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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.
How to Export the Highest Quality YouTube Videos
Learn how to set up DaVinci Resolve's color management when delivering to YouTube and modify the default preset for better quality.
Film Print Emulation: Dehancer Pro v7 Review - Part 2
In our Dehancer Pro v7 Part 2 review, colorist Peder Morgenthaler digs into its 'dehancing' tools: Grain, Halation, Bloom, Weave, and more.
Using Resolve 18.5 Transcription & Subtitle Tools
Colorist and finisher Jason Bowdach teaches you to use DaVinci Resolve 18.5's new Machine Learning-powered transcription and subtitle tools.
Office Hours LIVE! HDR White, Saturation Controls, New Displays
Mixing Light's professional colorists answer questions on graphic white points in HDR, crafting meaty saturation and the limitations of AI.
Film Print Emulation: Dehancer Pro v7 Review - Part 1
Colorist Peder Morgenthaler reviews the popular Dehancer Pro OFX plugin for DaVinci Resolve for creating detailed filmic looks.
Office Hours LIVE! Color pipelines, Gamma & Remote Live-Review
Our Contributors answer tough member questions on color management issues, mastering gamma, and affordable remote live review solutions.
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.
Creative Look Inspiration - Wes Anderson's 'Asteroid City'
Build a low-contrast, targeted saturation look inspired by Wes Anderson’s 'Asteroid City', by learning how to evaluate the production stills.
Creatively Manipulating Node-Based ColorSpace and Gamma Tags
Learn colorist Cullen Kelly’s favorite uses for node-based Color Space and Gamma context menus available within individual nodes in Resolve.
Tips for matching an imported timeline in DaVinci Resolve
Get tips for solving common - but challenging - mistakes when conforming an offline reference, including eye-matching variable speed changes.
How To Set Up A Headless Computer For Resolve - And Why?
Colorist Jason Bowdach on regaining control over your multiple computers while ditching the keyboard and mouse and gaining new efficiencies.
Office Hours - NAB 2023, Sony HX-3110, Resolve 18.5, Virtual Sets
Team Mixing Light discusses Sony's prototype 4,000nit display, Resolve 18.5 Beta new features, and colorist opportunities on Virtual Sets.
Ideas For Using The Resolve 18.5 Relight Effect
Joey D'Anna shows how to integrate the Relight ResolveFX plugin into fixed node trees to maximize its usefulness, capability, and performance.
How To Manipulate Hue More Effectively In DaVinci Resolve
Learn how to dramatically improve your Hue vs. Hue adjustments in DaVinci Resolve by changing a node's color model - and why this works.
Office Hours LIVE! Color Management, HDR, & Cinema Grading
Four Mixing Light Contributors help one of our members solidify their color management settings & workflows for HDR and cinema color grading.
‘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.
Update! DaVinci Resolve ‘Levels’ Setting For Premiere Renders
Colorist and finisher Jason Bowdach revisits the topic of which setting to use in Resolve for exporting to Premiere Pro: Data vs Video Levels?
Temporal And Spatial Noise Reduction 101 in DaVinci Resolve
Colourist Luke Ross shows how to uses the various selections in Resolve Studio's Noise Reduction toolset - and identifies mistakes to avoid.
Is The Mini Control Surface 'Breaking' HDR Palette Operations?
Learn how the Blackmagic Mini control surface is giving you the 'wrong' results on the HDR Palette if your not paying VERY close attention.
Learn How To Build Your Custom Film Print ODT
Cullen Kelly shows you how to build a custom transform by combining a film print LUT with basic color science - to add style to images.
How To Install And Evaluate The Upcoming ACES 2.0 ODT
Cullen Kelly shows how you can explore the candidate ACES 2.0 output transforms. Learn the differences compared to the current ACES release.
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.
How To Upgrade Your GoPro Hero11 To A 10-bit Log Workflow
Learn to leverage GoPro labs firmware and Resolve colorspace transforms to color manage footage from the new Hero 11 cameras in 10 bit log.
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!
First Look: Elgato Stream Deck + with SideshowFX Profiles
Colorist Jamie Dickinson shares initial impressions using Elgato's Stream Deck + (with SideshowFX profiles) to control Resolve's HDR Palette.
The Do’s And Don’ts of Color Correcting with Hue-vs-Sat Curves
Colorist Cullen Kelly explores his favorite uses of the Sat vs Lum curve in Resolve and best practices for consistently great results.
A Hands-On Introduction To DaVinci Resolve On iPad Beta for Pros
Colorist Joey D’Anna gives an extended review of DaVinci Resolve for iPad Beta, how it differs from the desktop, and what it may excel at.
Deep Dive: DaVinci Resolve Cloud Remote Collaboration
In Part 2 of our series, learn the many features (and tips/trick) of Davinci Resolve 18's cloud-based Collaborative Workflow
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).
New Little Features Packing A Punch In DaVinci Resolve 18.1
DaVinci Resolve 18.1 is a feature-rich update. Colorist and finisher Joey D'Anna offers his list of impactful features - that aren't obvious.
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.
Emulating the ‘God Rays’ Look with the Light Rays Resolve FX
Crepuscular rays (God Rays) are a unique natural phenomenon. Learn how to quickly emulate this effect using Resolve's 'Light Rays' plugin.
