Secrets to Cinematic Color Grading

The "cinematic" look: we all want it, but most of us aren't really getting it. Learn my top three secrets to getting cinematic color inside Davinci Resolve WITHOUT relying on a LUT or plug-in.

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[emanueleboscofilms]

There are so many gems in just a few minutes. This channel is criminally underrated. Thanks for the amazning tips, Cullen!

[newtonlkh]

your introduction speech is so deep and concise that, not only i have no urge to skip of the tutorial, but when the tutorial started, I even felt, "oh that's it?"

[joshuaalibet]

There's just something special about how you explain these color grading principles that make it so easy to understand.
It's my first time here but I'm happy with what I've seen so far so, Thank you.

[MrKwanni]

Colors can be bright or saturated but not both. This is what I was missing all the time when I tried to recreate film looks. Thank you for your great work!

[AlbertKarhuFilms]

I need to watch this until i master everything i just saw. SO grateful i found your channel!!!

[jorgequinterohmp]

First time Here, Wow I’m blown away, I consider myself intermediate, and Ive devoured the Youtube Colorist content, And EVERY single secret and point here was completely new concepts to me that turn the light bulb on, You sir have earned my subscription 10 fold❤

[lulumink]

This guy is the real deal. No bullcrap and straight to the point. Those tips are crucial.

[markdreaneen]

Cullen … you are so awesome. I’ve been trying to understand my Blackmagic 6k pro and DaVinci. The more I sought information, the more confused I became. I have been binge watching your content for a couple of weeks now and it is hands down the best I have ever come across. So many things are starting to make sense! Thanks so much!

[stevebarnesmedia]

Can you do a video on matching video and stills please? For example, my DJI Mavic 3 Classic has very different color between stills and video. I know you say the first pass should be exposure, but I need to camera match first - between stills and video from the same camera! I can supply some beautiful footage and photographer of tall ships bound for the Australian Wooden Boat Festival this year.

[gasoline]

Came here just trying to get my 3D renders to look right in Resolve with ACES. However, your great teaching style has sucked me in and I'm looking forward to applying these concepts to my work! Thanks so much!

[Gordymax]

The algorithm has not be fair to me. I’ve been searching for solid lessons such as this one just to find one that was made 2 years ago. Thank you for making this video

[AdamLangdon]

I have had tunnel vision on Color Grading education... and now i'm expanding my influences and really enjoying these types of lessons. Subscribed!

[abbyrodebaugh]

I’ve been binge-watching your channel and I can’t believe the amount of wisdom you’ve given me. Thank you for sharing your expertise!!

[idrian]

Wow cool techniques, nice video. Thanks for sharing

[AutozammNZ]

Key highlights in a node at the start of the chain and fix that blown out hair as well by bringing down gain or use highlights control.

[cinema]

Cullen; very helpful points. Here is a favorite of mine: "cinematic" means STYLE. That is, for any film with a story to tell there is a mix or balance of the three elements you mentioned: namely, contrast, split-toned color separation and chroma or saturation. That mix or balance is artistically variable and can give us teal-orange, bleach-bypass, or the Mad Max look. And the persistent use of some color balance choices might be called the "style" of the film. In short, cinema has style; and perhaps what people call a "video" look might be called the absence of "style." So that's ma story an' I'm stickin' to it. Love your on-screen style, too, Cullen! Keep it up!

[xestfilms]

Hey Cullen, thank you so much for this. I am just a hobbyist starting out, and trying to involve my kids and have some fun. But these tips helped me put a slightly more professional look onto the short film I just finished. Now I've scratched the surface I realize I have so much more to learn, but I think its going to be fun. Thanks for your informative and calm approach. I find it easy to take in.

[MrNickMid]

Such a really well explained short piece, filled with useful aesthetic ideas thanks.

[joyoffilming]

Just wow, wow, wow! Best tutorial on how to get quickly to rock solid cinematic colors!

[kaiservelasquez]

Holy Shit....finally Information backed up by knowledge and experience! This has friggin Foundation! You ended my long journey of searching detailed explanation of how to work with colouring! Gosh in Youtube there is so much misleading or insufficient information of this stuff. I mean, I feel like the majority do not even have the basic ingrained but they already want you to sell their courses....like wtf! I found you through Darren Mostyn! Thank you both for sharing your experience and practical approach and also explaining the whys!