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Python 101: Update Fusion Graphics from Spreadsheet Data
Learn to code a Python script to update DaVinci Resolve Fusion graphics and export each new timeline automatically, saving hours of effort!
Using Baselight’s New Look Development Tool: Chromogen
Colorist Luke Ross explains how to use Baselight's new Chromogen look development tool to quickly craft custom film emulation looks.
Advanced Chroma Keying In Fusion: A Complete Walkthrough
Learn to key and composite a complex green screen shot from start to finish with these advanced techniques in DaVinci Resolve Fusion.
Clean Plates For Superior Chroma Keying In Resolve Fusion
Learn to use Fusion’s DeltaKeyer and CleanPlate tools - and how to replicate them in other tools - and improve final chroma keying results.
Resolve’s Six Vector Presets for Quick Secondary Adjustments
Daria Fissoun CSI uses color vectors for secondary adjustments in DaVinci Resolve on archival footage. Plus, Vector Presets vs Color Slice.
Advanced Chroma Keying Edge Operations, Light Wrap in Fusion
Learn to fix edges when chroma keying in Fusion. Blur, color correct, and extend colors on mask edges—including effective light wrap effects.
Advanced Despill Operations - Chroma Keying In Resolve Fusion
VFX artist Bernd Klimm teaches advanced techniques for managing chroma spill. Plus, learn to execute the concept of 'adaptive spill removal'.
Fixing Overexposure In Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) Footage
Learn to restore overexposed standard dynamic range footage, using exposure planes & the face refinement ResolveFX - with tips and tricks.
Definitive Guide To Resolve’s 3D Qualifier, Part 2 - Problem Solving
Daria Fissoun shows how to fix chroma key issues like hair, spills, and color matching for clean keys using Resolve's 3D qualifier.
‘Hard Comp — Soft Comp’ And Efficient Delta Keyer Workflows
Bernd Klimm shows you how to refine chroma keys for fine detail & hard edges using Fusion's matte controls, masks, despill, and more.
Slider-by-Slider: Using Resolve's New 'Film Look Creator'
Learn to use Resolve's 'Film Look Creator' plugin, slider-by-slider, with tips & advice. Does it compete with Dehancer Pro-style alternatives?
A Definitive Guide To Resolve’s 3D Qualifier, Part 1 - The Workflow
Colorist Daria Fissoun offers a definitive workflow for Resolve's 3D Qualifier when chroma keying, with tips for matte finesse and more!
Step-By-Step: Mastering the Delta Keyer in Resolve Fusion
Learn how to set up Fusion for effective chroma keying workflows and understand the features of the delta keyer step by step.
Chroma Keying More Effectively With Magic Mask + Delta Keyer
Learn to use Resolve's machine-learning Magic Mask to help pull better keys more quickly, combined with an intro to Fusion's Delta Keyer.
Chroma Keying Part 1: Quick Results Using Resolve's 3D Keyer
Learn to pull effective greenscreen keys with DaVinci Resolve's 3D Keyer from the Edit and Color page, by VFX artist Bernd Klimm.
Control Your Mastering White Point To Control Your Highlights
Learn how to use white points in color management and how to choose them creatively, in this interview with FilmLight's Daniele Siragusano.
Lens Flare For HDR Enhancement And Lighting Repair
Learn how to use Lens Flares to add dynamic range in HDR workflows while also repairing and texturing the clipped highlights of light sources.
Colourist Comparison Pt 2: Comparing Workflows and Techniques
Colorists Kali Bateman CSI and Luke Ross reveal gritty details of their node trees - grading identical footage to the same creative brief.
Pat’s DaVinci Fixed Node Tree (2024 Edition) - Color Grading 101
Patrick shares how he's designed his fixed node tree, plus outboard hardware and software optimizing color grading speed and efficiency.
Colorist Comparison - Two Colorists Grade The Same Footage
Explore two distinct approaches to color grading on one spot. Join Kali Bateman and Luke Ross as they dive deep into technique and workflow.
Office Hours Live-NAB 2024 What We Expected + iPad Calibration
We discuss what we expected at NAB 2024, calibrating an iPad Pro, and how/if we're using the headline Resolve features of prior years.
Old-School Color Grading - Shot-Matching People & Time Of Day
Learn how Patrick color graded (in Resolve) in 2013! In an upcoming Insight learn how he's overhauled his workflow - for better results.
Color Grading 101: Shot Matching & Working With Multiple Nodes
In Part 2 of his series, Colorist Patrick Inhofer starts working 'at speed' on the Base Grade and then moves to Shot Matching (with scopes).
'Barbie Look' In Resolve: Emulating Technicolor's 3-Strip Process
Colorist Jason Bowdach creates a Barbie-inspired 3-Strip Technicolor film look with customization controls using Nodes in DaVinci Resolve.
Sky Replacements Inside DaVinci Resolve Using Match Move OFX
Learn the fundamentals of DaVinci Resolve's OFX 'Match Move' plugin - in a color-managed pipeline replacing the sky with an sRGB image.
Upgrade Your Toolkit: Get Better Hue vs Lum Results
Enhance your color grading toolkit in Part 2 of this series. Learn to affect color density with greater consistency using Hue vs Lum curves.
Fusion Alpha Channel Manipulations 201: Advanced Tips & Tricks
VFX artist Bernd Klimm shares tips for creating advanced custom edge masks for better compositing and light effects in Resolve Fusion.
Upgrade Your Toolkit: Create Custom Highlight & Shadow Controls
Learn how to create a custom highlight roller tools tailored to your creative needs inside DaVinci Resolve.
How To Build A Custom Contrast-Pivot Tool Using Curves
Colorist Patrick Inhofer shares his favorite, and simplest, method for controlling the contrast of your images when doing Primary corrections.
Build Your Own Custom Abstract Animated Backgrounds in Fusion
Igor Riđanović teaches how to quickly & easily generate unique animated backgrounds using DaVinci Resolve Fusion's 3D toolset.
Alpha Channel Manipulations 101 - Fusion Page Fundamentals
Learn the fundamentals of alpha channel manipulations, including tonal adjustments, blurs, and combining masks from VFX artist Bernd Klimm.
A Complete Guide to Baselight's Base Grade Operator
Luke Ross helps you master every Base Grade operator control in Baselight - and challenges Resolve users to figure out equivalent operations.
Animating Fusion Titles - Polishing Your Shared Title Templates
In Part 3, VFX artist Bernd Klimm customizes a shareable animated Fusion title template with expression modifiers, user controls, and macros!
Using The ResolveFX Relight Plugin With The Fusion Page
Learn to accelerate the Relight ResolveFX by feeding normals maps from CG renders, making it a powerhouse effect for VFX and CGI workflows.
Skill Up: Fusion-Photoshop Painting/Cleaning Workflow - Part 1
VFX artist Bernd Klimm imports one frame of a painted Photoshop still (removing an object) and shows how to composite it into a moving image.
‘Topaz Video AI’ Review: Video Processing Using Machine Learning
Jason Bowdach shows why you might use Topaz Video AI for difficult video manipulation tasks such as upscaling, retiming, and stabilization.
Expert Tips For Rotoscoping in DaVinci Resolve Fusion
Bernd Klimm teaches rotoscoping fundamentals by analyzing movement and creating shapes that can be animated efficiently and consistently.
‘Smearing Shadows’ For More Pleasing High-Contrast Looks
Colorist Cullen Kelly explores a technique for sculpting rich, soft, and filmic shadows on high-contrast looks for a more pleasing effect.
Adding Colour Contrast To Night Footage (in DaVinci Resolve)
Colorist Luke Ross demos a creative technique he used recently, adding colour contrast to make a night image pop using foreground separation.
Refining A Fusion Title Animation & Creating A Reusable Template
Learn how to use shading layers, add intro/outro animations, and package your Fusion animation as a *.drfx template for easy sharing.
The Multiple Personalities of Resolve's Contrast-Pivot Controls
Colorist Patrick Inhofer shows you the three different and distinct behaviors of DaVinci Resolve's two Contrast-Pivot controls.
Substituting ACES ADX for Cineon Film Log With Film Looks LUTs
Explore how to get better results from Resolve’s Film Looks LUTs by leveraging the ACES ADX standard — even if you're not grading in ACES!
How To Build A Custom Fusion Title Template From Scratch - Part 1
VFX specialist and trainer Bernd Klimm joins Team Mixing Light shows how to create a custom Fusion title template to use on the Edit Page.
