Cinematic Color Grading & Editing

[@DSLRguide]

Here it is, the finished short film: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6ndip6Hbql0gc0

[@furryprodigy6872]

How do you find actors for your short film?

[@DefoNotMe128]

Congrats on finishing it man! im just about to watch - i am excited for it

[@reckerproduction9468]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqLNlWuKbJ1-jas ,please watch and give me feedback

[@reckerproduction9468]

Its my first movie shot in Ghana, more than an hour long, I am learning from you, I need your comments and critiques

[@cooleffectsfilms]

I kinda like the original colour better, it feels with more character strangely. The colour grading you applied is not bad, but it feels too, standard.

[@matthew-m]

To be honest I thought the original one on the thumbnail was the finished one, it looked better to me

[@loop5720]

Yeah....It has that Marvel/Netflix movies/series kind of style....And I love it.

[@chiyolate]

I agree.. especially the 4:33 part, after color grading it became soap opera-ish..

[@KennethLyVideography]

The grade isn't the best but the original log look is waaaaay to flat.

[@ruok3351]

Chiyo Late no, thats flat, like a tinted window. It doesnt meet the standards of what grading is

[@AnimeshKumar]

This guy is a living legend. I don't care if he has got a hollywood film or a big break. His calm personality and firm dedication is radiating through my screen. Every time I watch anything by him. It gives me positivity. His channel is gold standard in filmmaking.

[@harveywoods5741]

No disrespect intended to Simon, but what exactly suggests he is likely or deserving of a Hollywood film break? He knows a lot about technical solutions to problems and he's an inspiration to DIY filmmakers. But he's not exactly a Spielberg or Scorsese; He's more of a technical guy than a creative inventor with a burning passion to make movies. That's my impression anyway, sorry Simon if you read that and take offence.

[@AnimeshKumar]

@@harveywoods5741 Did you just assume that I am talking about the creator point of view. Hollywood break can be given on basis of multiple of talents. Story writing or plot might not be his strong point but he does almost everything. He might be best at something. My reason for appreciating this guy is not that he is the next big film director but his approach and temperament towards his work. Suppose someone is very creative but his attitude is shit and is just consumed in his own ego and refuses to learn and organise and doesn't has his shit together would soon grow old and die taking his great ideas to his grave. Simon might not be the next hollywood film director but there is a reason we watch his videos or have subscribed him.

[@skengdaddy]

Your feedback list gave me horrific flashbacks as an editor

[@jamie9926]

Haha - it was great fun to be working with Simon, regardless of workflow!

[@gwyn.]

PESD Post-Editorial Stress Disorder

[@HaotoAnimeOnPiano]

What software do you use?

[@GabzitoHD]

The bottom pic in the thumbnail is every marvel movie made

[@Jake_harr1s]

I mean I know ovs he ain't using the t3i (600d) rn but with a old low budget camera the stuff hes created with lighting techniques is incredible I love you Simon

[@levisantos2045]

A small Cinema course in just one video. Love those.

[@YoungBlaze]

am i the only one who usually likes that "LOG LOOK" on film, like how David fincher movies are wit just a hint of color grade look

[@outoforder0]

Yeah me too. I think the more you learn about colours the more they tell you to be more subtle about them. Unless it is your style obviously. A pro photographer once told me that opacity dial is one of the strongest tools you have. It tells you how mature you are with what you are doing and how you control the image you're producing.

[@krupert8355]

@@outoforder0 What's the opacity dial? Is this in post processing?

[@outoforder0]

@@krupert8355 think of it as a dial where you can tone down every effect individually. It is used to get a more "realistic" yet moody feeling.

[@krupert8355]

@@outoforder0 Hmm, I don't seem to be able to find such a dial, nor have I heard of one. Though it kind of sounds like being able to adjust things like contrast, sharpening, colours, etc... in camera, which I am aware of. But if the idea is to go with no effect, then shooting RAW would be the way, at least more accessibly for photo, but now it seems with video too on certain cameras. What are your thoughts on RAW and does it fit with the goal you are talking about?

[@outoforder0]

@@krupert8355 the dial I was talking about is on post processing. Well you can adjust contrast and tones in camera still. Shooting RAW depends from person to person. The only good JPEG quality images that are workable are Fuji's. If you want to go heavy handed in effects or give a mood always shoot Raw. I shoot with Jpeg+Raw on my portrait shoots just to give me option. Because sometimes good lit subjects don't really need all the editing.