Color Grading Docs, HDR Trims, NVMe Disks for Cache, and more!
In this Office Hours, a team of Mixing Light Contributors tackles member questions about estimating time for HDR trim passes - and much more!
Creating Glows with the Aperture Diffraction ResolveFX Plugin
Learn how to get a physically realistic glow-like effect by manipulating the properties of Aperture Diffraction's “virtual” iris.
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.
Delivery Tips for Remote Sessions and DaVinci Resolve Trainers
When it’s time to share your Resolve User Interface with a remote client or classroom, a few simple tips and optimizations can win the day!
How To Manage Versions for VFX & Graphics in DaVinci Resolve
If you have many graphics or visual effects shots that might be replaced at the last minute, learn the value of Resolve's 'Take Selector'.
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.
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?
NEW: DaVinci Resolve Courses, Credits, All-Access Memberships
Announcing: 5 new DaVinci Resolve courses, a credit system allowing members to unlock them, and an upcoming 'All-Access' membership level!
Advanced Optical Flow Techniques For Image Repair
Learn to use optical flow for more than speed changes. In this Insight, fix a corrupt frame and repair archival footage pull-down artifacts.
Intro to Resolve's Collaborative Workflow - LucidLink and Proxies
Get started with DaVinci Resolve 18's Cloud-based Collaboration workflow. In Part 1, begin sharing media and projects with a remote team.
How To Use The Sapphire S_Ultraglow OpenFX
In Part 2 of Jason Bowdach's series on glow effects, get a close look at the Sapphire S_UltraGlow and the additional options it offers.
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.
Using Color Grading To Tell A Decades-Long Story
Colorist Joey D'Anna breaks down his color grade of an indie feature - showing how he executed the goals & technical challenges of this film.
Edit Faster With 10 Keyboard Tips & Tricks For DaVinci Resolve
Learn 10 essential keyboard shortcuts you can bind on the DaVinci Resolve edit page to speed up your editing workflow.
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.
Film Print Emulation: A Deep Dive Into The Filmbox OFX Plugin
In this deep dive into the Filmbox OFX plugin learn its basic operation, features, and how it compares to alternate film print emulators.
Better Keying Using DaVinci Resolve’s 3D Keyer
Are you pulling a key for color grading and Resolve's HSL keyer isn't doing it? This dive into the 3D Keyer may get better results, faster.
Flexing Fundamentals: The Hidden Power of the Offset Wheel
In a new series on Primary color corrections, Cullen Kelly explores the hidden strength of the Offset Wheel - when working color-managed.
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.
Charting Gamma Curves, REC-709a, Premiere 2022 Color Management
Team Mixing Light, and members, discuss Log Gamma curves, revisit Rec-709a, Premiere Pro 2022's color management, and declining job offers.
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.
How To Build Your Own ‘RGB Crosstalk Curves’ Node Matrix
In Part 7 of Cullen Kelly's 'Visual Math' series, rebuild Resolve’s RGB Mixer with splitter/combiner nodes to control with Custom Curves.
ResolveFX Surface Tracker Part 2 - Beauty Work Within Fusion
In Part 2, Igor Ridanovic leverages the stabilization work of the new Surface Tracker plugin to execute beauty work on the Fusion page.
Using Compound Clips For Dolby Vision Revisions & IMF Delivery
Learn an advanced compound timeline use-case for Dolby Vision deliverables - without ever rendering & replacing the original HDR timeline.
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.
How To ‘Trace’ a LUT’s Contrast Curve By Hand
Learn how to use Layer Mixer nodes to recreate a LUT's contrast curve for further creative manipulation in Part 6 of the Visual Math series.
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.
An Introduction To Versioning Efficiently Using Compound Timelines
Use compound timelines in DaVinci Resolve for speed and efficiency when managing separate versions of timelines and multiple creative teams.
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.
How Do You Succeed Running A Color Grading Business?
The team is joined by our newest Contributor, Zeb Chadfield, answering business-related questions on being a colorist and getting paid.
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.
Using Parsec and VirtualHere For Remote, Secure Color Grading Sessions
Learn how to control a remote DaVinci Resolve workstation using Parsec with VirtualHere to virtualize locally-attached USB devices.
Evaluating Skin Tones, Working With Drone Footage, Grading On Laptops
Team Mixing Light helps our members work through confidence problems color grading skin tones, drones, and laptop displays in a live call.
Building Custom 'Lum vs Sat' Curves In HSL Using Resolve's Node Tree
In Part 5 of our 'Visual Math' series, learn how 'vs. Curves' work from within Resolve's node graph by building your own in HSL space.
DIY - Virtualizing Your Networked Resolve Database Server On Linux
Learn how to install and configure Postrgres database servers in a Linux virtual machine across an internal network for DaVinci Resolve.
Moving timelines into DaVinci Resolve Using EDLs - More Tips and Tricks
50 years later, the simple EDL is still useful for sharing timelines! Get more tips and tricks on integrating EDLs in colour managed projects.
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'.
Extracting Only The Hue Or Saturation of a LUT using DaVinci Resolve
Learn how to extract the hue and/or saturation shifts of a 3D LUT, without getting stuck with the LUT's accompanying contrast adjustment.