Using The Surface Tracker On Complex Power Window Operations
Learn how to apply a VFX-style workflow to color grading (replacing the tedious operation of tracking multiple power windows independently).
Using the Surface Tracker Resolve FX for Color Grading - Part 1
Learn how to use Resolve's 'Surface Tracker' Resolve FX for color grading - using it as a Power Window or to warp an existing Power Window.
Using Custom Curves To Emulate Fill-Light Adjustments
Sometimes you want to 'open up' the shadows as if you added a bounce card or fill light to the scene. Custom curves make this easy.
Getting Great Greenscreen Keys Using Fusion’s Delta Keyer
Have you ever used Fusion's 'Delta Keyer' for greenscreens - but with poor results? You missed a step! Joey D'Anna gets you keying properly.
Learning to Color Balance More Quickly With Fewer Adjustments
In the final episode of his 'Flexing Fundamentals' series, Cullen Kelly shows how to color balance more efficiently by thinking differently.
Controlling The Eye By Relighting With Motivated Power Windows
Building on a Cullen Kelly Insight, colorist Patrick Inhofer demos leveling up the concept of a 'motivated vignette' for scene relighting.
Stabilizing Shaky Footage in Baselight LOOK
In Part 17 of our series, Luke Ross shows how to stabilize footage in Baselight Student / LOOK using the Area and 2-point trackers.
How do ‘Motivated Vignettes’ improve your color grading?
Colorist Cullen Kelly explores vignettes: What they do, when they’re appropriate, & how to deploy them in a motivated and photographic manner?
Contrast Adjustments: Which Is The Right Tool For You?
In Part 3 of Cullen Kelly's 'Flexing Fundamentals' series, learn how to think about organizing contrast adjustments to improve your results.
Learning To Work Quickly Using The 'Glow' Resolve FX
Glow effects are versatile - but you can waste time fiddling with their controls. Learn how to work with the Glow Resolve FX, intentionally.
How To Upgrade Your Contrast, Pivot, Lift, and Gain Adjustments
Learn why colorist Cullen Kelly loves Contrast-Pivot for his contrast adjustments - and how you can upgrade them for more nuanced control.
Extending the life of old computers? Becoming a Contributor?
This lively Office Hours answers questions on extending the life of an old computer, becoming a Contributor, and impressions of Resolve 18.
Leverage The Power of Resolve 18’s New Magic Mask ‘Object Tracker’
New in Resolve 18 is the ‘object tracker mode’ in Magic Mask. Learn to use it for color grading and advanced blurring workflows.
Keying In Baselight And The, No-Kidding, Useful Baselight Sausage
In Part 14 of Learning Baselight Student series, Luke Ross shows creating keys using Baselight's DKey and HueAngle tools. Plus, sausages.
Texture Management - BYO Advanced Unsharp Mask tool in RGB & LAB
In Part 4, Hector Berrebi shows how to add clipping and range controls to our basic Unsharp Mask node tree in DaVinci Resolve in LAB and RGB.
Learning Baselight - Tracking Shapes with Keyframes and the Area Tracker
In Part 13, Luke Ross teaches you how to track shapes manually, using keyframes, and automagically, using Baselight Student's area tracker.
Digging Into The Depth Map - One of Resolve 18’s Best New Features
Learn how to use the new ResolveFX 'Depth Map' on the Color and Fusion pages - and get a range of ideas showcasing its fantastic versatility.
Deconstructing Blur, Mist, and Unsharp Mask Operations
In Part 3 of Hector Berrebi's 'Texture Management' series, learn what blur is doing to your images and build an Unsharp Mask using nodes.
Digging Into The ResolveFX Surface Tracker (For Retouching)
Resolve 18's Surface Tracker combines a multiple-point tracker and a warper in one tool. Learn how it works while prepping a retouch job.
Five Don't-Miss Features in DaVinci Resolve 18 Public Beta
Joey D'Anna gives you a taste of his NAB 2022 demo artist skillset, sharing the 5 new features he likes the most in DaVici Resolve 18.
How Do You Avoid Adding Visual Artifacts When Sharpening Your Images?
Are you adding RGB artifacts into images when sharpening? How is Midtone Detail different (in DaVinci Resolve)? Plus, sharpening in LAB space.
Film Print Emulation: Paul Dore’s ACES DCTL Look Modification Transform
In Part 3, learn how to go beyond LUTs for an artistic approach to emulating film print looks using Paul Dore's DCTL in an ACES workflow.
An Introduction to Texture Management (using DaVinci Resolve)
In the start of a new series, colorist & educator Hector Berrebi defines the terms and tools of the important concept: Texture Management.
Film Print Emulation: Breaking Down PixelTools 'Film Lab PowerGrades'
Continue developing your critical eye for evaluating Film Print Emulations (FPEs) by breaking down Pixel Tools Post's 'Film Lab PowerGrades'.
Why Are Film Print Emulation LUTs Special (and how to use them)?
In this new series, build the foundation to evaluate & implement ANY Film Print Emulation (FPE) - with the Kodak 2382 film stock as baseline.
Build Your Own Qualifier In HSL Color Space Using Curves (In Resolve)
Learn an alternate method for creating masks limiting adjustments to particular luminance regions, using Curves and Splitter/Combiner nodes.
Better Window Tracking: Combining Tracking With Manual Keyframes
Colorist Joey D’Anna shows you his methodology for nailing challenging power window tracks in DaVinci Resolve
The Key Panel: A Basic Tool That Does More Than You Think
In this Insight, Joey D'Anna shows you the 3 different toolsets inside the DaVinci Resolve Key Panel, and how they change for different nodes.
Grading HDR & Dolby Vision: Patrick & Dan Join The Fun
In this installment of 'From The Mailbag' Team Mixing Light discusses Patrick & Dan's newest HDR projects &the challenges they faced.
Match Move ResolveFX: A Color Page Multitool
In this Insight, Joey D'Anna shows you how to use the DaVinci Resolve Match Move ResolveFX plugin for powerful tracking, stabilization, and paintwork
Inside the Grade: The First Pass On A Feature Film
Watch over the shoulder of senior colorist Cullen Kelly as he works through his first pass on a feature film and shares his approach.
Good Grades: Documentary Masterclass with Evan Anthony
In this installment of Good Grades we sit down with renowned documentary colorist Evan Anthony and talk about his start, work and more!
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.
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.
Resolve 17: Big Little Features Part 1 - The Color Page
Sometimes, it's the small features making a huge difference! Learn new color page tools to speed up and improve your workflow in Resolve 17.
Using Fusion's 3D Camera Tracker for Patching and Object Placement
Learn how to insert 3D objects or paint out defects in videos with a moving camera using DaVinci Resolve Fusion's 3D Camera Tracker.
Node Tree Compositing: Building A Green Screen Shot In One Node Tree
In this Insight, Joey D'Anna shows you how he uses the DaVinci Resolve color page node tree to build great looking green screen composites.
Working With Reference Images Part 3: Building The Look
Cullen shows how to put the analysis of reference images + analysis of shots on the timeline together to create a cohesive, matching look.
Combining Group Grades With Shared Nodes While Avoiding The Pitfalls
In Part 2 of this advanced workflow series, learn how you can use Shared Nodes inside Group Grades for quick & easy revisions down the road.
Using Playheads - Working Faster In DaVinci Resolve's Color Page
Learn how to accelerate your color grading in DaVinci Resolve's Color Page by using multiple Playheads to quickly navigate the timeline.
Using the Mocha Pro OFX Plugin in DaVinci Resolve Fusion
See the MochaPro OpenFX plugin in action to track and remove a logo on a car door - and finish / refine the composite in Fusion.
Better Blurring In DaVinci Resolve: Part 2
In the second part of his series on better blurring, Joey jumps into Fusion to explore its powerful capabilities to create natural-looking blurs.
Better Blurring In Davinci Resolve: Part 1
In this Insight, Joey D'Anna shows you how to take simple blurs to the next level on the DaVinci Resolve Color Page
Advanced Keyframe Editing in Fusion
Learn powerful keyframe editing techniques in DaVinci Resolve's Fusion page, using the built-in spline and keyframe editors.
