace Your LUT Addiction
Most of us love to use LUTs behind closed doors. Dan shares his thoughts on why and how to break out of needing LUTs
From The Mailbag EP 34:Talking GPUs & Tech We Can't/Can Live WIthout
The Team discusses GPUs for the colorist and how to select one. Plus, tech we've discovered we can live without, and tech we can't.
Creating Haze To Add Depth To Your Image Without Using Shapes
Using Haze as a grading tool is an alternative method to using Vignettes. Making things lower contrast helps them sit back in the image.
Finishing In Resolve - Reframing, Blanking & Delivering
Reframing in Resolve as become common practice. Dan shares his approach to finishing in the box and shares his tips and tricks
Creating the Classic Black and White Look By Thinking Like A Colorist
Dan shares the skills he learned in the darkroom and how he applies them to grading black and white in DaVinci Resolve
The Marathon Moves Into January & A Preview Of Mixing Light 2.0
We discuss our Insights Marathon moving to January and what to expect. Plus, we reveal plans for the next iteration of our website!
How to use the Lumetri Color Panel: Part 1
The Lumetri Color Panel is a huge technical and workflow boost in Premiere Pro CC 2015. Learn why, and how to use the Lumetri Color Panel.
Fixing Cache & Gallery Warning Dialog Boxes
Pesky warning messages about inaccessible cache & still locations in Resolve can be a nusiance. Learn how to fix them in this Insight
From The Mailbag EP 29: HDR Musing & Log Saturation
In this episode, Team MixingLight discusses HDR and best practices for setting saturation levels for log encoded footage
Neat Video 4 - Revisiting The Popular Noise Reduction Plugin
Neat Video is a popular noise reduction plugin for a variety of platforms. In this Insight Robbie explores the plugin now in version 4.
New Year's Resolutions To Strengthen Your Business
2016 is almost here! Check out this Insight to discover some New Year's resolutions to strengthen your color grading business.
Broken Color Correction Filters in Premiere Pro CC
Do you think it's hard to color correct in Premiere Pro? Learn how broken color correction filters make the task harder than it needs to be.
Color Correcting in Premiere Pro: Why So Hard?
Why is color correcting in Premiere Pro so hard? This article explores Premiere's 'legacy' color correction filters and finds the answers.
Edge Sharpening & Denoise Workflow
In this installment of From The Mailbag we discuss how to isolate and sharpen edge details, and discuss a proper video noise reduction workflow
How to Select A Color Correction Plug-in for FCPX
Learn from a professional colorist how to select a color correction plug-in for FCPX. What are main features you should be looking for?
HDR Essentials: Getting Setup In DaVinci Resolve
Diving into HDR (high dynamic range) video? Check out this Insight to learn the essentials of getting setup for HDR in DaVInci Resolve
HDR Essentials: What's HDR?
HDR is the 'next big thing' for color grading.In this Insight, get up to speed with two discussions about HDR with industry experts Bram Desmet & Juan Salvo
From The MailBag Ep 27: The Glossy Look & Edge Sharpening
In this installment of From The Mail Bag, Team Mixing Light discusses what goes into the 'glossy' look of many commericals & how to edge sharpen shots.
RED HDRx Workflow With Resolve
In this Insight, learn the essentials of working with RED HDRx media in DaVinci Resolve to get the most out of an exposure and the look of a shot.
Create Custom Workspaces in PremierePro for Color Grading
Learn how to create custom workspaces for speeding up your color correcting in Premiere Pro CC.
From The MailBag Ep 26 - Holiday Marathon & R12 Training
In the latest installment of From The MailBag learn about our annual holiday marathon & our soon to be released Resolve 12 training
Resolve's 'Color Match' Is Easier Using 'Brightness First' Rule
DaVinci Resolve's 'Color Match' feature can be tricky. But if you follow the 'Brightness First' Rule, you'll probably get better results.