The HDR Palette One Year Later & Selling Your Project Files: Good Ideas?
Team Mixing Light, in a live conference call, takes member questions on Resolve's HDR palette and the practice of handing over project files.
Color Management For Preconformed Workflows With EDL Clip Names
Using Resolve's Edit Index and EDL comments, you can prepare a preconformed timeline for color management much easier than you think.
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.
Creating And Evaluating PowerGrade Tools - Tips and Tricks
Colorist Jason Bowdach teaches you his approach to developing and evaluating technical PowerGrades (and how it helps your creative grading).
DaVinci Resolve 17.4.5 - Custom YRGB Output Color Spaces
Colorist Joey D’Anna explains why the new Output color space setting in DaVinci YRGB projects is a great tool for node based color management.
Color Warper Tips Part 2 - Migrating Off Curves in DaVinci Resolve
Colorist Patrick Inhofer shares how he modified his approach to Resolve's Color Warper - and now rarely uses 'Hue vs' and 'Sat vs' curves.
How To Extract A LUT's Split-Tone Component Using DaVinci Resolve
Learn how to isolate the color impact of a LUT from its luma component to craft the image to your preferences, all within DaVinci Resolve.
Colourlab Ai - Working In A Color Managed Workflow
In Part 3 of this series, Jason Bowdach demonstrates how to use Colourlab Ai in a color-managed workflow in Resolve and shows new features.
Office Hours LIVE! - ACES Color Management Using Nodes (in Resolve)
Join colorist Joey D'Anna as he answers node-based color management strategies for ACES and RCM workflows (including groups and shared nodes).
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.
Joey’s Custom Workshop - Two Useful Scripts And A Fusion Effect
Colorist Joey D’Anna shares with you new custom tools for batch rendering, automatic backups, and a 3D motion control template.
Resolve Color Warper Tips Part 1 - Pin Patterns Within Fixed Node Trees
Learn how to build Color Warper 'Pin Patterns' for flexible saturation fixes in DaVinci Resolve and integrating them into fixed node trees.
Building A Subtractive Saturation Node Tree In DaVinci Resolve
'Subtractive saturation' is a hot topic with colorists. Learn how to manually build this tool in DaVinci Resolve for more natural results.
Office Hours Live Stream - Color Management (and much more)
This is our first Office Hours Livestream. Four Mixing Light Contributors take and answer questions from members in a livestream.
Dolby Vision - Custom ACES SDR to HDR Part 4 - Deliverables And QC
In Part 4, learn how to QC and deliver your Dolby Vision HDR and SDR masters, including Video- or Data- level settings for ProRes exports.
Custom ACES SDR to HDR Part 3 - Dolby Vision Trims
Learn how to use the original SDR color grade as a reference for a new SDR Dolby Vision trim from an HDR re-master (gulp!)!
Live Call - Coding DCTLs Wrap-Up Discussion with Cullen Kelly
Cullen Kelly wraps his 10-part intro series about Coding DCTL. It's a live Q&A session answering questions, while Cullen learns something new!
Elsewhere On The Web: Netflix Recommended Displays (and more)
This series returns with stories on Netflix recommended displays; being a better colorist; color harmonies; and note-taking.
Creative Coding with DCTL Part 9 – Adding A Visual Curve Overlay
Colorist Cullen Kelly finishes off coding a split-toning Resolve DCTL plugin with a visual overlay showing how the RGB channels are modified.
SDR To HDR - Working With Graphics In Node-Level Color Management
In part two of his series, Colorist Joey D'Anna shows you how to color manage graphics when trimming a project from SDR up to HDR.
Creative Coding with DCTL Part 8 - Refining UI Parameters
Colorist Cullen Kelly finished defining his Davinci Resolve DCTL plugin. Learn how he tweaks the interface, eliminating 'dead zones.'
Resolve 17.4: My Favorites From A Huge Release
DaVinci Resolve 17.4 is a substantial update. Colorist Joey D'Anna explores his favorite features, big and small, on the Color & Edit Pages.
Custom ACES: SDR To HDR - Part 1
In this Insight, Colorist Joey D’Anna shows you how to move an SDR grade into HDR using a Custom ACES fixed node structure.
Color Page Tools You Might Have Forgotten About Or Didn't Know
In an application as deep as Resolve its easy to forget about a feature or not even know one was there! In this Insight, Robbie Carman explores some of these
Creative Coding with DCTL Part 7 - Adding Split Toning
In Part 7, Colorist Cullen Kelly shows how to add split-toning into the custom DCTL. Then he debugs and commits it to the main GitHub branch.
Color Grading An Animated Short Film - Part 1
Colorist Patrick Inhofer shares a behind-the-scenes look at color grading an animated short film - and how it differs from live action.
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
Binary Logic In The Node Tree: Creating Procedural Node Structures
What does binary logic have to do with color grading? Colorist Joey D'Anna shows you how to build switches and logic into your Resolve node structure.
Creative Coding With DCTL: Part 6
In part 6 of his ongoing series, Cullen Kelly explores how to combine two separate DCTLs for increased user functionality without adding complexity.