The 10-Minute Grade: Shot Balancing
In this installment of The 10-Minute Grade, Cullen Kelly walks you thru a few different techniques to quickly get shots balanced when time is of the essence
Mastering DaVinci Resolve Cloud, Point Trackers for Shapes and OpenFX
If you want to master DaVinci Resolve's Color Page then you need to master its Cloud and Point trackers. This Insight sets you on that path.
The 10-Minute Grade: Global Contrast
In the first installment of a new series, Cullen Kelly shares his strategies for quickly getting a grade on its feet by creating global contrast
Mastering DaVinci Resolve's Stabilizer and Classic Stabilizer
Learn DaVinci Resolve's Stabilizer and its legacy 'Classic Stabilizer'. This Insight is pulled from our Courses with a new introduction.
Separating Your Selections from Corrections in DaVinci Resolve
Learn to become more productive in DaVinci Resolve by separating your color corrections from you masking and keying selections.
Sculpting Clipped Highlights - Roll-offs, Tints, Glows, and Streaks
Dealing with clipped highlights is a regular annoyance. Learn how to make these artifacts look more natural & intentional with color grading.
Color Grading In Spectachrome Part 2 - Working With The Fuji XT-3
Working with new cameras is always a challenge. Get an inside look at what Dan does when working with the Fuji XT-3 camera
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.
Broadcast Promo Finishing Workflows in DaVinci Resolve
Learn how to use DaVinci Resolve to finish and output coutless versions of broadcast promos, easy fast and without any mistakes.
Color Grading In Spectachrome - Starting With Grain
Dan answers some comments from members about why he adds his grain to the image at the very beginning of his node graph
Color Grading In Spectachrome - Going Full Wes Anderson Part One
Dan cracks open another project fresh from the grading suite. In this part we take a look at the Spectachrome brief & project organisation.
Introduction to Tracking Tools and Techniques in Resolve Fusion
Learn how to set up and use Resolve Fusion's point- and planar- trackers. You'll deal with occlusions and see a powerful tracking technique.
Grading With Fusion: Connecting The Fusion and Color Pages
Take your color grading work to the next level in DaVinci Resolve. Learn how to use mattes generated in the Fusion page on the color page.
Troubleshooting 101 – Color Compressor & Node Resizing
Dan shares his breakdown of cleaning up a bike frame using the color compressor and node resizing in Resolve
Troubleshooting 101 - Cleaning Up An Annoying Background
Dan shares his thoughts behind his solution to removing a reflection using Resolve's Color Page - on a 16mm shot with moving grain structure.
Look Inspiration - Emulating VHS Camcorder Footage
What's harder than faking a VHS-look from a high-end camera? Intercutting that look with actual crummy VHS. Learn one way to do it.
Colorist Inspiration January 2019 - Most Memorable Jobs of 2018
Every year Dan looks back at the previous year and shares his greatest successes. This year, he focuses on his most memorable jobs.
Breaking Down A Black and White Film with a Violet Twist
Isolate an object in a black & white film, isolate its color, and use keys to shift hue, saturation, and gain. How hard can that be?
Rotoscoping to Replace a Foreground Element in Resolve Fusion
In Part 1 you learned how to remove an object. Now, rotoscope the motion of foreground elements using Polyline masks and keying.
The Benefits Of Fixed Node Structures in DaVinci Resolve - Part 2
In Part 1 you learned how to build a Fixed Node Structure in Resolve's node tree when color grading. Now learn its huge time-saving benefits.
Using Paint and Rotoscoping Tools in Resolve Fusion
Create a clean plate to remove an item using Fusion's Clone Brush. Then mask an area, replace it, and track the replacement onto the shot.
Learning Fusion Part 2 - Revising A Text Animation (Like A Compositor)
Learn how to deconstruct a pre-built Fusion animation that ships with DaVinci Resolve. After studying one, we revise our animation to match.
Behind The Curtain - 16mm Style Grade Part Three
Dan is back in part three of his unfiltered look at a recent grade. In this part we take a look at matching the externals in this 16mm style
Behind The Curtain - 16mm Style Grade Part Two
Dan picks up where he left off in this series on real time grading a music video. In part 2 we look at the noisy internal scene.
Learning Fusion The Easy Way: Using Resolve's Fusion Text Generator
DaVinci Resolve's Fusion page is intimidating. In this video, learn an easy way of getting into Fusion, with a simple Text animation.
Handling Over-Sharpening: How to Soften Footage Without Losing Detail
Drone footage adds tons of production value to projects. But the cameras often suffer from over-sharpening. Get tips for fixing this problem.
Revisiting the Versatile RGB Mixer (in DaVinci Resolve)
Mixing the R, G, and B colour channels is a versatile color grading technique. Using Resolve's RGB Mixer, learn its simplicity - and power.
Making It Pop: Evaluating Methods of Adjusting Saturation
Do all saturation controls behave similarly? Or are there subtle differences that add new arrows in your quiver of saturation controls?
Behind The Curtain - 16mm Style Grade Part One
Dan shares the opening part to his full unfiltered look at how he graded a music video in a 16mm film style.
Behind The Curtain - Cleaning Up For 2019
Dan shares his thoughts on trying to clean up his grades in 2019 and moving away from his favourite film emulation techniques.
An Introduction to Resolve Fusion's 3D Camera - Part 1
Learn how to get your Resolve Fusion composition into 3D space. Also, learn how false perspective is created and 3D cameras are animated.
Behind The Curtain - 16mm Film Emulation
In this Insight, Dan shares his approach to creating a classic 16mm Film Emulation that he used on a recent music video.
An Introduction to Compositing in DaVinci Resolve Fusion
Using a simple green screen from a low quality source, learn the power of Resolve's Fusion. Learn Boolean, Merge, and MatteControl nodes.
Color Correcting With Blending Modes -Recovering Highlights With Multiply
Dan shares his technique of using the multiply blending mode to recover highlights easily and naturally via a layer node.
Grading Challenge - 90s Video Review
Dan shares his 90s video review and his attempt at going bold, bright soft and crushed in this grading challenge.
Color Grading Challenge: Recreating the 90s Pop Video Look
Dan kicks off a new grading challenge where he plays your client. It's based on a 90s pop video style color grade he recently recreated.
Behind The Curtain - Liberty Commercials: Adding Depth To Drone Footage
Drone footage is a very common occurance on timelines these days. Dan shares his techniques for adding depth to the footage.
Photoshop-Style 'Channel Masks' and Blending Modes In DaVinci Resolve
Are you replicating Photoshop's Channel Masks and Blending Modes workflows in DaVinci Resolve? Learn how (and why you might not want to).
Behind The Curtain - Liberty Commercials Sun vs No Sun
Sometimes we are gifted with better sun than other times. In this Insight Dan shares his experience on a job shot over multiple months.
Elsewhere On The Web: Managing Saturation, Live HDR, Resolve Fusion (& more)
Summer 2018 round-up of don't-miss color correction tutorials from other websites (with commentary). We wish we had them here, first.
How To Paint, Track, and Replace A Logo In DaVinci Resolve Fusion 15
Learn how to track DaVinci Resolve 15's non-destructive paint tools in Fusion. Plus, get a tip for viewing a color grade inside Fusion.
Behind The Curtain - Live Concert Grade
Dan shares a tale of things going a bit wrong on a live concert grade w/ high powered LED lights and how moving over to ACES solved things.
10 Things I've Learned (So Far) About HDR Grading
In this Insight, Robbie explores 10 things he's learned in 3 years of grading HDR and how his recent experiences have informed his view on HDR.
Colorist Toolbox 2.0 - Building A Look Library 2018
The only person that is going to inspire you is yourself. A Look Library surrounds you with inspiration keeping you motivated and current.
DaVinci Resolve Compound Nodes: Efficiently Managing Looks
Now that DaVinci Resolve is gaining tools by the month, Dan takes a look at managing the node graph to keep things organised and flexible - with the goal of allowing for quick changes.
A Career As A Colorist: The Best Advice We've Received
We discuss the best advice we've received for our color grading careers. From attitude to technical to creative, we share what's worked.
Inspired By Lacoste, Timeless - Learning From An Award Winning Grade
What makes an award-winning grade so special? Dan attempts to break down what made the Lacoste, Timeless commercial so special and how we can pick up some tips to use on our own grades.
Getting Started As A Colorist & What's Changed In Grading?
We've got lots of questions from members asking how to get started as a professional colorist and how has grading changed over the years?