[@amirperrymusic]

I liked the look before the color grading. Nonetheless, good video!

[@epictetus9221]

Well... maybe if you just quickly look at one shot, it can bbe nice. But if the whole short was left ungraded, it would look murky and weird. There are reasons for color grading it like this...

[@amirperrymusic]

Epictetus everyone has their preference and opinion. I just prefer it before the grading.

[@epictetus9221]

@@amirperrymusic Sure. I just... I just watched the film and... well I don't know why I commented really. Hmm, I guess because it seems they were going for some kind of a light comedy setting? I'm not sure how nicotine/sepia tinted images would convey that mood, however pleasing they may be aesthetically. But if you prefer to leave your footage completely untouched, go for it.

[@CarinSomers]

This looks like a real large film production, congrats

[@JLBREMER]

Color grading is my enemy. Lol Try to give my videos a cinematic look but they end up being too dark. Great video. That video screen attachment is on my list of things to buy this year.

[@ScoobieDee]

Hey Simon, Just watched the film- after watching the making of.... to begin with the film did not catch me somehow.... but a third in and i was quite hooked ... well done

[@SammyBFilms]

I feel like you are the only "proper" filmmaking channel on KZbin. Great stuff!! :-D

[@24fps78]

What do you mean by "proper"? Because I have to say there are many other really cool channels out there, who put in a lot of work, and give away all their intel for free, ranging from senior professionals who mastered the craft to indie/amateurish people who just pass on what they've learnt through practice... I don't think it was your intent, but you're doing them injustice a bit with your comment... Just have a look at some of them, you might like them: Kinetek, Gaffer & Gear, Grip Tips, Film Riot, Shane Hurlburt (even though he got ripped apart by Christian Bale some 10 years ago xD), Andrew Kramer (Video Copilot), Andrey Lebrov, Cinematography Database, Filmmaker IQ, Luke Seerveld, Shanx FX, DP/30, VFX Hive, and maaaany more ;-) Even Rodger Deakins himself has a website (ok it's not a youtube Channel) where he personally answers questions in his forum and posts lighting setUps and stuff!! Really cool!

[@SammyBFilms]

@@24fps78 - Forgive me I meant no disrespect! I can see how that comment may come across now. You're right, that's was Not my intention at all! :-D Maybe I should have highlighted a different word. "Feel". Sharing the knowledge is great, but how they share it is also important. Simon's videos 'feel' unique to me. And on a personal level, I've learnt more from Simon's filmmaking journey, then anyone else's on here. I can't think of a single time I've learnt something from him, and Couldn't go and try it then and there. :-) That's valuable learning to me. Hope this helps you understand what I mean. :-) Though to be fair to me, just because I highlight this person/team/channel, doesn't mean I think anyone else puts in less effort, or is less worthy in some way. After all, the creation, and opinion of a film is all about personal tastes anyway. Also, just to add, Simon isn't the only one I follow. I've learnt a lot from other filmmaking channels too, like Darious, CD, Indy Mogul, PotatoJet (get well soon buddy!!) to name a few. I'l have to check out Rodger's website though! Sound good! :-)

[@AauroraPictures]

Easily the best channel on youtube. I find myself binge watching your videos every other day. They never get old.

[@Cade_Media]

a proper masterclass, love this and learning so much.

[@soniromanov]

I'm so glad Nikon picked you, they are very careful who they sponsor compared to other camera brands.

[@DJMKN93]

727 GB. Fuck, I cry transferring 7 GB :')

[@jacobchristianglover3655]

Outstanding... thanks for sharing the things that make you a confident, cautious, and anxious filmmaker! There is great reward in your transparency! Be well and stay encouraged Simon!!!

[@Ootini4]

Really random but one of the chef guys is a Blue Man from Blue Man Group. I just watched a teaser for a documentary BMG is putting out and he was in it. The world always feels smaller when random things connect.

[@Larchitcte]

can you make a tutorial of colorgrading to achieve the same look without using filmconvert ?