Coloring Reality: How To Color Grade 1700 Shots In Two Days
Coloring Reality TV can be a huge undertaking. However, if you organize and prepare, you'll deliver a high-quality show on time.
Can You Use Project-Level Color Management With 'Flat File' Workflows?
Learn how to tag a single clip with multiple 'input color spaces' in DaVinci Resolve when executing a 'flat file'/preconformed workflow.
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
Creative Coding With DCTL: Part 5
In part 5 of his ongoing series on coding DCTLs, Cullen starts to get into the thick of the tool he's creating - exploring how to define and code contrast.
Creative Coding with DCTL: Part 4
In part four of his ongoing series on creating DCTLs, Cullen Kelly builds upon work done to create a static DCTL by adding user adjustable controls.
Creative Coding With DCTL: Part 3
In part 3 of this ongoing series, with foundational knowledge in place, start coding your first DCTL a colorist Cullen Kelly guides you step by step.
Creative Coding With DCTL: Part 2
In Part 2 of his series on coding DCTLs, Cullen Kelly covers some additional setup and tools you'll need to successfully build DCTLs
Using A Blackmagic Color Panel Remotely - Resolve 17 Solves A Problem
Learn how to use Resolve 17's new remote panel capabilities for remote color grading that is secure, interactive, and color accurate.
Creative Coding With DCTL: Part 1
Cullen Kelly kicks off a new exciting series about DCTL coding. Learn the vocabulary, syntax, and techniques to create DCTLs to aid your color grading.
Colorist Inspiration - UK Music Video Awards 2020
Dan shares some grading inspiration from the 2020 best colour grading nominees at the UK music video awards
How Do You Use Resolve's Parallel Mixer and Layer Mixer Nodes?
In Part 2 of our series on learning how to use Resolve's Serial Nodes, we look at combining them with Layer and Parallel Mixer nodes.
Joey's Custom Workshop: Solving Problems Using DCTL and Python
Expand your colorist toolbox with custom Python scripts and DCTLs for Frame.io workflows, subtractive saturation, and timeline duplication.
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.
Getting Sync'd Up: Advanced Audio Monitoring In DaVinci Resolve
Learn to measure audio/video sync issues with a smartphone, and compensate in DaVinci Resolve using Fairlight's B-Chain
Getting Up To Speed On Resolve 17's New Proxy Workflow
Get up to speed on Resolve 17's new proxy workflow for lightning fast editing and grading performance when working remotely.
Color Warper 101 Part 3: Creating Looks (Plus A Grading Challenge)
In the finale of the series, colorist Peder Morgenthaler puts what we've learned into action creative 3 looks with the Color Warper.
Look Development Part 3: Sweetening The Color Palette
In the last installment of his series on the essentials of look development, Cullen Kelly guides you through the concept of preferential color mapping.
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.
Review - Controlling The HDR Palette With The Resolve Mini Panel
How does the DaVinci Resolve Mini control surface manage to control 7+ color wheels in the HDR Palette, with only 3 physical trackballs?
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
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.
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.
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.
Resolve 17 Big Little Features Part 2 – The Edit Page
Small features can make a huge difference to your workflow! Learn new edit page features to speed up and improve your workflow in Resolve 17.
How Do Zones Work in Resolve 17's New HDR Palette?
The HDR Palette represents a major advance in Resolve 17's color grading toolset. Learn about it's core concept, Zones, and how they work.
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.
A Mixing Light Special Report: Resolve 17 Announcement
Blackmagic Design just announced Resolve 17. We jump on a call to discuss the release, its timing, new features, and our initial thoughts.
Resolve 17: First Impressions And Favorite Features
Resolve 17 Public Beta is here and it is a huge release! Colorist Joey D'Anna points you to his favorite new features, updates, improvements.
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.
Nodes 101 – Mastering DaVinci Resolve’s Serial Node
Do the nodes in DaVinci Resolve's Color Page confuse you? In Part 1, learn how to think about using nodes with this intro to the Serial Node.
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.
Combining Shared Nodes and Group Grades in DaVinci Resolve
Applying the one color grade to multiple shots is easier with Resolve's Groups or with Shared nodes. Learn how to combine the two approaches.
Creating And Modifying Speed Effects in Davinci Resolve
Learn how to fix frame rate problems and create both constant- and variable-rate speed effects (and image processing options they enable).
Working With Reference Images: Evaluating Camera Source Footage
In Part 2 learn how you can evaluate the source footage on your timeline to answer: Is this footage a good match for our references?
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
The Fundamentals of DaVinci Resolve's Gallery and Memories
Learn how to use Resolve's Gallery for comparing and sharing color corrections or nodes between different shots.
Working With Reference Images: Part 1
In part 1 of a new series, learn the essentials of how to interpret and read references for contrast, tonality, and other key factors.
Advanced Keyframe Editing in Fusion
Learn powerful keyframe editing techniques in DaVinci Resolve's Fusion page, using the built-in spline and keyframe editors.
What's Tone Mapping?
In this installment of From The Mailbag we sit down to talk about tone mapping and how's used in software and on consumer displays.
ACES 201 - Node-based Grading, Sharing Looks to On-Set and VFX
In this webinar, learn an alternative approach to color grading ACES projects in DaVinci Resolve plus collaborating with others in ACES.
