Grade School: Pro Colorist Q&A

This week's live is covering your last coloring questions for 2023. What are your coloring New Year's resolutions?

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🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:

00:06 🚀 *Introduction to the live session*
- The host introduces the live session, greets the audience, and shares a flashback memory related to video production in a church control room.
01:21 🎉 *Overview of the session and special guest announcement*
- The host mentions being in a new space, expresses excitement for the final session of the year, and hints at a special guest joining later. They encourage questions and tease the possibility of sharing a secret smoothie recipe.
02:02 🤔 *Audience interaction and Fusion tools for Look Development*
- Audience member asks about Fusion tools for Look Development. The host demonstrates using a Cube preview and explains the benefits of the 3D histogram. They highlight using Fusion for quick auditioning of mathematical ideas and introduce the Custom Tool for intuitive manipulation without code.
04:16 🛠️ *Practical demonstration of Fusion tools*
- The host provides a practical demonstration in Fusion, showcasing the Cube context view and the Custom Tool for implementing mathematical operations in Look Development. They emphasize the efficiency and ease of using Fusion for these processes.
10:17 🔄 *Integrating tools from Nuke into Resolve*
- The host discusses historical practices of using tools from Nuke in Resolve for Look Development. They express a shift towards simplifying the process, using fewer tools, and avoiding side missions into other software.
13:43 🚀 *Teaser for a new plugin and simplification of Look Development*
- The host teases the upcoming release of a new plugin focused on Look Development, aiming to streamline the process and move everything into the Resolve Color page. They discuss the goal of simplifying and finding repeatable processes for Look Development.
14:24 💡 *Understanding luminance mapping in HDR*
- The host explains the difference between luminance mapping algorithms for SDR and HDR. They discuss setting limits based on artistic intent and the display's capabilities, emphasizing the importance of knowing the peak output of the display for HDR content.
19:28 🌈 *Explanation of adaptation setting in Color Space Transform*
- The host dives into the adaptation setting in the Color Space Transform, discussing its function and default value of nine. They highlight how this parameter, along with others, influences the tone mapping process in HDR.
20:13 🎨 *Adaptation in Color Grading*
- Adaptation is a process in color grading that involves moving the display mid-gray up or down.
- The exact units for adaptation are not specified, but it influences where mid-gray plots on the display.
- Different color grading paths, like CST, Asus, or Aries K1 S1, may result in different mid-gray positions due to adaptation.
23:37 🤝 *Guest Introduction: Toby Tomkins*
- Introduction of Toby Tomkins, founder and colorist at Cheat, a Boutique color grading facility.
- Discusses Toby's recent experiences, including having a baby girl and Cheat's acquisition by Harbor.
- Toby talks about his transition to using Baselight for long-form projects while still using Resolve for commercials.
26:25 🔄 *Switching Between Resolve and Baselight*
- Toby shares the challenges of transitioning between Resolve and Baselight for color grading.
- The difference in conceptual approaches between the two grading platforms is highlighted.
- The influence of Baselight on Toby's grading approach in Resolve, mentioning the discipline enforced by Baselight's linear stack.
29:05 🧰 *Tools and Challenges in Baselight*
- Toby discusses tools like Tetra Inter HSV and a Film Saturation Density DCTL that he brought from Resolve to Baselight.
- Talks about the adjustment challenges in Baselight, including the absence of groups and the need for discipline in workflow.
- Mention of the challenges and benefits of using tools like Chromogen in Baselight for look development.
32:29 ⚖️ *Balancing Control and Simplicity*
- Discussion on finding the balance between having control and simplifying the grading approach.
- Talks about simplifying tools for ease of use while still retaining versatility.
- Reflects on the challenges and rewards of refining a look that serves the entire project.
36:00 🔄 *Transitioning Between Baselight and Resolve*
- Toby expresses the difficulty of transitioning between Baselight and Resolve, especially with different panels.
- Mentions the challenge of adjusting to the different directions of dials and encoders between the two grading platforms.
- Reflects on the learning curve and the adjustments made to his grading approach due to working with Baselight.
41:17 🌐 *Color Science in Baselight*
- Toby discusses the color science in Baselight, emphasizing that math is math and there might not be a significant creative benefit.
- Notes that he doesn't work in tcam and mentions the challenge of learning different approaches to color science.
- Emphasizes the importance of understanding and adapting to Baselight's unique approach to achieve the desired results.
42:10 🎨 *Working with Color Gamuts and Gamma*
- The colorist discusses their current workflow using Alexa Wide Gamut and Log C3.
- Mention of some colorists working in Aces, but mostly project-driven.
- Comparison of working in Resolve HDR tools and Base Grade on Basel.
43:50 🖌️ *Basel 6 and Color Science Interaction*
- Anticipation for Basel 6 as a game-changer for colorists interacting with color science.
- Basel 6 described as operator-friendly with a robust set of options.
- Mention of the importance of metadata and color space awareness in Resolve HDR tools.
47:24 🌐 *Working with Color Science Teams*
- Discussion on collaborating with color science teams in entertainment, especially during the look development phase.
- Mixing and matching different color science elements for refinement.
- Balancing simplicity and complexity in creating the desired look.
50:00 📊 *Output Transforms and HDR Modifiers*
- Overview of different output transforms and modifiers in Base Light for various color spaces.
- Flexibility provided to adjust luminance, contrast, toe, and curve for different HDR starting points.
- Mention of families of output transforms for constraint consistency.
52:07 🔒 *Color Science Expertise in the Facility*
- Recognition of full-time color scientists in Base Light, bringing unique expertise to the table.
- Mention of modifiers with text descriptions offering insights into the color science team's thinking.
- Basel 6 anticipated to enhance the interaction between colorists and color science in a user-friendly way.
55:48 🎉 *New Year's Reflection and Personal Transformation*
- Personal story of the speaker's transformation and reflection on New Year's Day.
- Emphasis on the positive impact of reassessing the relationship with substances.
- Encouragement to question societal norms and forge a path aligned with personal goals.