[@Jujudocine]

Just go for the blue and teal look with the davinci wheels

[@EphraimRyan]

@@Jujudocine It's a bit overused imo, what if I'm looking for an actual film look, like QT movies (Inglourious Basterds, Django Unchained, etc)

[@Jujudocine]

@@EphraimRyan those are literally the orange and teal looks with adjustments in color temperature and tint, mostly two ticks on the green highlights and shadows... Try adjusting sharpness and contrast if that's not enough. Also, the filmic look is mostly on pre-production, 24fps, prime lenses, film cameras, neutral picture profiles, and the misencene

[@Jujudocine]

@@EphraimRyan try to get a top down (1023 to 0) full spectogram too, that's what diferenciates video from movies.

[@EphraimRyan]

@@Jujudocine Ah, I see. Thanks!

[@MikeChudley]

Wow, this is one fantastic thought out video. You really put in this work and it's motivating.

[@Tomasz.Nowacki]

hey what is that external monitor that you are using in this video ? what is it for ? could you share something about it ?

[@zvrkovilenjak7740]

Hi! Recently I bought Akaso V50 Pro Action Cam. Soon I'm going to vacation and I want to make my first video. The camera offers three options: 4K 30fps, 1080 60fps, and 720 120fps. The video will be used for private purposes (friends and family) and reproduced on a computer screen and maybe TV. I plan to shoot: friends with kids, people /conversations, arhitecture, landscapes, on the beach (in the sea). I'm very confused about shooting options and editing (probably in Adobe Premiere Pro). FPS? I don`t think I`ll shoot at 720 120 fps because I guess I will not get a high quality resolution. I don`t plan to shoot slow motion using camera settings. I would prefer to combine real time, slow motion, freeze and then real time again. People moveing around I would shoot with 1080 60 fps and landscapes and arhitecture with 4K 30 fps. How should I export a video to capture 4K 30 fps and 1080 60 fps (some parts of the video I want in real time and some in slow motion)? Thanks :)

[@stoplaymotion7087]

This video is AMAZING especially for a Nikon camera! Colors are AMAZING! Its funny to scroll down and read those "wanna be PRO" in editing commenting about so many things they didn't like or could have been done or should have been done. I want to challenge those who Critics this video as not good to post the links of videos you made in comment section. And let us judge your work. What do you think? And see if YOU deserve to write those comments.

[@YVZSTUDIOS]

For those who are interested more in "Filmic Saturation" as mentioned at 4:11 this SAT Vs. LUMA curve is probably what you're looking for :^) imgur.com/5JHPHEk

[@TherealCaliMali]

I'm finding it really really hard to color correct/grade my footage of myself and my wife together. how do you match to opposite skin tones. In fcpx, when I fix my skin tone perfectly, her skin tone looks pinkish red, then when I correct her skin tone, my skin tone turns to look like sculpted toddler poop. Its sucks! A lot! I just don't understand what i'm doing wrong. How do you color grade black people correctly?

[@La-verdad-aunque-duela]

Loved this video and I can't thank you enough for the motivation you put on me today. Please let me know the exact equipment you got for making this short: lens, monitor etc. :). Does this camera overheat? Thanks again man.

[@GabeOntheReal]

I actually just made my first cinematic film using adobe premiere. I would really love if I could get some constructive criticism on it so I can improve :) Not trying to spam. just a future film maker looking to grow!. How did I do on my color grading

[@markavaldez11]

Great video. Lends credence to the mantra "Sound is half the picture".

[@smallestpickle]

Almost 800GB worth of shots. holy..

[@hiimalexa]

Love your color grading advice!! I will look into the program you use. I also made a short film on my channel! Check it out and let me know what you think.

[@OfficialLimuqre]

i remembered when i was a DP, they said i have to put 100% commitment but when it comes to editing phase, which i was not an editor, i became very stressful when i realized the editor was an amatuer and he ruined everyshot i gave. the color, the sound, the lighting every each of the cinematograph i gave, he ruined it. shit

[@dontbemean3942]

Good preparation ...just not need for a small set with 4 actors and only less than 10 lines in total per actors ... to have that much people setting up a shoot lol 😂 And u need 2 days to finish ? Lol bless lol

[@iiiiii-w8h]

Hahahha your face is tiny! Holy shit! Such a tiny face. Look at his little face! Fucking hell! Ahahahah

[@Khaarthik]

You're simply awesome man. In terms of Knowledge & your calm personality. Truly inspiring!!

[@asherpikesgoldenmoralcinem5770]

Amazing! I’m creating a film on my channel it’s stressful af lol

[@dathofilms]

so much packed into this short video. Thank you for sharing really!

