Color Grading in Filmmaking

There's more to cinematic than teal and orange blockbuster grading.
Graded with FilmConvert - 10% off: bit.ly/2HGEzB0
(I earn a commission from purchases ^^)
Gear I film with: kit.co/DSLRguide/indie-filmma...
Host and Creator - Simon Cade
WEBSITE: dslrguide.tv
TWITTER: / dslrguidance
INSTAGRAM: / cadevisuals
ALL EQUIPMENT: dslrguide.tv/mygear
CONTACT: [e-mail]

[@andyfoster8011]

You can break the rules once you understand them is my motto.

[@mathiaswarnich5059]

Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist" is a quote attributed to Pablo Picasso

[@REDASABIR]

Your videos are really a dream! And the music you choose just fits perfectly. Thank you for your inspiration 😌

[@MrJonathanbleeker]

Slime ball

[@KHILIuser]

totally agree !

[@ShampoBoy]

My brain just exploded

[@BadBagger]

I just took a day course on video editing in final cut and you have taught me more in 5 minutes than he did in 4 hours, good going mate.

[@DSLRguide]

+Kyle Bagley haha well I hope you didn't pay too much for that course then ;)

[@PatArnold]

I agree sometimes just teaching yourself using the internet is soo much better than some formal education systems..... I love to make films and to find intelligent people to collaborate with I use www.philmcollab.com

[@lamenamethefirst]

I don't know about your course specifically but with all due respect, a video editing course shouldn't be teaching colour correction and grading at all. At least in the professional world, the job of an editor does not involve colour correction. Editing is cutting and assembling shots to tell a story through control of information, time and space. So if you went into that course expecting to learn much about colour grading then you took the wrong course. In a lot of, dare I say independent films, the editor is also the colourist but the colour grading process in the professional field is a bit more complex and technical than that. I can't really comment on it more because that's not my area of expertise.

[@RollingHousesUK]

lamenamethefirst I think you're taking this a bit far. "In the professional world" as you like to put it, people don't go on 4 hour courses to learn to edit video for professional productions - it should seem obvious that someone going on such a course, and consuming videos on the same subject on youtube, is more along the lines of an amateur (perhaps aspiring to be a pro one day), and as such many more aspects than specifically arranging the video clips are going to be required/covered. A video editing course shouldn't be confined to your narrow opinion of what it should be, rather it should be tailored to it's intended audience based on their needs, and of course the time scale and cost of the course itself.

[@lamenamethefirst]

You do have a point there. I was just pointing out that it may not be the fault of the course. It may have just been designed without colour grading in mind so it's a bit of an unfair comparison to say that the course is rubbish next to this video. As you yourself said, the course needs to cover a lot of subjects and it might well have. There's a lot to say about editing. So maybe the colour part (which at the end of the day isn't about editing) may have been left out. This video on the other hand is tackling a much more specific topic so it's easier to deliver detailed information about it in a shorter time. This is all just speculation of course. I mean he actually did the course so perhaps it really was rubbish.

[@kaysha]

There's never just one answer to a creative question is what wins in this video. And that is what's wrong with today's creatives. They all blindly follow rules. Amazing content

[@arcangelmaaze7804]

Kaysha ayeee! The Kizomba Singer, I love your music. Peace and love from Angola.

[@sebastiananaya9786]

Fact.

[@Carloshnrqsilva]

i think when u follow this "rules" you limit yourself, limit your creativity. I say "broke the rules, then you'll be able to make some different, some new"

[@gaelridge6501]

sorry to be off topic but does anybody know a trick to get back into an instagram account..? I was dumb forgot my password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me!

[@caseleonard5710]

@Gael Ridge instablaster =)

[@OliversMovies]

I just want to say thank you for making these shorts. I recently made a short film and I know that watching these videos for the past few months made a huge difference. Even your videos on subjects I already had knowledge about, it really helped having someone say it out loud along with your visuals. You've made me a better filmmaker and I'm sure there are others out there who would say the same.

[@DSLRguide]

+Oliver Johnson I'm really glad to hear this, thanks Oliver!

[@wendyzhang4128]

It was really funny when you were talking about finding inspiration in paintings and photos, because as an digital artist, I'm watching these colour grading tutorials to learn how to achieve those incredible colour schemes in my paintings.

[@KieranJB]

Colour's one of the most interesting things in film to me, so great to hear your thoughts on it - loads of new ideas I hadn't heard before!

[@jasonwillhite4820]

+TheL1ttleGuy Alexis Van Hurkman has a great book and work book to train with! The digital copy is free with RAW files to Color Correct

[@2close4missiles88]

Congrats on the partnership (/sponsorship?) with FilmConvert! Keep up the hard work Simon.

[@rdoetjes]

The rule is that you need to be consistent, psychologically we are great in picking these things up. What was more important to mention wa that without good flat profile and a codec that doesn't compress too much you can push a grade far further. As I noticed recently again when I edited a vlog recorded on a MP4 codec, where I usually shoot ProResHQ or Veen cinema dng for shots I know need a lot of work or VFX.

[@bongladeshh]

You have not only a great understanding of film and visuals but you have a passion not many have. Keep it up. I love that video about not upgrading your camera. Makes sense.

[@GetHandsDirty]

Incredible episode! I love all the thinking and the structure of the video. Keep them coming!

[@sashanksrinivasan1009]

This guy's videos are always to the point, knowledgeable, and clear. That keeps me watching till the end no matter the length. Brilliant.