A Review of Blackmagic's Editor Keyboard: 1 year later
Learn what a online editor and colorist thinks after spending a year working with the Blackmagic editor keyboard, full-time. Plus, his tips.
Custom ACES Part 3: ODTs, Deliverables and HDR
Learn how to use a custom ACES workflow to easily manage deliverables in different color spaces, and easily take your grade from SDR to HDR.
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.
Performance Optimization in DaVinci Resolve Webinar
Creative decision-making on a stuttering timeline is no fun. Learn what you need to know about playback performance within DaVinci Resolve
Custom ACES Part 2: Grading Custom ACES With Fixed Node Structures
Learn how to build a powerful fixed node structure in DaVinci Resolve to work within a valid ACES pipeline, without normal limitations.
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
HDR Essentials: Vocabulary & Workflow Webinar
In this Mixing Light Webinar replay, join Mixing Light co-founder Robbie Carman as he explores HDR essentials, including vocabuarly & workflow
Custom ACES Part 1: Building An ACES Workflow In A Resolve Node Tree
Learn how to leverage a powerful ACES workflow without any limitations, by customizing it a DaVinci Resolve node tree.
ACES and DaVinci Resolve 101 Webinar - Understanding the Workflow
Are you confused about what is ACES? What is it used for? How do you use and implement ACES within DaVinci Resolve? This webinar is for you.
Three Strategies for Increasing Color Separation in DaVinci Resolve
Do your images need to look more colorful? In this Insight, learn 3 color separation tools for increasing perceptual colorfulness.
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.
Resolve Remote Workflow: Hawaii To LA & Back
In this From The Mailbag we revisit some key aspects of a Resolve remote workflow as we try to answer questions from a member on the same subject.
Integrating Resolve's 'CST' Plugin with Fixed Node Trees
Learn how a pro colorist is integrating the Resolve 'color space transform' plugin into his fixed node tree to get better results, faster.
An Overview and Tour of DaVinci Resolve 16's Cut Page
When you open DaVinci Resolve 16 for the first time, you land on its Cut Page. How is it laid out? How does it differ from the Edit Page?
Quick Export: Customizing Resolve's New Export Features
DaVinci Resolve's Quick Export is often overlooked because it looks simplistic. Learn how to power up Quick Exports and save yourself time.
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.
Revisiting Temporal and Spacial Noise Reduction in DaVinci Resolve
Take a fresh look at Resolve Studio's native noise reduction tools. Learn the process for working through the Temporal and Spacial toolsets.
Removing Unwanted Elements Using ResolveFX Revival Plugins
Do you want to remove artifacts from dirty lenses or remove objects that are distracting. These ResolveFX can help you, in Resolve Studio.
Colorist Inspiration - January 2020
Dan kicks off January 2020 by looking back on 2019 and speaks about his personal favourite grades & experiences of the past year.
The Color Mangled Workflow: Modifying Look-Up Tables For Better Results
Do you struggle getting a good starting point while using Look-Up Tables (LUTs)? This idea may make things easier (in Davinci Resolve).
Macros on MacOS - Switching from AutoHotKey to Keyboard Maestro
Learn how to use Keyboard Maestro and Stream Deck to supercharge your workflow in DaVinci Resolve on Mac with powerful macros.
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
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.
Creating Supplemental IMF Packages in DaVinci Resolve
What is an IMF package? How doyou use DaVinci Resolve to create supplemental IMFs for delivering fixes and alternate versions?
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
ACES in Action Part 2 - Breaking Down the Imaging Pipeline
In Part 2 of this Series, learn the details of an indie film navigating ACES between DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, and After Effects.
Simplifying DCP Drive Delivery With Cinematiq's DCP Transfer
Learn about Cinematiq's DCP Transfer application for streamlining EXT2 DCP driver deliveries - without having to jump in the Terminal!
ACES Color Correction in Action: An Indie Case Study Part 1
The ACES color management workflow is a key technology for major Hollywood productions. Learn how an Indie film implemented ACES.
Working On The Road - Taking Vacation As A Freelance Colourist
Working as a freelance colorist seems like freedom and flexibility. But what do you do on vacation - and the client has urgent revisions?
Exploring Saturation Controls in DaVinci Resolve - Color Boost Part 3
Learn how various Saturation controls in DaVinci Resolve are identical to each other. Plus, understanding saturation-related hue shifts.
Is DaVinci Resolve 16 Public Beta Now Ready For You To Upgrade?
DaVinci Resolve 16 is very exciting. But it's currently in 'Public Beta'. What does that mean? Can you update to it safely?
Understanding Color Boost in DaVinci Resolve - Part 2
We continue deconstructing Resolve's Color Boost controls, offer an alternative definition, and demonstrate how it differs from Saturation.
My Favourite New Feature In Resolve 16 - Analog Damage ResolveFX
Dan shares his thoughts on recreating tape based artifacts using the brand new Resolve 16 Analog Damage tool.
Scopes and Critical Image Evaluation In Resolve 16
Video scopes are an essential tool to all colorists. Learn all the exciting new scope features in Resolve 16 to speed up your grading.
PixelTools Review: Is There Magical Pixie Dust in These PowerGrades?
