TIFFANY-JAYNE MARTIN -- CREATIVE FILM PRODUCER

Learn more about colour correction…

Colour correction and colour grading is something that intrigues me.

For those new to the film industry it is often something overlooked. It tends not to be a skill nurtured and developed during film school or other educational periods.

But what is the difference between colour correction and colour grading? According to Hurlbut Visuals:

COLOUR CORRECTION is the process where every clip is manually tweaked to get a good exposure and balance of light. Each clip is adjusted to match colour temperature to a predefined choice for each scene. This tedious and mechanical process is essential and in its own way, an art form.

COLOUR GRADING is the creative process where decisions are made to further enhance or establish a new visual tone to the project through software including: introducing new colour themes, re-lighting within a frame, films stock emulations, colour gradients and a slew of other choices. Being that this is purely creative, there is no wrong or right…only what the DOP, director and colourist feel is appropriate for the story. It can be subtle and invisible or over-the-top and uber-stylised. Therein lies the challenge… the challenge of choices.

Colour correction is a great skill to have, even if just on a basic level. So if you don’t have the ability to invest in books like “The Art and Technique of Digital Colour Correction” by Steve Hullfish, why not watch this video instead…

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Q: What tips have you learned about colour correction that should be passed on?