Made with HARPA AI

[contentbytrent]

Thanks for sharing Cullen and happy new year 🎊

[Inner_Tree_Media]

You're a real G, Cullen. Thanks for sharing some of your inspiration and being so willing to put yourself out there like that. Happy New Year! Excited to continue supporting and learning.

[videooutpost]

Thanks Cullen for a another year of Resolve knowledge.

[soraaoixxthebluesky]

Love the last bit of the video which is very rare especially coming from you. Hope you'll always stay healthy and doing everything at the very best in your life just like you did with sharing all of your priceless knowledge on this channel. Happy New Year

[DanMavric-eyvx]

Thanks Cullen, ALL your sharing is truly appreciated! Happy New Year!

[IELentmt]

Thank you for your amazing work, it’s one of my greatest joys. AMAZING HAPOY NEW YEAR

[Jay_Oca]

Thank you for sharing your color knowledge and personal story. Happy new year. Looking forward to your plugin

[billdowling]

I'm going through the same thing you talked about in the last ten minutes at 42. It's a transition I need to make. Thanks for sharing and have a happy New Year!

[Resolve_This]

It takes a strong and confident man to share your story like you do. Much respect and love to you and yours.
I should thank you for much of the technical progress I made this year, but even more so for invigorating my love for colorgrading. Thank you.
Here’s to an even stronger and ambitious 2024 🎉.
Hope to meet you again next year. Keep on rocking 👏.

[adrianoclinquart]

Thanks Cullen for the generosity of sharing your knowledge with us. people like you, Daria, Darren and Dado provided me a priceless education that transformed my vision and knowledge. All the best for you and your family! Happy New Year!

[JaySanderson]

Happy new year Cullen! Thanks so much for sharing your experience and time with us. I've learned so much from you this year which has truly helped shape how I work as a colourist. See you in the new year! 😁

[equisetuminc]

Had to miss the Live for a Teams meeting but thank you for teaching us non-professional filmmakers. It’s an important story-telling tool in my field.

[bobbydrake]

😅 the church is not a Damn thing Mr. Cullen