Creating a Short Film: 11 Color Grading

Course details

Explore the art and science of color grading, an often underused aspect of filmmaking. Learn about why color is important in the filmmaking post-production process, how to adjust the grade to accurately reproduce the colors that were shot, and how correcting color can completely transform bland or poorly shot footage. See how the process of color grading can correct common issues, create a more believable composite in visual effects, and establish or alter the artistic intent and mood of a scene. Plus, find out how to solve real-world workflow issues when exporting nonlinear editor (NLE) timelines for the color grade. Along the way, instructor Chad Perkins explores some of the most popular color correction tools, including DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, and Redcine-X.
Note: This course is one of a 13-part series, showing the actual techniques filmmakers use to create cinema-quality films. Explore more of the series here.

Topics include:
Basics of color theory
Working with shadows and highlights
Primary vs. secondary color correction
Reading scopes
Coloring with Redcine-X
Coloring in Premiere Pro
Coloring in After Effects
Coloring in Resolve
Adjusting shadows, highlights, and midtones
Matching colors
Creating a cinematic look

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - About this training series
02 - The Assurance
03 - Introduction to this course

1. Foundational Color Concepts

04 - The difference color makes
05 - The basics of color theory
06 - Working with shadows and highlights
07 - The secret to beauty - Contrast

2. Colorist Basics

08 - Understanding primary vs. secondary correction
09 - Grading with raw vs. compressed footage
10 - Understanding LUTs
11 - Working with the DP

3. Using Scopes

12 - Your eyes are liars
13 - Using a waveform monitor
14 - Using the RGB parade
15 - Using a histogram
16 - Using a vectorscope

4. Coloring with REDCINE-X

17 - Downloading the free REDCINE-X Pro application
18 - Working with RED media
19 - Grading in REDCINE-X
20 - Saving presets and exporting footage
21 - About the IPP2 workflow

5. Coloring in Premiere

22 - Using the Lumetri Color panel
23 - Applying and adjusting looks
24 - Performing secondary grades
25 - Working with R3D files in Premiere

6. Coloring in After Effects

26 - Understanding curves
27 - Using curves to create a cinematic look
28 - An intro to color compositing

7. Exporting Your Edit to Resolve

29 - Preparing your timeline for export
30 - Exporting your edit to Resolve
31 - Issues with the Premiere and Resolve workflow

8. Coloring in DaVinci Resolve

32 - Conforming your edit in Resolve
33 - An overview of DaVinci Resolve
34 - Understanding nodes
35 - Performing a basic grade
36 - Matching shot color within a scene
37 - Isolating colors
38 - Masking with power windows
39 - Tracking power windows
40 - Using OpenFX
41 - Grading a challenging shot, part 1
42 - Grading a challenging shot, part 2
43 - Exporting your timeline and rendering

Conclusion

44 - Checking color at the movie theater
45 - Previewing the audio course
46 - Final thoughts