A video review of how PixelTools uses the native tools in Davici Resolve to construct custom looks and utilities with PowerGrades.
My Favorite New Color Feature in Resolve 16: The Adjustment Clip
Resolve 16 adds hundreds of features, including powerful new adjustment clips. Learn how to use them streamline your grading workflow.
What I Learned (and Surprised Me) in 5 Hours at NAB 2019 - Part 1
At NAB 2019 with 5 hours of 'me time', in Part 1 learn what I though was significant in Resolve 16 and Mistika Boutique.
Understanding How Color Boost Works in DaVinci Resolve - Part 1
It's not always clear how Resolve's 'Color Boost' tool works differently than its 'Saturation' tool. This video breaks down the differences.
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.
CDLs in Action and Roundtripping Through DaVinci Resolve
Learn how to create, export, and import ASC-CDL compliant color grades using DaVinci Resolve. Plus tips and tricks with CDL data.
Troubleshooting 101 - Resolve Color Management
Troubleshoot an interesting problem for a more in-depth understanding how Resolve Color Management (RCM) works.
Overview of Materials and Auxiliary Channels in DaVinci Resolve Fusion
Learn the workflow of the 3D toolset in DaVinci Resolve Fusion. Discover how to change materials, add reflections, color grade 3D objects.
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.
Using DCTLs And Expanding Resolve's Functionality
Do you perform repetitive tasks on a regular basis when color correcting or finishing? Then learn how to use DCTLs to automate those tasks!
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?
Behind The Curtain - 16mm Style Grade Part Four
Dan wraps up his behind the curtain series with a watch through and matching pass on the whole video to make sure it flows as a whole film
What Is A CDL And When Do You Use It?
Take an introductory look at the Color Decision List (CDL) and learn about the strengths and weaknesses of an ASC-CDL based workflow.
From Commercial Colorist to Dailies - How Does the Job Change?
A successful commercials colorist color grades dailies. He shares his challenges, mistakes, and how it's different than commercials.
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.
Behind The Curtain - Not So Near-Set Grading
Dan shares his story from a recent "not so near-set grade" for an upcoming collaboration with friends on a short film.
How To Develop A Fixed Node Structure In DaVinci Resolve: Part 1
Building out node trees on the DaVinci Resolve Color page can be a messy affair. And haphazard. Learn how to develop a personalized node tree.
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.
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.
Using Python and Expanding DaVinci Resolve's Functionality
Resolve's new scripting APIs open up exciting new possibilities. Learn how to get started by using Python to import comments from Frame.io.
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.
Creating A Western Look Using Color Space Transform & Emulation LUT
While creating a Western look, learn how to use a color space transform with a film print emulation LUT in DaVinci Resolve.
Getting To Know Dolby Vision Part 3: Dolby Vision For Everyone!
In part 3 of our ongoing Dolby Vision series, learn about big changes to Dolby Vision & Resolve in 2018, plus new tools & workflows.
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.
Adapting Photoshop's 'Channel Masks' to DaVinci Resolve, Part 2
Are you trying to do Photoshop's Channel or Luminosity Mask techniques in DaVinci Resolve? Learn how, by simplifying the workflow.
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).
Revisiting DCP Creation With Resolve 15
Resolve 15 supports the ability to create DCPs natively. In this Insight, learn how that works and get back ground info on essential DCP specs.
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.
Guide To Safely Upgrading To DaVinci Resolve 15 (and beyond)
If you want to upgrade from an earlier version to DaVinci Resolve 15 then how do you do it safely? This checklist will help you out.
Behind The Curtain - Thrice The Grey
In this Insight, Dan shares his experience in developing a look to back up the lyrics and narrative in a music video by his favourite band.
An Overview (And Tips) On Using The DaVinci Resolve Project Server App
Designed for sharing database on several computers in DaVinci Resolve, learn how the Resolve Project Server App simplifies your life.
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.
Rediscover The Basics - Fixing Exposure Shifts
Exposure shifts creep up in projects regularly. With the right node structure and correct technique you can easily fix these in seconds.
How To (Improperly) Export LUTs in DaVinci Resolve 15
Learn the 'rules' when exporting LUTs in DaVinci Resolve 15. You also learn how to break a LUT to understand the problems with many LUTs.
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.
What's Wrong With The 'Sound Library' Feature In Resolve 15 Beta?
The Sound Library feature released with DaVinci Resolve 15 Public Beta feels very incomplete, and how I think it needs to improve.
Speed Boosting The Resolve Mini Panel With Gaming Keypads
Are you looking for ideas on programming your El Gato Stream Deck or Razer Orbweaver to speed up color correcting? Get some tips about focusing your efforts to reduce 'mouse travel' - increasing your productivity.
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.
One Year Later: A Video Review of the Resolve Mini Control Surface
In this 'Resolve Mini' control surface Video Review, see several exciting features in action - plus a bug that confuses things.
How Hard Is It To Export A 'Broken LUT' from DaVinci Resolve?
In an earlier Insight, you learned how to Stress Test your Look Up Tables (LUTs) to discover if they are introducing artifacts in your images. In this Insight, learn how easy (or hard) it is to generate 'broken LUTs' in DaVinci Resolve.