[@BradEntertainment]

Hi Simon, I love your work & your channel! I use Final Cut Pro X And during the editing time-lapse I couldn't recognise the white almost padlock like logo frequently flashing on the left of Simon's head. can anyone tell me what that is? Thanks

[@DSLRguide]

I believe what you're seeing is the excellent noise reduction plugin "ERA-N" from Accusonus (although I used that shot while speaking about editing, I believe at the time I was working on the sound

[@este90S]

What is that monitor on top of your camera? and would it work with the canon 5d mkiv?

[@VariTimo]

It really pains me to see that you’re still grading with Final Cut. I used it for the past year and my editor and colorist urged me to switch to DaVinci. And he was so right. On Final Cut my GH5s behaved like a Canon 80D. Even with 400Mbt 10bit footage I’d get color noise and bending far to soon after I started pushing it. With DaVinci it finally feels like the camera invested in. The grading much smoother and more controlled. It preserves DR and color to a much grader extend than FC and I can even push shadows sometimes. Don’t even get me started on grading in the ACES color space.

[@DSLRguide]

it's been a while since i've dusted off davinci, but I'm running out of reasons not to! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@michaelruebusch2275]

Is that what he is using. I haven't used Final Cut in decades so I was so confused as to what program he was using.

[@VariTimo]

Michael Ruebusch No he’s using Final Cut.

[@neoray10]

pure work of craft, i love the way how you put across behind the scenes in a very interesting way which has so much infromation to offer.

[@rz_marshall]

I love you 3000

[@paulihnatolia1848]

Thanks ! Can you share the lenses used for the filming ?

[@nicholasboule5134]

LOVE TO SEE YOU WITH A NEW CAMERA, Nikon z6 is a lovely choice. Cannot wait to see what the prores raw looks like from it.

[@alecmuellervisuals61]

Thanks so much for all this honest reflection and insight from your experience. SO HELPFUL for aspiring filmmakers

[@snehaseema1179]

how did you add those rounded rectangles at 00:01, they look sooOooOo good!

[@HaotoAnimeOnPiano]

2:14 What is that mounted om your camera? What kind of Jack do we need if we want to use that?

[@OranJee]

the protagonist seems like a very sad guy in real life, i feel sad now too lmao.

[@louisstudios5656]

Could anyone tell me what the name of the font is, used in the short?

[@joekerr8584]

you’re probably not gonna reply but, what brand is that dslr monitor you’re using? great video btw

[@BeatsWithKev]

I'm almost certain that it's an Atomos Ninja V or Shinobi

[@joekerr8584]

@@BeatsWithKev thanks, lowkey disappointed finding out that i cant afford them tho huhuhu

[@BeatsWithKev]

@@joekerr8584 Same, It's one of the things I'd actually love to have in a setup.

[@joekerr8584]

Beats With Kev hey btw i see that you’re a producer. is there a chance u know shit about vocal mixing setting etc? i have questions

[@BeatsWithKev]

Flying Wig I know a good bit, but it depends on what you’re trying to do. What sort of mic do you have, and what program are you using to record?

[@stansheridan8986]

What editing software do you use?????

[@kunsunrethy]

hey man, lets go for 1mil this year! love you Simon!

[@LucaOliviero]

Haven’t watched yet but looking forward to it! Thanks bro 🙏

[@theusorelha]

I prefer the uncolorgrading..

[@Fvbi0]

What software are you using to edit?

[@sheenchan14]

What was the editing software used?

[@DanielTuriman]

Love this explanation

[@hasanalikhan6484]

simon you are my biggest inspiration

[@SebastianValensi]

Thank you! Where I can get the "Film Convert Pro 2" for FCPX?

[@ItsKapow]

I remember going to film school and my camera teacher use to showcase your videos to the class!

[@N.M.T.K]

Wow I appreciate all this detail

[@KaaiSpeaksHisMind]

Thank you for the great series of videos regarding this project, I enjoyed this alot. I wanted to point out that I liked the color grading of some shots before you applied any color grading to them (like the scene at 3:42), is it wrong to use such shot without applying any color grading to it if it the raw footage ends up looking that good?

[@lookabirdie]

Was it already explained what color grading software you're using? I'm guessing Nikon software that comes with the camera?