Practical Beauty Color Grading Level One: Quick and Effective
Sometimes even offering the smallest level of beauty work for a client can go a long way. Learn quick skin-smoothing / eyebag-reducing tips .
Color Correction Gear Head: May 2018 Edition
In this installment of the Color Correction Gear Head series, Robbie takes a look at the 2018 LG OLEDs (C8), the HD Fury Integral 4k, Aja 1616 12G Router, OWC Mercury HeliosFX and remote control application Splashtop.
Inspired by Mini 2018 - How One Colorist Emulates A Vintage Look
We've all seen amazing commercials and films that inspire us, but how do we turn that into color corrections that we can use on our own projects? Dan shares his approach to being inspired by a recent award-nominated color grade.
Talking LGs, OLEDs, and Calibration With Portrait Display's Tyler Pruitt
In this special edition Mixing Light Podcast, Technical Evangelist Tyler Pruitt joins Robbie to discuss LG's 2018 OLED monitors and various calibration issues like metamerism, colorimeter matrices and more!
An Introduction to Fusion (For Colorists) in DaVinci Resolve 15
While Fusion is a node-based compositor, its node tree is very different than the Color Page. Learn how to use Fusion in DaVinci Resolve 15 in under 15 minutes.
Resolve 15 New Color Page Features
In this Insight, colorist Joey D'Anna, fresh off demoing Resolve 15 at the Blackmagic booth at NAB 2018, shares his thoughts on the top new features that benefit the dedicated colorist the most in Resolve 15.
Two Ways of Using DaVinci Resolve's Parallel Mixer Node
In Part 2 of this series you learn two different ways of using DaVinci Resolve's Parallel Mixer node. We take the theory from Part 1 and put it into action on real footage (from one of our Color Correction Practice Projects).
NAB 2018 Plans & Is My Harris DL860 Working Properly?
We discuss our 2018 NAB teaching plans and where to find Patrick on the show floor? We answer a member's question about the Harris DL860.
Re-Revisiting Multi-Channel Audio Output In Resolve
No, that's not Déjà vu! We're re-revisiting multi-channel audio output in DaVinci Resolve! In Part 1 of a new series, we'll explore the essentials of multi-channel output including using the 'Timeline Tracks' method, The Link Group behavior, and basic bussing.
Colorist Challenge: Moving From A Direct View Monitor To The Cinema
A member asks about grading on a direct view monitor vs. the cinema. We discuss the differences and why overcomplicating it is a bad idea!
Colorist Podcast EP 022: Dado Valentic
In this installment of the Colorist Podcast, Josh sits down with colorist, trainer and industry visionary Dado Valentic to discuss his much talked about presentation on color grading and AI, HDR workflow, on tools for colorists and more!
Multicam Gone Wrong: Re-syncing Clips in DaVinci Resolve 14
DaVinci Resolve's automatic syncing of multiple cameras for its multicam editing workflow often fails. Learn how to reliably re-sync cameras after creating a multicam clip.
How To Migrate PowerBins, PowerGrades, Configs Between Databases?
Team Mixing Light discusses strategies for moving Resolve PowerGrades, PowerBins & project configurations between databases.
Behind The Curtain - Bread Short Film Part One
In this new series, Dan is showing a real-time grade of the bread short film he graded recently. Shot in less than ideal conditions with natural light on a compressed camera, it's a great chance to see the good the bad and the ugly from the grading suite.
Behind the Curtain - Commercial #2: From Base Grade to Final Look
In this Insight, Dan covers another of his behind the curtain commercials. This time we look at a bright morning kitchen scene. In this real-world assessment and grade, Dan focuses on getting a bright airy feel without losing on the filmic sense.
Grading The White Cyc Stand Up - When White Is Not White
In this video, you learn techniques for color correcting log encoded white cyc footage. Plus get several solutions for fixing common problems with these types of shoots and why, many times, your corrections are a compromise.
Behind the Curtain - Commercial #1: From Base Grade to Final Look
Dan returns to his Behind The Curtain series with a real-time insight that shows his approaches to this commercial grade. He covers primaries, look theory, shot matching and Look refinement.
How To Back Up Your Resolve Databases And Your Computer
One of our members asks about backing up Resolve databases and computers. This is an essential skill for colorists, listen to how we do it.
Colorist Podcast EP 021:Shane Mario Ruggieri
In this episode, Josh talks to Shane Mario Ruggieri, C.S.I. from Dolby. Learn about HDR from the colorists perspective, Dolby Vision, HDR 10, grading HDR and SDR and more! If you're interested in HDR this episode is a must listen!
From The Grading Suite: From Short Form To Reality
Dan shares the tale of his attempt at grading long-form reality television after spending 10 years being a pampered commercial colorist.
Grading A Short Film Part 2 - Testing The Feel Of The Footage
Dan shares his assessment of how to get the feel of the footage before you speak to the director. It helps when you can be upfront about what is and isn't possible.
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?
Telestream Switch: A Media Player For Pros?
QC and media inspection are an essential part of 'finishing' process. In this Insight, Robbie shares his experience with Telestream Switch which is a full featured media player, inspector and QC tool.
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.
What Not To Do When A Client Asks For A New Direction
Dan shares a tale from the grading room of a film emulation gone wrong and how by missing the mistake was destined to fail in the grade with his clients.
Hollywood Restoration and Remastering: Colorist Marc Wielage
Film restoration and remastering is a specialty in the craft of color grading. Learn how a Hollywood colorist handles its unique challenges?
The Challenges (And Lessons Learned) Of Color Restoring Classic Films
The color restoration of classic films is one of the few 'Dark Arts' of digital color correction. Colorist Jim Wicks shares his challenges - and lessons learned - from this unforgiving niche of the craft of color grading.
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.
Colorist Inspiration - January 2018 Edition
Colorist Dan Moran spends the first day of January 2018 looking back on his best work from 2017. Picking his favourite commercials, music videos and long form narrative projects and also sharing the stories behind when he enjoyed them so much.
When do you reach for Temp or Tint controls to White Balance shots?
White balancing is a basic color correction task. And Temp or Tint controls are often a time-saving shortcut. But they don't always work. Learn why?
The 12 Days Of Running A Better Color Correction Business
Getting into the holiday spirit, in this Insight Robbie shares 12 strategies to improving your color correction business in 2018
Can You Save This Shot? Part 2: Patrick's Solution (in real-time)
How do you save a shot that has exposure changes and compression artifacts? Patrick shows you how he does it, with footage you can download.
Image Cleanup In Resolve - Rotoscoping, Cloning, and Repeated Frames
Being able to offer Basic Cleanup in the grade is a great ability. It saves moving to and from a compositing application and helps finish off that job.
The Fundamentals of Rotoscoping in DaVinci Resolve
Sometimes a shot is so basic that a little VFX knowledge goes a long way. In this insight Dan shares his real world rotoscoping example
Getting To Know Dolby Vision Part 1: Terminology, Gear, and Workflow
In part 1 of our series on getting to know Dolby Vision HDR workflow & color correction, you learn the essentials of setting up a professional Dolby Vision mastering suite.
Fixing VFX Colorspace Issues In A Problematic Pipeline
VFX colorspace issues are the last thing you need when you are on a tight deadline. Dan shares his experience solving issues like these.
Inside the Color Grade Of A Furniture Brand - Series Overview
In a new series Dan shares a look behind the curtain at a real world grading project. From quoting to delivery he dives deep on his process.
Color Correcting Using New Software - Have Confidence In Yourself
Most of us are more comfortable using the same software all the time but why limit your opportunities? Dan shares his tips on learning a new software.
Colorist Podcast Episode 17: Bob Festa
In this episode, Josh talks to legendary colorist Bob Festa about his gigantic body of work, grading techniques and much more!
Grade Rescue - Saving A DSLR Moving Portrait
Dan filmed some bad footage on his 7D with the wrong color temperature, harsh lighting & heavy compression. He offers up his best effort on a grade rescue.
Color Grading Challenge - Beauty Grading Review
Dan critiques your beauty grading entries and shares his attempt. The challenge was quite advanced and the results are great. Dan's DRX is also downloadable
Colorist Inspiration – September 2017
Dan shares his inspiration for this month by checking out the nominations for Outstanding Color Grading at the HPA awards
Surviving (And Finishing) A 1000 Shot Project In 2 Days Or Less
Coloring long form projects with very quick turn arounds can be very challenging. In this article, learn techniques for surviving & finishing big projects
Colorist Podcast Episode 16: Alexis Van Hurkman Part 2
In this episode, Josh continues his conversation with director, author and colorist Alexis Van Hurkman. they talk HDR, ACES and more!