How To Safely Upgrade to DaVinci Resolve 15 Public Beta
The latest release of DaVinci Resolve 15 is very exciting. But it's currently in 'Public Beta'. What does this term really mean? And how can you update to it without putting your computer (or your projects) at risk?
Is Your LUT Damaging Your Image? How To Do A LUT Stress Test
Look-Up Tables (LUTs) are black boxes that make it difficult to know what precisely they're doing to your image. Colorist Jason Bowdach shows you how to stress test and evaluate your LUTs.
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 .
First Impressions with DaVinci Resolve 15 Public Beta (after NAB)
Learn what one colorist thinks of DaVinci Resolve 15 Public Beta the first time he launches it. Not on the trade show floor in Las Vegas where he first saw it... but in quiet of his suite. And discover the huge new feature no one is talking about!
Practical Beauty Work - Why You Need To Be Offering It
Beauty work and re-touching can be a great additional source of income as a freelance colourist. Dan shares his thoughts and kicks off a new series on getting involved in retouching.
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.
Colorist Inspiration -Best Colorist Nominations 2018
Dan Moran shares his thoughts on the best commercial color grade nominations 2018. Top work from excellent colorists are great sources of ideas.
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).
Behind The Curtain - Can You Prebuild An Ideal Node Structure?
Can you prebuild a perfect node structure and use it to speed up your grading? Dan is taking a deep dive to find out how well it works, and if it's a genius idea or a total waste of time.
Understanding DaVinci Resolve's Parallel Mixer Node (and when to use it)
Understanding DaVinci Resolve's Parallel Mixer node is essential to eventual mastery of the software. In this Insight, learn how the Parallel node works and the difference between it and the Layer node.
From The Grading Room – Is Yellow The New Orange?
In the last couple of years there has been a shift away from teal and orange to teal and yellow. Dan investigates that transition and looks at his own grades. He also asks do you miss teal and orange?
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.
Behind The Curtain - Refining and Enhancing 'Bread'
In this insight, we take a look at the final pass on the bread short film. Dan looks at his matching with fresh eyes, checks his black and white levels and decides on the sharpening and grain levels of the film.
How to Get Real-Time Playback with Multicam Clips
Editing Multicam clips can be a great workflow... unless you can't get real-time playback and your system keeps dropping frames. Learn how Resolve's optimized workflow can help you get back to real-time.
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.
Behind The Curtain - Shot Matching 'Bread'
In part two of grading the bread short film, Dan dives into the matching side of things. Although it's the least glamorous part of grading it's also the most important.
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.
CalMAN Part 10: Using Calibration Test Patterns In Your NLE
If you want to calibrate your reference display through your main non-linear editing software then you want to use calibration test patterns playing through a timeline. Learn how to be sure you don't have Data- and Video- level mismatches.
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.
Demystifying Contrast and Brightness Calibration Test Images
In our reference display calibration series we've been using a specific set of calibration test images. But two test images (used to precalibrate our Contrast and Brightness settings) generate a lot of confusion. Get unconfused in this Insight.
Is Your Reference Display Input Properly Set To Data Levels Or Video Levels?
If you have a broadcast reference monitor for editing and color correction then you need to make sure it's properly processing your images. Learn how to know if you have a mismatch in data levels with your editing or color correction software.
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.
Precalibrating A Reference Display (without using LUTs) Part 1
In this CalMAN Studio series you've learned how to calibrate a video reference display using Look Up Tables (LUTs). Not every display supports internal LUTs. If you don't have (or want) an external LUT box then what do you do then? Watch and learn.
Grading A Short Film Part 1 - Download The Footage
Dan is excited to launch a new series on Mixing Light that will feature a briefing from the real director of the project. In this intro Insight, download some RED 8k footage to attempt a grade before getting creative brief from the client.
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.
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.
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.
Building A Show LUT to Keep Your Looks Consistent
When you have complex node trees, rolling it into a show LUT can make your life. Learn how to build your own LUT for your project.
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.
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?
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.
Introduction to Reference Display Calibration - Series Overview
Begin learning how to calibrate your color correction Reference Display by seeing how to calibrate your colorimeter for highly precise measurements.
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.
Can You Save This Shot? (while learning Resolve's Noise Reduction)
Download and color correct a challenging video clip - following the instructions of a supervising colorist. And learn about Resolve's noise reduction.
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
How to Work with Color Charts in DaVinci Resolve 14
If you use DaVinci Resolve to color correct with Color Charts then should you change your workflow in DaVinci Resolve 14? The answer isn't simple. Or is it?
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.
Is Magic Bullet Looks 4 Fast Enough For Client-Attended Sessions?
Magic Bullet Looks is a powerful plug-in for creating looks. Does the newest version play back in real-time? How is its performance in Davinci Resolve?
Thinking Like A Colorist - The "Final Grade"
An old school technique that is still regularly used today in commercials. Having a break between grading the same footage has huge advantages.
How do you choose Gamma 2.2 vs Gamma 2.4 when color correcting?
When you start delving into the finer points of color correction you'll eventually learn about Gamma 2.2 vs Gamma 2.4. Learn how to choose between them.