[@noah.w.anderson]

Hey, I'm wondering how you organize footage in Final Cut? I get confused on how to organize different things in Final Cut, and just wondering what your process is.

[@GalstyanHayk]

This backstage video looks and feels more cinematic than the film itself :)

[@DSLRguide]

interesting

[@GalstyanHayk]

@@DSLRguideI'm impressed! I would love to know on what cam was it shot? What picture style? How was graded the backstage :) thank you

[@lissimore6436]

i thought i saw you in brighton but i didnt know if it was you and didnt want to look an idiot!

[@DSLRguide]

probably was me

[@MojoPapiFPV]

Absolutely priceless. Thanks for sharing all that info in such a clear and concise manner! Would love if it you shared what settings and options you setup in-camera (e.g. one or both stabilization options / focus tracking or manual), and on the Ninja where it looks like you were using zebras and focus peaking (did you adjust thresholds?).

[@anderethanson]

Surprisingly simple concept, yet kept me watching... I love your videos man, they’ve been with me through my journey evolving as a filmmaker, since the start!

[@ANDRIANFEMIXOBOY]

Really dedication in filmmaking, i like your grading even it's not similar like teal & orange look.

[@3aref]

you sound a little ill, hope u get better

[@DSLRguide]

the sniffles have almost left me now

[@GeoElmoGeocaching]

This is one of my favorite of your videos. As someone who has learned (and is still learning) filmmaking on my own and working as a single person scriptwriter, director, sound person, cameraperson, editor, etc., it's so interesting to see how filmmaking works from someone who knows what they're doing. I really need to learn more about color grading; my last film was pretty bad in that department. Thanks for sharing this interesting background video.

[@wynaytt2456]

No offense, but I like the raw footage more than your grade

[@DSLRguide]

fair play

[@alvincura]

Simon, props to your BTS videographer, who seems to me to have done quite well.

[@travelingtriathlete446]

Do you not use a grey card because you go for the film look? Also, have you used the color wheels instead of the color board now that FCPX has them?

[@outoforder0]

Amount of reds in skin tones is too distracting to me sorry. I do feel like I hate Nikon's skin colours now. It happened ever so since the day I switched to Fuji.

[@gwm-btdbattlesagar.ioandmo9988]

Scripty is super helpful

[@tfg_8564]

one day, you’ll probably make a marvel movie. doesn’t matter who it is about, morgan stark, miles morales, it doesn’t matter, i know you would become a marvel director

[@raiden403]

You're the man, Simon. I totally love your dedication.

[@ixai1000]

You are the best!!!...wow!

[@maximka2211]

Did you saw Chef?

[@flavs72]

Hi guys, what editing software was used for making this film? I really liked the way it looks...

[@hudonedem8517]

Which atomos recorder?

[@fishpanna9410]

software name plz

[@revwinrave5996]

Thanks for this I too color graded one of my clip (Too harshly) will try to get it to the best🤗

[@expositovisuals2921]

I like your short film but I consider this video as perfect as it gets! Congrats for helping us this much!

[@michaelruebusch2275]

Man that is a serious crew you got there, what kind of budget does it take to have that many people on a crew?

[@iris-dz5fc]

can someone tell me what program he uses to edit videos?

[@DSLRguide]

final cut pro x

[@ezgidora393]

Have software are u using for color grading??

[@DSLRguide]

the plugin is called filmconvert, and it works with most software: dslrguide.tv/filmconvert

[@freefireontu7552]

so sweet

[@suppien]

the original color grading was the better color, the other one was just unreal with, lol..

[@psyoniksoundz]

YASSSSS

[@stevenixx3595]

3:32 thats cool so aslong as he has the source files you can just send the XML and he can import that and have your project setup. Nice

[@buzzedlunne6668]

I find it weird that I hit the "like" button even before I watch Simon's videos

[@submarinefilms3523]

Did the sound was edited in Pro Tools or in the same project of Final Cut?

[@msinfo32]

Amazing video.

[@alfonsoperez9575]

What was your total budget for this shoot? And how close did you get to it? Or over it

[@The33scap]

Those small colour grading notes helped me so much! You bloody legend

[@tonylouisvisionvideography3469]

Love the collaboration and team work. Very interesting video

[@KS51ABCAN]

Very interesting.

[@SilverAphelion]

awesome feedback plus points for that timelapse.