Grading Challenge - Beauty Grading Brief
Beauty grading is a discipline all on its own. Dan shares a typical client brief and will offer stages of feedback like a real world client
Grading Challenge - Reviewing My Car Brief Grades
In this insight Dan is reviewing your efforts on his car brief and also sharing his attempt at the shot to show his approach to the grade.
Colorist Podcast Episode 15: Alexis Van Hurkman
In this installment of the Colorist Podcast Josh talks to well known author, director, and colorist Alexis Van Hurkman about a wide variety of color topics
Using Resolve 14's New Color Stabilizer To Smooth Exposure Bumps
If you're trying to smooth out exposure changes in your footage then you'll love using Resolve 14's new Color Stabilizer filter (and avoid keyframing).
Thinking Like A Colorist - Assessing Tonal Range
Dan shares his new approach to Assessing Tonal Range and the initial grading moves by asking. Are you trying to make it look better or different?
Colorist Podcast Episode 014: Juan Ignacio Cabrera, CSI
in this installment of the Colorist Podcast, Josh talk to colorist Juan Ignacio Cabrera about his work on cutting edge projects & many other subjects.
Creative Color Grading - Blending LUTs | Mixing Light
Some jobs just call for the grade to be turned up to 11. A fun way to do this is by blending multiple LUTs together and enjoying the happy accidents!
Our New DaVinci Resolve14 Traning & Revisiting Remote Rendering
The Team discusses our new Resolve 14 New Features title as well as DaVinci Resolve Remote Rendering with guest Joey D'Anna.
Colorist Podcast Episode 013: Vanessa Taylor
In this installment of the Colorist Podcast, Josh is joined by colorist Vanessa Taylor. From balancing tech & art, grading HDR this is a great listen!
In Action: Working With The Key Mixer In DaVinci Resolve
In Part 2 of this series on working with alpha channels in DaVinci Resolve, learn how to use the Key Mixer to solve tricky a tricky problem on a commercial.
Getting To Know The Resolve 14 Collaborative Workflow Part 2
In this Insight, we put Part 1 into action and explore the powerful workflows possible with Resolve 14 collaborative workflows.
Dan's Month In ACES
Dan spent a month in ACES getting to know the new way of grading. In this insight he shares his thoughts on the good the bad and the ugly of ACES.
Creative Grading - Retro Sci-fi Look
Sometimes you have to go full cheese and pay homage to looks and films from the 70s and 80s. In this insight we create a retro Sci-Fi look
DaVinci Resolve 14: First Look
In this Insight, we take a look at some of the compelling new features in DaVinci Resolve 14 including OFX, performance and editing improvements.
From The Grading Room - Are We Sterilizing Images?
Now that most people have a basic knowledge of color correction thanks to Instagram what does that mean for us colorists?
Colorist Inspiration – March 2017
Dan shares his inspiration for this month including BTS on Moonlight, Peter Doyle, A$AP Rocky and a Lorde video shot on 16mm
Green Screen Keying & Managing Transparency In Resolve
Learn how to pull a green screen key in DaVinci Resolve and how to manage transparency and render alpha channels.
Becoming A Better Colorist - Stop Focusing On Individual Shots
We should be spending more time looking at the timeline as a whole than focusing on shots. Nobody ever watches a single shot!
Skin Tone Essentials: Hands, Arms, Legs and Feet Part One
Have you ever considered hands or legs when doing a beauty grade? We spend hours on faces but the skin should match all over the body.
From The Grading Room – Knowing When To Start From Scratch
Sometimes when grading you end up going in totally the wrong direction have to just stop what your doing and start from scratch.
Lens Profiling - What Is It And Why Could It Be Useful?
Is lens profiling something we should be looking at as colorists or is it a lot of extra effort to save a small amount of time in the grade?
Getting To Know The EasyDCP Resolve Plugin: Streamlined DCP Creation
Want to make a DCP directly from Resolve? In this Insight, Robbie explores the essentials of using the EasyDCP Resolve plugin.
Colorist Podcast Episode 09
In this episode of the colorist podcast, Josh talks to Technicolor senior colorist Peter Doyle about his amazing career & many other subjects
Feature Inspired Color Grading Looks - Blade Runner 2049
Inspired by the Blade Runner 2049 trailer Dan shares his attempt at recreateing the intense warm washed look.
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
How A Colorist Makes Decisions Through The Grading Process
Dan attempts to walk through his thoughts when grading step by step from quality control to setting the first primary correction
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.
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
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.
How To Quickly Generate Color Correction Ideas At The Start Of A Session
Are you having problems deciding how to attack color correcting your images? Learn how to quickly generate ideas in this video.
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
New Year Resolutions 2017: Improving Your Business & Color Grading
In this Insight, Robbie shares a number of new year resolutions for potentially improving your business & color grading.
An Interview with Colorist Ayumi Ashley
In this episode of the colorist podcast Josh talks to colorist Ayumi Ashley from Mission Film & Design about her work & career
Thinking Like A Colorist: Breaking Down the Western Scene
Download the footage and follow along as professional Colorist Dan Moran, CSI color corrects a classic shot in the style of a Hollywood Western Look.
Thinking Like A Colorist - Color Correcting A Forest Scene
Colorist Dan Moran shares a color correction breakdown on how he approaches a new shot, sight unseen. How to make it an alien planet or a shed in a garden?
Matching Pantone References - And When To Say No
Matching Pantone references to video can be tricky at the best of the times. Get advice on getting that exact match - even if it's not precisely correct.
An Interview with Professional Colorist Rob Bessette
In Episode 6 of the Colorist Podcast, Josh Petok talks to commercial colorist Rob Bessette about his career, grading commercials & more!
Warm Looks: Yellow Warmth Vs Red Warmth (which are you?)
Warm looks don't always have to be rosy red and cozy looking. Take a look at a non-traditional warm color and learn how to add it to your color toolkit.
Getting To Know ACES Part 4: The Latest In ACES Updates
Continuing our introductory series on ACES, you learn about the latest updates to ACES, including a working color space added to the ACES 1.03 specficiation: ACEScct. Plus, how it effects DaVinci Resolve colorists.
From The Grading Room -Â Behind The Looks of 2016 UK Best Nominated Commercials
First, explore the list of the UK's 2016 Best Nominated Commerials - then ask a professional colorist to breakdown how they achieved their Looks.
Find Your Color Correct Inspiration - British Arrows Best Colorist Nominations 2016
Dan Moran shares his thoughts on the best commercial color grade nominations 2016. Top work from excellent colorists are great sources of ideas.
DaVinci Resolve Detective: Is the Mouse Math fixed in DaVinci Resolve 12.5.3?
Did Blackmagic fix the 'Mouse Math' problem in DaVinci Resolve 12.5.3? Plus, how about the other bugs we found in our Resolve Detective series?
Syncing Resolve's LUT Folder & Viewing HDR & SDR Simultaneously
A member asks how they can easily sync Resolve's LUT folder between suites. Plus, the pros/cons of viewing HDR & SDR simultaneously.
White Balancing Shots and Solving Common Problems
Learn how to white balance shots with mixed color temperatures. Plus, how to deal with subtle color balance issues.
Thinking Like A Colorist - Considering Final Contrast Pt 1
Considering Final Contrast before you make your first primary correction is a huge advantage creatively to help you get the best results
Getting To Know ACES Part 3: Visual Effects Workflows
Our Getting To Know ACES series continues, looking at the essentials of using ACES for VFX roundtrips with DaVinci Resolve. You learn how to move images between VFX and color grading within the ACES color science.
Revisiting Multi-Channel Audio Output In DaVinci Resolve
Resolve users are often tasked with making final outputs.In this Insight, learn how to easily route multi-channel audio for output.
Color Grading with the ResolveFX Lens Flare Plug-in
Dan shares his experimentation with the idea of grading using lens flares for subtle lighting effects to help match and lift scenes.
Colorist Podcast Episode 004
In Episode 4 of the Colorist Podcast Josh talks to well-known freelance colorist Mark Todd Osborne about his work & many interesting subjects
From The Grading Room – Radiohead
Dan shares his story from the grading room on grading a short promo project for radiohead
Should You Go For That Film Look Or Embrace The Digital Clean Look?
