DaVinci Resolve: Color Correction

Note: This class uses PC computers This two-day class introduces students to the powerful color correction tools in Davinci Resolve Lite. The class focuses on color correction and color correction workflows for finishing films.

Topics covered:

Part 1 - Color Correcting a DaVinci Resolve Timeline

Balancing Footage

• Opening a Resolve archive
• Setting up project backups
• Maximizing the Dynamic Range
• Understanding the grading worksflow
• Setting tonal range and contrast
• Balancing colors
• Understanding Log controls and Primary Wheels
• Exploring a color managed Workflow

Creating Color Continuity

• Building a shot-matching strategy
• Organizing shots using flags and filters
• Applying shot match
• Matching shots using stills
• Comparing and matching shots manually

Correcting and Enhancing Isolated Areas

• Controlling the viewer’s eye
• Sharpening key elements
• Tracking obscured objects
• Fixing overcast skies

Part 2 - Managing Nodes and Grades

Conforming from an XML Timeline

• Importing an XML timeline
• Syncing an offline reference
• Conforming a timeline
• Associating HQ footage with a timeline for online workflows

Mastering the Node Pipeline

• Understanding node-based compositing
• Understanding the importance of node order
• Creating separate processing pipelines with a Parallel Mixer node

Managing Grades Across Clips and Timelines

• Working with local versions
• Appending grades and nodes
• Using shared nodes across multiple clips
• Saving grades for other projects
• Copying timeline grades using ColorTrace
• Copying grades using the Timelines album

Part 3 - Optimizing the Grading Workflow

Adjusting Image Properties

• Preparing media using scene cut detection
• Understanding timeline resolutions and sizing palette modes
• Using keyframing
• Applying noise reduction
• Optimizing performance with render cache

Using Groups in the Grading Workflow

• Creating a group
• Applying base grades at pre-clip group level
• Making clip-specific adjustments at the clip group level
• Creating a unifying look using the Post-Clip Group Level
• Applying timeline level grades

Setting up RAW Projects

• Adjusting RAW settings at the project level
• Adjusting RAW settings at the clip level
• Color correcting with RAW through Resolve color management
• Setting up a render cache for RAW media projects

Delivering Projects

• Using Lightbox to check timeline prior to delivery
• Understanding the render workflow and presets
• Creating custom renders and saving presets
• Configuring a timeline for digital cinema
• Rendering a DCP using commercial workflow to export versions
• Exploring advanced render settings

Interface Review

• Color page layout
• Primaries wheels
• Viewer Paletter panel