Achieving a Professional Film Look with Simple Color Grading in DaVinci Resolve 20
Summary:
This tutorial demonstrates a step-by-step process for achieving a professional film look using simple color grading techniques in DaVinci Resolve 20.
- The video starts by setting up color management settings to DaVinci Wide Gamut and DaVinci Intermediate, with sRGB as the output.
- The instructor then applies a Kodak film print emulation (KD 2383) at a reduced opacity [0] to introduce a filmic base.
- Exposure is adjusted to achieve a balanced image, followed by dynamic range compression to enhance mid-tone details.
- The contrast is increased, and the pivot point is adjusted for a specific mid-range effect.
- Saturation is boosted using the HSV method.
- The instructor then applies a look-up table (LUT) from his LUT package, adjusting temperature and tint for a desired aesthetic.
- Skin tones are specifically addressed by isolating and applying a dedicated skin tone LUT to refine their appearance.
- Further adjustments are made to saturation, brightness, and a final "extra juice" LUT is applied for artistic flair.
- The final step involves refining the blacks and adding a contrast pop for a sharp, professional finish.
DaVinci Resolve interface showing node editor and color wheels [ 00:00:20 ]
Introduction to Professional Color Grading [00:00:14]
This video is a tutorial on color grading in DaVinci Resolve to achieve a professional film look from scratch. The instructor promises that this tutorial will elevate the viewer's color grading skills.
Color Management Setup [00:02:03]
The tutorial begins by configuring the color management settings in DaVinci Resolve.
- Timeline Color Space: Set to DaVinci Wide Gamut and DaVinci Intermediate.
- Output Color Space: Set to sRGB for display compatibility.
- Saturation Compression: Enabled for both input and output to prevent clipping.
Applying Film Print Emulation [00:03:32]
The next step involves applying a film print emulation to the footage.
- Kodak 2383 LUT: Applied to the footage at an opacity of 0.5.
- The instructor notes this "breaks the rules" but yields a good result.
- Caution is advised, as this method can sometimes ruin images if not carefully applied.
- Adjusting Exposure: Globally increasing exposure to brighten the image.
Dynamic Range Compression and Contrast [00:06:22]
This section focuses on refining the image's dynamic range and contrast.
- Dynamic Compression: The instructor compresses the dynamic range using curves to bring out details in the mid-tones.
- Contrast Adjustment: Increasing the contrast by setting it to 1.5.
- Pivot Point Adjustment: Setting the pivot to 0.336, which is identified as the middle range for contrast in DaVinci Gamut color space.
- Gain Reduction: Slightly reducing the gain to balance the image.
Saturation and Color Tone [00:09:56]
Enhancing saturation and setting the overall color tone.
- HSV Saturation: Increasing saturation using the HSV method.
- Applying a Look-Up Table (LUT): An external LUT is applied to introduce a specific color tone.
- The instructor adjusts temperature and tint to achieve a desired warm tone.
Skin Tone Refinement [00:14:46]
A crucial step for professional grading, focusing on skin tones.
- Qualifying Skin Tone: The skin tones are isolated and adjusted.
- Applying Skin Tone LUT: A dedicated skin tone LUT (Skin Tone 11) is applied with a capacity of 0.1 to subtly enhance skin appearance without overdoing it.
- The instructor highlights the effectiveness of different skin tone LUTs for various complexions (e.g., Skin Tone 4 for white people, Skin Tone 2-3 for black people).
Final Touches and Image Detail [00:18:12]
The final adjustments to achieve a polished look.
- Additional LUTs: The instructor experiments with additional LUTs (e.g., Look 50) and adjusts the warm and green channels to add an "extra juice" or painted feel to the image.
- Brightness Adjustment: Increasing brightness in multiple nodes for a more open image.
- Blacks Adjustment: Fine-tuning the black levels for deeper, richer shadows.
- Sharpening and Contrast Pop: Adding image detail and a contrast pop for a very sharp and strong final look.
Comparison of the raw footage (left) and the color-graded footage (right) in DaVinci Resolve. The graded image has a more cinematic feel with enhanced colors and shadows. [ 00:22:26 ]