Sometimes going for the film look is not the right decision. Dan shares his tips on going digital to give us great punchy sharp images.
How to Protect Skin Tones While Color Grading with a Heavy Look
When working with heavy looks we sometimes forget about protecting skin tone and making our artist/actor look as good as possible
Conform Issues Database – Introduction
Conforming timelines can be time-consuming before you even start color correcting. Learn the common issues (and how to fix them).
Colorist Inspiration – July 2016
Dan shares his top grades from July as a source of great colorist inspiration
Resolve Remote Rendering: Setting Up A ProRes 'Dongle'
Working on a PC but need to render ProRes? In this Insight, learn how to setup Resolve remote rendering & use a spare Mac for ProRes renders
Dirty Color Grading Looks - Taking Your Image To The Limit
Dan shares his techniques for taking your image to the brightness, saturation, and sharpness limits while maintaining legal levels.
Bad TV: Essential Steps For Creating The Bad TV Look
Every once and a while you'll need to create a stylized bad TV or surveillance camera look. In this Insight learn how.
Dirty Looks: Early '00s Looks
Dan shares some looks from his past focusing on two Early '00s looks in particular. One home digital camera one heavy 35mm music video
5 Strategies For Managing A Supervised Session
Supervised color grading is hard! In this Insight, Robbie shares 5 strategies for managing a supervised session.
Dirty Looks - Emulating Early Film Looks with Light Leaks
Early film looks are a very popular request from clients.They can be tricky to build quickly so Dan shares his DRX files that you can download
Dirty Looks – To Grain Or Not To Grain
Adding grain can help add a wonderful cinematic feel to a project but in the world of heavy compression is it a smart decision?
How Sync & VPN Changed My Color Grading Life
In this Insight, Robbie explores how through VPN & BitTorrent sync he was able to leave the office earlier & still work!
Inspiration - Color Grading Methods In A Fashion Commercial
Get an inside look on methods and techniques a professional digital video colorist uses on a short-form fashion commercial.
Colorist Inspiration – April 2016
NAB is over and a whole heap of new tools and toys have arrived for us colorists. The perfect time for another installment of colorist inspiration. This installment is slightly…
Resolve 12.5 - Robbie's Top Features
Another April, another version of DaVinci Resolve! In this Insight, Robbie shares his top new features of this exciting release.
Premiere Pro Color Grading - Working with Vignettes to Control the Eye
Step 3 in our 'Premiere Pro Color Correction Protocol' is to control the viewer's eye. Learn how—by working with vignettes and custom masks.
How To Sharpen Quick Focus Pulls? Plus, using the HP Z27x DreamColor.
The Team answers a member's question about sharpening quick focus pulls. Plus they discuss using the HP Z27x DreamColor display.
Shot Matching in Premiere Pro—The Color Correction Protocol
Shot matching in Premiere Pro CC is the second step in The Color Correction Protocol. Learn how to stack filters and get the job done!
Understanding the Scene Cut Detection Workflows in DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve's 'Scene Cut Detection' workflow can be efficient. But it gets confusing if you've got revisions—here's one way to handle it.
From The Grading Room Grading Underwater Footage
Grading underwater footage is like grading footage from an alien planet. Dan shares his approach and technique for working in that world
Mixing Light at NAB 2016 plus Film Style Grading plus sRGB Deliverables
It's a busy day for Team Mixing Light as we discuss our NAB 2016 plans, log style color grading and handling sRGB deliverables.
The Premiere Pro Color Correction Protocol—Contrast
Learn how to use Premiere Pro Color Correction filters in a logical and organized method for any sized project. We start with contrast.
Shot Matching 101 - Techniques for Matching Black Levels
In this insight dan shares his approach and methods to matching black levels. Matching is hard but with practice you can become much faster!
Advanced Finishing Techniques - Dealing with Picture-In-Picture Effects
How do you color correct Picture-In-Picture effects in DaVinci Resolve, when all you have is a single rendered movie of the entire timeline?
4 Things To Know About Working With Look Up Tables
Using Luts in a color correction workflow is common, but everything doesn't always worked as planned. Learn 4 ways to work around look up table limitations
Shot Matching - Learning Through A Commercial Case Study
Dan shares a job as a commercial case study in shot matching - from pristine stock footage to constantly changing clouds.
How To Work With Non-Broadcast Frame Sizes in DaVinci Resolve
Are you trying to work with non-HD Frame Sizes in DaVinci Resolve? It's very common for display advertising and this video will show you how to handle it.
Working with Camera RAW in Premiere Pro - Part 2
Working with LUTs and Camera Raw in Premiere Pro can be tricky. In this video, learn one workflow that makes it a bit easier.
HDR Essentials: Reading The Scopes In DaVinci Resolve
The Waveform & RGB Parade are essential tools for color correction. But when working with HDR footage in Resolve reading them can be slightly confusing. Â
An Introduction into Shot Matching
Shot Matching is one of the hardest areas of being a colorist. Dan shares his approach to going head to head with mismatched shots.
Colorist Inspiration - February 2016
Dan rounds up the best colorist inspiration from February 2016 with some of the best grades from the new year so far.Â
Look Inspiration - Inspiration From Unlikely Sources
Sometimes inspiration can strike in the strangest of places. In this insight Dan shares how he finds inspiration from unlikely sources.
Getting More When You're Getting Paid Less
In this Insight, learn ways that you get more benefits for your buisiness out of a project even when a client isn't paying you all that much. Â Â
Look Inspiration - Bond Movie Inspired Retro Look
Dan shares his attempt and look inspiration in DaVinci of a fabulous Bond movie inspired 35mm film look from the music video Genghis Khan by Miike Snow.
Look Inspiration - Getting the 70s TV Inspired Retro Look
There is a time in every colorist’s life when we need to add some retro 70s TV vibes to footage! This insight is based on both creating a parody of…
Look Inspiration - Adding To The Narrative In A Flashback
Sometimes we need to add more to our image to sell a flashback. Dan shares his tips for a firey look and adding diffusion and motion blur.
Building IR LUT Variations In Photoshop
In this Insight learn how to build Infrared type looks in Photoshop & export them for use video grading tools like DaVinci Resolve. Â Â
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.
Colorist Inspiration – Dan’s Best Of 2015
Day 16: 25 Insights in 25 Days Holiday Marathon Colorist Inspiration – Dan’s Best Of 2015 As the year comes to an end I thought it would be the perfect…
Look Inspiration - Getting the Classic ENR Processed Look
Dan shares his ENR processed look with his nodes and footage to grade along with at home.
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
Look Inspiration - Executing the Cold Commercial Look
A cold commercial look can help bring bright natural commercial into a moody and grungy world
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.
Skin Tone Essentials
In this Insight, Dan guides you through key aspects of getting proper skin tone in your grade. Â
Colorist Inspiration - Adding Sunshine
Adding Sunshine In post can be tricky but Dan shares his techniques in DaVinci resolve to turn dull and grey images into warm and sunny!
Look Inspiration - Red Filtered B&W
Dan shares his thoughts on how to emulate shooting black and white with a red filter on front of the lens to give an interesting look.
Look Inspiration - Warm Commercial Look
Dan shares his attempt at matching the shot on 35mm film warm commercial look of one of his favorite commercials this year.
Colorist Inspiration - November
Its time for the big christmas ads to roll out and more colorist inspiration. Dan share's some of the top work and one of his own.
Fighting The Feeling Of Failure
In any creative venture including color correction the feeling of failure is always lurking. Learn how to fight the feeling of failure.
LUT Limitation - The Best Of Both Worlds
The main pain when working with LUTs is not knowing exactly what they are doing. Dan shares his technique of LUT Limitation.
Calibrating To Match: Perceptually Matching Two Monitors
Two monitors may not match even if calibrated to the exact same color and luminance values. Learn how to perceptually match two monitors
Finding Opportunities When Color Correcting
How do you stay creative when you're not feeling creative? Learn how one professional is always finding opportunities when color correcting.
Look Inspiration - Hyperreal Look
We all strive to create the most cinematic looking images possible but sometimes its fun to go for a harsh hyperreal sharp bright look.
Permanently Adding LUTs To The Lumetri Color Panel
Using LUTs with the Lumetri Color Panel can be tedious.In this Insight learn how to add LUTs permanently to the panel for quick access
Color Correction Breakdown: Solving Problems
In color correction we're solving problems. Sometimes they're handed to us, sometimes they're problems we created. See examples of both.