DaVinci Resolve 14 Public Beta 7 and Its Redesigned Preferences
In Davinci Resolve 14 Public Beta 7 the Project, System & User Preferences are revised. Learn what's changed, what needs improvement and what's left to do.
Eye Training : Diagnose and Compare
In a new series Dan shares his guide to training your eye for contrast issues. Follow this four step process to learn how to diagnose and fix your images
RED's IPP2 Pipeline In Resolve (Sort Of)
RED's new IPP2 processing pipeline has a lot to offer, in this Insight, we explore the new pipeline setup in RedCineX & DaVinci Resolve 14
Choosing Between ACES Or RCM? Plus, Control Surface Sensitivity.
The Team fields a member question about how we set up the sensitivity of our colorist control surfaces? How do we decide?
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).
Is Resolve 14's New Stabilizer An Upgrade (or is it dumbed down)?
In DaVinci Resolve 14, the Stabilizer got a new set of controls that seem overly simple. Has this tool been upgraded? Or should you work in Classic mode?
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?
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!
Is Your ARRI Alexa Mini Color Pipeline Properly Set in ACES?
The ARRI Alexa Mini is a great camera - and it color corrects beautifully in ACES. Learn how to confirm your color pipeline (in DaVinci Resolve).
Dust Busting - Removing Dirt In Resolve
Dust Busting in one of those tools you don't know exists in Resolve. Dan shares his tips on how and when to use it in the grade
From The Grading Room – Grading Lucy Rose
Dan shares the behind the scenes thoughts that go into such a stylised 70s era music video for Lucy Rose. 80% in camera and 20% in the grade
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.
From The Grading Room – A Tribute To An Icon
Sometimes we need to go outside our role as traditional colorist. Dan shares his story form his work paying tribute to an icon
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.
From the Mac to PC for Media Pros: Answering Member Questions Part 2
If you need to buy a high-performance video post production computer today, then you're looking at a PC. Here are more answers to questions of Mac users.
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
Getting To Know The Resolve 14 Collaborative Workflow: Part 1
Among Resolve 14's great new features, the redesigned collaborative workflow stands out. In this Insight, learn the essentials of Resolve collaboration.
In Action: Working with Key Signals in DaVinci Resolve
Working with key signals in DaVinci Resolve isn't hard - but it's not intuitive either. Once you figure it out, it's also a power feature. Learn more.
DaVinci Resolve Advanced Panel - Scroll Mode
Using Scroll Mode in DaVinci Resolve is a quick and effortless way to audition grades for your current shot by loading grades
Moving From A Mac to PC for Media Professionals: Member Questions
A 2-part interview series for media pros talking about the challenges Mac users face when moving to the PC elicited many questions. Here are the answers.
DaVinci Resolve 14: The Mythical Collaborative Workflow Has Arrived
Like flying cars, the 'Studio' concept of post-production was promised for generations. At NAB 2017 we have the first actual implementation in Resolve 14.
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?
What Are The Key Elements Of An On-Set Color Correction Cart?
Rich Roddman C.S.I. shows how he sets up his Cart for on-set color correction... and the thinking behind his choices.Part 4 of a DIT series.
First Look: Getting To Know the Resolve Mini Control Surface
In this special edition of the Color Correction Gear Head series, we welcome Joey D'Anna & his review of the Resolve Mini Panel.
Green Screen Keying & Managing Transparency In Resolve
In this Insight, learn about pulling a green screen key in DaVinci Resolve and how to manage transparencies and rendering 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.
From Mac to PC - What Post Pros Need To Know Building A Custom PC
Are you a Mac-based Post-Production professional moving to the PC platform? Eric Bowden, custom PC builder, talks about the differences.
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.
Feature Grading: Getting Started
Getting started on a feature film can be a daunting process. Dan shares his experience on getting the ball rolling slowly and carefully
How To Use DaVinci Resolve's Color Match In An ACES Pipeline
DaVinci Resolve's 'Color Match' function is simple but can be confusing. Learn how to properly set up Color Match in ACES workflows.
How to Color Match using Color Charts with RAW (or LOG) Footage
DaVinci Resolve's 'Color Match' is terrific for Color Charts recorded on-set. Learn the tricks to this feature if your Footage is RAW or Log.
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.
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
Saving The Day With Input Sizing in DaVinci Resolve
If you're having trouble with you sizing in Premiere Pro not being replicated in DaVinci Resolve, the Input Sizing control may be your hero.
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
Understanding the Premiere to DaVinci Resolve Image Sizing Handoff
If you have problems exporting XMLs with image sizing from Premiere to DaVinci Resolve, this video explores the settings you need to know.
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
Why You Need to Master the 'Frame Size' Option in Premiere Pro CC
If you send your timelines from Premiere Pro CC to DaVinci Resolve then you know resizes often fail. Your 'Frame Size' selection is the key.
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?
Day 11: 25 Insights in 25 Days New Year Marathon Enhanced Or Natural In this Insight I’m asking the questions behind Sky Replacement and if it belongs in the…
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
Using DaVinci Resolve's 'Offline Reference Clip' to Conform Timelines
Learn how to use the 'Offline Reference Clip' to see what the final approved timeline looked like - while color correcting in DaVinci Resolve.
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.