Why Is Camera Matching with Color Charts So Hard?
If you've tried to match multiple cameras together using color charts, you've likely found it difficult. What's the problem you're having?
Better Grades In Premiere Pro: The Tonal Range Definition
Premiere Pro has a powerful 3-Way Color corrector but by default its tonal range is narrow. Learn how to get better grades by adjusting it.
Colorist Inspiration - The Best UK Commercials of 2014
We take a look at the Best UK Commercials of 2014 in the world of uk color grading.
From The Mailbag EP 19 Skin Corrections & The Film Look
In this episode of From The Mailbag, the team explores fixing blotchy skin and what goes into a film stock emulation.
Dynamic Project Switching In DaVinci Resolve
Learn about a little known feature in Resolve 11 called Dynamic Project Switching that allows you instantly switch between large projects
Saturation in Final Cut Pro X: Is Your Image Colorful Enough?
How do you know if your images are colorful enough? When's the best time to set your saturation in Final Cut Pro X? Find your answer here!
Advanced Beauty Grading Part Two : The Fashion Look
Time to take the image into the next level with a fashion look in part two of the series on advanced beauty grading.
Why You Need To Dig Deep: Final Cut Pro X Exposure Slider
Understanding the Final Cut Pro X Exposure Slider is critical to knowing how to color correct in Final Cut Pro X. Click and discover: Why?
Creating LUTs From Adobe Photoshop
You've been able to apply lookup tables in Adobe Photoshop for a while, but a new feature gives the ability to export LUTs. Learn how!
Advanced Beauty Grading Part One
Advanced Beauty Grading is quite a dark art in the world of color grading. Dan shows you his approach to beauty grading on a commercial.
MailBag Episode 18:YouTube/Vimeo & SSD For Render Cache
Check out this episode of From The MailBag to learn about grading of Vimeo/YouTube & When to use an SSD For Resolve's Render Cache.
5 Things Keeping You From Becoming A Better Colorist
Everyone wants to get better at their craft. In this Insight learn about how to overcome 5 common barriers to becoming a better colorist
Dealing with Saturation in LAB Colorspace
In Part 5 of our LAB in DaVinci Resolve series, we answer members questions about dealing with saturation in LAB colorspace.
Photochemical Grading - Part Two
In part two of this series Dan dives into Resolve and tries out the methods first hand. Enjoying the restrictions and relief of grading.
DaVinci Resolve Node Trees for LAB Colorspace
Explore the different types of DaVinci Resolve node trees for LAB colorspace. Should we do all our work in one node? Or multiple nodes?
Adding Some Clarity: 3 Different Methods
The clarity slider in some Adobe apps is a popular way to add a little pop or punch to a shot. Learn 3 methods for emulating this control.
Photochemical Grading - Part One
Have you ever wondered why Christopher Nolan uses color timing instead of a DI for his grades? We take a look at the color timing world
From The Mail Bag Episode 17
In this installment of From The Mailbag, learn about our 25x25 Holiday Marathon & we each discuss our top 2 color related questions.
Final Cut Pro X Color Correction Challenge
What if a professional colorist were required to color correct in Final Cut Pro X (without plug-ins)? We start by exploring Exposure.
Getting To Know The Colorimetry Research CR-100 & CR250
The Colorimetry Research CR-100 & CR250 are two of the most affordable and accurate calibration meters on the market. Learn more...
Neo Noir B&W - Using Hardlight Blending Mode
Creating a feature film neo noir look can be tough. Dan shares his look using hardlight blending modes instead of his beloved curves.
LAB Color in DaVinci Resolve: Is it effective?
Explore several types of source footage to determine which one are best suited for working with LAB color in DaVinci Resolve.
4 Ways To Create The Leave Color Behind Look
The leave color behind look is something every colorist should have in their tool kit. Learn 4 different methods for creating this look.
Infrared Look - Emulating Aerochrome
Building an Infrared Look can give you some beautiful results if you have the right projects and feel adventurous!