Tales From The Grading Suite - Lighting The Looks
When jobs look good you wonder why your own work might not look as good. In this insight Dan shares his thoughts on Lighting The Looks.
LAB Colorspace in DaVinci Resolve 12
How DaVinci Resolve 12 changes the way we write contrast curves in the LAB Colorspace. See the difference between Resolve 11 & 12 curves.
Tales From The Grading Suite - DP Colorist Communications
Have you ever wondered what it's like to speak to a DP before a job is shot? Dan shares a real world discussion on a tricky job.
Creating a 'Film Look' and Managing Film Grain
Breaking down the color correction for a 'webisode' and creating a 'Film Look'. Plus, ideas for managing film grain.
Tales From The Grading Suite - Pains In The LUT
Dan shares recent issues from his grading suite and focuses on noise and keying issues when working with a lut on recent jobs
Advanced Key-Framing Tips: A Color Correction Breakdown
Learn advanced key-framing techniques as we break down a color correction of a short film for a real-life haunted house.
Resolve Color Management & Raw
Resolve Color Management (RCM) is powerful workflow tool but using it with Raw footage can be slightly confusing. Learn more in this Insight
Delivering Multi-Channel Audio From Resolve
Resolve is a capable finishing tool not just for video but for audio as well. In this Insight, learn how to configure multi-channel output
Rotoscoping In Resolve : An Introduction
Rotoscoping in Resolve is becoming more and more necessary. Dan shares some hints and tips on how he approaches the task.
Rendering Multiple Projects (And Timelines) At Once!
In this Insight, learn how to leverage DaVinci Resolve's powerful rendering engine to render multiple projects and timelines all at once.
Color correcting raw footage using Camera Raw controls
DaVinci Resolve provides RAW controls for color correcting raw footage. Here are three rules if you want to use those controls.
Rebooting Your Eyes : How To Step Back From Your Grade
Rebooting Your eyes can be tricky after spending hours, days or even weeks on a project. Dan shares how to refresh your eyes for a grade.
Resolve 12 First look: Resolve Color Management
Check out this Insight to learn more about the essential of the new Resolve Color Management (RCM) features of DaVinci Resolve 12
Resolve 12 First Look: Automatic Shot Matching
A most welcomed new feature in Resolve 12 is Automatic Shot Matching. In this Insight, learn how it works and if it's right for your workflow
First Look at the DaVinci Resolve 3D Keyer
Are you figuring out the DaVinci Resolve 3D Keyer? In this color correction tutorial we take a First Look at this new feature in Resolve 12.
Baselight For Avid: Initial Thoughts on Primary Corrections
Dan shares his first thoughts on making primary corrections using the Baselight for Avid color correction plug-in.
Using DaVinci Resolve's Curves To Deconstruct A Look
In this Insight, contributor Josh Petok shows a straight forward but very effective way to use Resolve's curves to deconstruct a look.
Grading CG Footage - An Introduction To Video Game Footage
Video games are just as visually stunning as films these days but how to you approach color grading CG footage from one?
Color Washes - Working With Extreme Washes
Color washes are the most extreme form of grading but can be very rewarding when done well. Dan shows you how he thinks they work best.
Lens Distortion Removal With Premiere Pro
Action cameras and other wide angle lens can have some pretty severe lens distortion. Check out this Insight to learn how to remove it.
RGB Gamut Errors A Broadcast Colorists Nemesis
In this Insight, learn what RGB Gamut errors are and how to identify them before a broadcaster catches them for you!
Advanced Beauty Grading : Stills Techniques
In this insight I borrow my Stills Techniques and try and apply them to my video work. The standard is very high and the results are amazing
Advanced Beauty Grading : Borrowing From Stills
The world of stills retouching has such an amazing standard. Dan looks at those techniques and will borrow them for the video world
Creating Looks In FCP X: Part 2
How to use shape masks when creating Looks in FCP X with the 10.2 update.
The Future Is Colorful: The New Lumetri Panel in PrPro CC
In this Insight learn about the recently announced Lumetri Panel & other color improvements in Premiere Pro CC 2015
Rediscover The Basics - Defining Texture In Your Image
Defining Texture is a great decision to make early on when grading. Do you want it to look glossy and commercial or textured and filmic?
How to Get Faster at Color Correction by Increasing Your Daily Shot Count
Do you want to color grade more shots in a single working day? Part 3 gives you solid tips for increasing your daily shot count.
Frequency Seperation : An Introduction
When working with skin it's quite easy to make it look false and over worked
Patrick's Shot Matching Workflow
Do you have trouble with shot matching while color correcting video? This tutorial will show you a reproducible workflow for any software.
From The MailBag Episode 23
In this installment of From The MailBag we take a look at file naming and project organization as well as tips for sharpening footage.
Matching Shots in Final Cut Pro X - Redux
Shot matching is one of the most difficult color correction techniques. Learn a workflow for consistently matching shots in Final Cut Pro X.
From The MailBag Episode 22
In this installment of From The Mailbag, we discuss using grain as an external matte on a still & broadcast safe workflow.
Damage Control - Working With Tricky DSLR Footage
Working with Tricky DSLR footage can be frustrating. Dan pulls out some awful clips from his archive and does his best to fix them.
Damage Control - Creating A Look With Difficult Footage
Grading high quality is fun but what happens when you have difficult footage to begin with? Dan takes a look at Damage control when grading
Rediscover The Basics - Preparing For An Important Grade
You've landed the grade of your career, what happens next? Dan shares his preparation when a big job arrives for him to grade
Colorist Look Inspiration - Food Commercials
Food commercials can be the trickiest of grades as they push your skillset and leave little room for error. Here are some techiniques
Colorist Look Inspiration - Car Commercials
How do they make car commercials look so polished and refined? Dan shows you some common techniques used on a car commercial.
Creating Skin Contrast With High/Low Key Techniques
In this Insight, learn how powerful shaping skin contrast around someone's face can be to make a shot more dynamic.
Exporting LAB LUTs from Photoshop: Does it work?
Can you make extreme color corrections in LAB color space and export those LAB LUTs from Photoshop and have them work in Davinci Resolve?
Rediscover The Basics - Node Operations
Have you ever paused to think of the order that you place your nodes? Dan shares his approach to getting the most out of your image.
Rediscover The Basics - Contrast
Its tempting to dive in with many nodes & advanced techniques but spend more time getting your contrast right & you'll love the results
Manual Color Matching in DaVinci Resolve 11
Part 3 of a series on how to use the DaVinci Resolve 11 'Color Match' tool. In this video, learn how to build your own Color Match node.
Using Data Burn-In & Text Layers For Client Notes
Take notes in a grading session? Have bad handwriting? In this Insight learn how to create client notes directly in Resolve with data burn-in
Rediscover The Basics - Saturation
In a world where you can apply 20 nodes to build a look Dan challenges you to rediscover basic grading concepts starting with Saturation
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Selectively Apply The "Instagram" Look With YSFX
YSFX tools in Resolve can be used to create vintage looks especially when combined with selectively applying them. Learn this technique now
Have You Progressed As A Colorist? One Way To Evaluate Your Progress.
Assessing Your Progress can be hard has a colorist. How are my grades better today than a year ago or even 5 years ago? Dan shows you how.
LAB Color in DaVinci Resolve - Foundations Part 2
In this video, transfer those Photoshop skills color correcting LAB color in DaVinci Resolve - plus how the tools don't translate directly.
LAB Color Correction Foundations - Photoshop
Learning how to color correct in LAB color space with DaVinci Resolve is easier if we start with how the Photoshop experts are doing it.
LAB Colorspace: An Introduction (using DaVinci Resolve 11)
Photoshop pros are learning the power of LAB Colorspace. This is the first of several videos on applying those Insights to moving images.
Footage Quality Control - When To Reject Footage
Footage Quality Control in a modern file based world can be tricky. Dan shares his advice on how and when to reject source material.
Building A Visual LUT Library With DaVinci Resolve
Learn how to take a list of Look Up Tables in Resolve and make it into a visual LUT Library. This workflow can be used in any version of Resolve before Resolve 15 (which introduced a built-in LUT Library).
Advanced Windows - Difficult Shape Masking
We take a look at difficult shape masking and combining multiple windows in DaVinci Resolve to give you total control over difficult images.