Digital Video Noise Reduction: Targeting Individual Color Channels
In DaVinci Resolve, video noise reduction targeted to specific color channels lets us balance between sharpness and noise reduction.
How To Work With Arri Alexa LUTs, Part 1: In Action
Are you confused about how to use Arri Alexa LUTs on your projects? Learn one approach to using them creatively, based on Arri's own LUT Generator.
Color Correcting A Film Trailer: Simple Compositing (in DaVinci Resolve)
Can you perform simple compositing in DaVinci Resolve? Yes. Plus, you can use blending modes and alpha channels to add visual effects or graphics.
Digging Deep With SpeedGrade's Color Wheels: Localized Contrast
The SpeedGrade color wheels seem basic. This is a deep look at its unique color correction toolset to see its real power, using RED footage.
Basic Visual Effects & Online Editing in DaVinci Resolve 10
Learn how to perform basic online editing tasks in DaVinci Resolve 10. This tutorial looks at compositing, titles and Sapphire plug-ins.
How To Use the RGB Mixer To Remove The Arri Alexa Film Matrix
Are you fighting a green color cast with Arri Alexa footage? This may be due to the Arri Alexa Film Matrix. Learn how to use Resolve's RGB mixer to fix it.
How I Set Up Scopebox for Color Correction
In this video learn how a professional colorist configures the affordable software scopes, ScopeBox, for image evaluation to speed up color correcting.
Color Correcting A Film Trailer: Sony FS700 Footage
In this color correction tutorial, we explore color correcting FS700 footage in our Fake Film Trailer. We'll also use Sapphire plug-ins for DaVinci Resolve.
How To Use The Premiere Pro Title Tool To Color Correct with Shapes
Using shapes to isolate areas of your image for color correction is a key color correction skill. Learn how to do this using the Premiere Pro Title Tool!
Color Correcting A Fake Film Trailer: Grading RED Dragon Footage
In this installment of the Fake Film Trailer, I start color correcting Red Dragon footage. It's my first time working with this camera.
Color Correction Time Management: Grading in Passes
It's easy to get lost in the weeds when color correcting. Learn a Color Correction Time Management technique that keeps you from missing deadlines!
Video Noise Reduction In DaVinci Resolve: The Neat Video OFX Plug-in
We explored video noise reduction in DaVinci Resolve 10 earlier. In this tutorial you look at the OpenFX plug-in, Neat Video, and compare the differences.
Video Noise Reduction In DaVinci Resolve: The Built-In Toolset
Explore DaVinci Resolve 10's built-in video noise reduction tools. It's available to paid owners Resolve 10. Should you upgrade? Watch Parts 1 & 2...
How To Create a Dream Sequence Look: 'Heavenly Whites'
The Dream Sequence Look is commonly requested. You learn how to create a 'Heavenly White' Look for an indie feature film—and try it out on your next job. No plug-ins, just the standard tools you'll find in most software.
Adding Tension by Animating Power Windows: The Spaceship Sequence
We're going to use DaVinci Resolve key frames with animating Power Windows—dialing up the tension and creating the feeling of alien ships flying over head.
Is Working For Free A No No? (Or Can It Be Good For You?)
Is working for free a huge professional mistake? Not necessarily. Learn how to handle these requests like the video professional you are.
Scene Cut Detect (& Preconformed Workflows): Dealing with dissolves
When using Scene Cut Detect (or Preconforming) in DaVinci Resolve, how do you deal with Dissolves? Watch the video and learn the very simple answer.
How to Prepare A Film Trailer For Color Correction
Learn how a professional colorist evaluates a project (film trailer) before a single shot is color corrected - a critical step for smooth sessions.
FilmConvert Review: In Action to Color Correct RED Footage
In part 2 of our FilmConvert Review you'll learn how to use this OpenFX plug-in on RED footage, with impressively good results.