Automatic Database Management
Tired of manually backing up your Resolve? Using some handy scripts Dan shows you how to fully automate the process
Advanced Windows - Multiple Windows & Tracking
Using multiple windows and tracking them into your scene gives you total control of your image and allows you to build powerful looks.
UKMVA's Best Color
Dan showcases the best of the best in UKMVA's Best Color grading award catagory.
Commercial Breakdown - Smirnoff
Dan takes a look at his latest commercial grade and shares the thinking and techniques behind the grades.
Throwing A Change Up - Different Tools For New Results
It's easy to be stagnant always using the same tools. In this Insight learn how different tools can help you break a creative block
Color Balance Skies and Shot Matching
Do you need to color balance every shot in your video? What are the best strategies to color balance and enhance gray skies? Listen & learn.
Shot Matching - The Basics of Matching Cameras Together
In this Insight we take a look at doing shot matching with multiple cameras to create a smooth edit. Featuring: BMPCC, BMCC and Red Scarlet cameras.
Mixing Light From The MailBag Ep 14
In this episode of From The MailBag learn about what to do when you have no client direction & how to achieve that national spot look
Resolve Keyframes - From Newbie To Ninja
Resolve Keyframes can be confusing at first but if you follow a few essential rules you'll be keyframing like a pro in no time!
Shot Matching - Working With Skin Tone
Making people look as good is part of the dayjob for colorists. Working with skin tone can be tricky but Dan shares his tips and approach.
Using Log Controls As A Secondary Correction
Many colorists use log controls as a primary grading tool. In this Insight learn how the log controls can also be used as a secondary.
Circuit Training - From Camera Rushes To Final Look
Dan breaks down a shot from camera rushes to final look. He shares the good the bad and the ugly grades from starting point to final grade.
Shot Matching - Matching Skies
Shot Matching - Matching Skies. In this Insight, Dan shows you his techniques for color matching skies between multiple set ups and scenes
Resolve 11 Highlights And Shadows Controls
New Tools For Resolve 11 Are The Highlights And Shadows Controls. They offer up new creative options for setting the contrast in your scene.
Attended Grading - Starting A Session
Attended Grading - Starting A Session is the hardest part of the grade. You need to understand what your new clients want from the grade
Grading Master Clips in Adobe SpeedGrade & Premiere Pro
Learn how to leverage grading a master clip in SpeedGrade & Premiere Pro. By using master clips you can speed up your grading dramatically.
Resolve 11 - Softlight Blending Mode
New to Resolve 11 the softlight blending mode gives you a great new way to add texture and depth to your image.
Resolve 11 - New Matte Finesse Controls
Resolve 11 - New Matte Finesse Controls brings some great refinements to the qualifier controls. Clipping and noise reduction make pulling keys easier than ever!
Resolve 11 - Introduction To Lab Mode Grading
Introduction To Lab Mode Grading in Resolve 11. This new way of working gives us lots of new creative options when grading.
Color Grading in Groups with DaVinci Resolve 11
Group grading in Resolve 11 has been totally revised.In this Insight learn how to get started & how to use group grading in your own projects
Managing Contrast Across Multiple Scenes
Stop using the full video contrast range on every shot in every scene. Learn to start managing contrast between scenes for visual interest.
Working With The Clone Tool
Working With The Clone Tool in Resolve 11. Dan will be showing you how to paint and clone out elements of your footage.
Sky Replacement Challenge
Using a sky replacement we change a simple beach scene into a moody tropical sci fi establishing shot
How to make Blown-Out Highlights Look Intentional
Frequently we need to make blown-out highlights in our videos look intentional. I demonstrate doing that using Lens Flares from Sapphire 7.
Narrative Grading - Time Of Day
In this insight dan takes you through a journey of setting the time of day in a scene. The flow of the story is key when setting a time.
The Tangent Element In SpeedGrade & Good Skin Tone
In this episode of From The Mailbag, we discuss using the Tangent Element In Adobe SpeedGrade & what goes into getting good skin tone.
Best Exposure From Your Raw Files
Working With raw files allows you to to get the best possible results with your footage. Lets start with getting the best exposure
Narrative Color Grading: Practice Your Craft By Setting Time Periods
Have you ever had to build a look that helps put a shot into a certain era? Learn how to approach this challenge - and download a 6K RED Dragon shot to give it a shot and share with us.
A Straightforward Approach To Creating Blurred or Glowing Highlights
Learn how to quickly create a blurred or glowing highlights look using DaVinci Resolve
Creating An S-Curve Using The Contrast & Pivot Controls
Learn how to quickly create an S-Curve using the Contrast and Pivot controls in Resolve to add more filmic contrast to shots
Using External Mattes In DaVinci Resolve
When you need precise separation using External Mattes from a Rotoscope artist makes precise grading in DaVinci Resolve a breeze
Adding Grain Efficiently Using The Overlay Blending Mode
Adding grain can be hard to manage in Resolve but handy to have in your 'toolbox'. Dan shows you a simple way to add grain, without a plugin.
How to create a light, airy feel by dropping the midtones
Are you having trouble getting bright, happy images that aren't also feeling flat? Learn how I get around this by dropping the midtones.
Masking and Tracking in Premiere Pro CC
Learn techniques for masking and tracking in Premiere Pro CC in this color correction tutorial from a professional colorist.
Creating a Color Wash Look (feat. DaVinci Resolve)
Learn a quick and easy method to create a 2- or 3- tone color wash over a moving image very very quickly - especially if you have a very specific color palette you want to use.
Offset Controls - Introduction To Offsets
Dan takes a look at the offset controls. The oldest and most overlooked primary controls in Resolve. Great for shot balancing.
Matching Shots While Working With Look-Up Tables
In this video we try matching shots with LUTs applied - and leanr how using the RGB parade scope helps us get the job done.
Broadcast Legalization Part 5 - Hard Clipping in DaVinci Resolve
Learn how Hard Clipping in DaVinci Resolve can help you legalize your video for Broadcast. And the dangers of using it indiscriminately.
Archiving and Restoring Jobs
In Part 3 of our series on the workflow for Commercial color correction projects, we discuss how we handle archiving and restoring jobs.
Legalizing Video with DaVinci Resolve
Legalizing Video with DaVinci Resolve can be done in several ways. In this video we show you how to do it Shot-by-Shot.
Colorist Circuit Training Part 1
In Colorist Circuit Training Part 1 we take a look at some exercises to help strengthen your style and color grading skills.
Commercial Workflow Part 2: Leveraging The Master Session
Learn how ripple your color corrections through multiple timelines in DaVinci Resolve using the power of the Master Session.
Color Grading Picture-In-Picture Effects in DaVinci Resolve
Color grading composites, like picture in picture effects, from a single render is hard. Learn how to attack these shots in DaVinci Resolve.
Double Side Technique: Getting Aggressive with Complementary Colors
Learn how the Double Side Technique can help you to create more dynamic color corrections on flat or boring shots. This simple technique can generate multitudes of stylized Looks.
Six Approaches for Primary Color Corrections (featuring Davinci Resolve)
The first step in color correction is to do your 'primary correction'. What controls should you touch first? This video explores 6 options.
Colorist Communication Dealing With Difficult Clients
Sometimes clients can have a very different vision of the project than you had.I offer some tips on grading in this situation
Analysing Your Footage : Pieces To Camera
Get the most out of your 'Pieces To Camera' (on-camera Stand-Ups) using power windows and curves on footage that needs to look normal.
Techniques for Color Correcting Long Steadicam Shots
Color correcting long steadicam shots can be a challenge. Learn how a professional colorist cracks this nut with shapes, tracking and keyframes.
How To Analyse Your Footage For Color Correction: Beach Sunset
Learn how a professional colorist analyses an image. Learn what they focus on and how they grade using contrast, color and secondaries.
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.
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!
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.
How To Color Correct Green Screen Footage (in DaVinci Resolve)
I like to work with background plates in Resolve. This allows me to color correct my product or actor in place, allowing creative choices. Watch me work.
Color Correcting Food for Commercial Clients in Digital Video
How does a professional colorist color correct food? Our guest colorist Rob Bessette shares his secrets and the keys for a successful session.
Tracking Power Windows: Tips and Tricks in DaVinci Resolve
Learn how you can track foregrounds, backgrounds + copying and pasting tracks and how to deal with objects moving behind other objects while tracking.