[@ElKarlito13]

You are the only one who really answer all my questions with your videos and in a really simple way. Plus, unlike many many other KZbin Channels, you actually have a good taste for image, looking for a real link between the message you want to expose in a scenario and the image you're looking for (color grading for example). Keep up the excellent work ! (Sorry for bad english if so)

[@bilelsouid]

Man, I love the way you work, and the fact that you're honnest about filmconvert paying you. By the way I love their product.

[@ArminEi]

Omg i m so happy to found this channel...i will definitely turn my notification on

[@DSLRguide]

+Armin Ei :)

[@goldhillproductions]

Brilliant as always. I love how little you focus on specific software, spend more time on concepts, and use fantastic cinema examples. :)

[@op8726]

Thanks for all your videos Simon! I'm an aspiring/working filmmaker and I always come back to your stuff to refresh things I haven't worked on in a while. Keep up the good work, stay healthy and safe and good luck when work resumes again soon.

[@theisavillar]

It was amazing, this episode. Really! Very clear and with great examples. Congrats, man :)

[@ryanhallockmedia]

color correcting is such an important part of editing. even for BMX edits, I shoot flat and then correct after in post. wouldn't have it any other way.

DSLRguide is one of the best channels on youtube for sure. And Simon Cade is turning each day my new god :D This guy is just amazing! He knows a lot, he explain perfect, has a perfect dictation, great ideas and an unbeliavable talent! Thx again Cade!

[@takeobeats]

This is the first video I've seen of yours. I really enjoyed the quality of it. Keep up the great work!

[@KidBrooks15]

do you do all of your color grading in fcpx ?

[@DSLRguide]

+lexus grant yup, I tried davinci resolve but wasn't a fan of the workflow

[@christophercmosley]

Nice. I needed this. I really appreciate you taking the time to make this video.

[@seanleon1695]

Just discovered it recently but colorgrading is such a big and often underestimated part of a film! For a very long time I was asking myself why did movies have that look and feel and I never understood it! Thanks for this *big thumbs up !

[@mohamedhassissi5414]

I love your demonstration.. Straightforward, clear and your comments make perfect sense!

[@ArthurMoore]

"we really should't rely on our eyes" this is where you lost me.

[@DSLRguide]

+Arthur Mor this video should help you out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oImXZoyfZtijj5Y

[@BaptisteJAGFilms]

you are really good at this, I really like your videos and it helps me a lot with mine! I'm going to start analysing other movies and put them into final cut to analyse the color grading that can be inspirations for my futur videos! Cheers man

[@starilie]

This is a perfect guide! It's super stylized and I just love it.

[@ijustwanttocreate]

Your videos are always insightful. They have helped me a lot ever since I discovered your channel. Top man.

[@spitefullymy]

Simon, thanks for this. Really :) Colour is one of my "Eh, someone else will do it for me" but I've been trying to get a little more into it.

[@TroubleBubbleNation]

"There's never just one answer to a creative question!" - Finally someone who thinks the same way as I do. I was starting to doubt my own choices when talking to other videographers. How much time did it take you to learn lighting, as good as you do now, Simon?

[@DSLRguide]

+Paul Voinescu glad to hear it Paul! I think i've been practicing lighting for 2 or 3 years now :)

[@seth4321]

I really enjoyed this! I especially liked the part about matching up scenes that you shot with scenes from movies

[@bunssohawt4531]

please don't stop posting these really great videos!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@samuelmuscat7401]

this is so great thank you so much you have shown me ways I could not express film you are a true master

[@DSLRguide]

+sentinel synth you're welcome:)

[@chitsein9183]

Qa

[@chitsein9183]

A

[@HeroSanjA]

I explored today you youtube, now I have ideas how to improve my videos. Thank you. :)

[@rufusgreenleaf2466]

I discovered Simon's channel about 3 days ago, i've learnt so much already.

[@TheGreenhat2000]

Me too! Sweet!

[@mikeyhoward7953]

I think I learned more about color grading watching this just once than I have researching for weeks with other videos. Thanks for the inspiration! Blessings.

[@masquerades4316]

This is phenomenal man. Real insight and understanding of what colour evokes in cinema's many contexts. Really inspiring.

[@jameskirkpatrick5569]

The difference between the shots in monsters inc. is that the characters separate and then feel isolated being cold and a sense of abandon. While in Toy Story 3 you have characters that even though everything has gone wrong they stick together throughout it and you have a heart warming scene of holding hands approaching their demise in fire. Now say instead of fire being their destruction it was a metal bladed shredder you would've had a blue or much darker color grading.

[@DSLRguide]

+James Kirkpatrick that's a great interpretation, I hadn't thought of it like that.

[@ncr8526]

I love your channel, mate! Really inspiring ;)

[@sophiadonkin7980]

Wow this was an incredible video! I’ve always loved colour grading and how filmmakers utilise these tools to enhance their films! Early on I used various apps to experiment with colour grading, it wasn’t always accurate but it helped me to identify the right steps to achieving a balanced shot. I definitely need to invest in a proper editing software for my computer. Thank you again for this video! It’s really inspiring!!

[@OfficialBERG]

I learn So much from your channel Cade! Thank you so much! Your quality is ALWAYS there

[@Forflies]

Your videos are so helpful thanks!

[@CJChan_Official_Destiny_Wolf]

Yeah buddy Final Cut Pro 👊👊👌

[@foreverfilmsskits5438]

+raetro what

[@ibraimovmiras]

I have never seen a video this great and professional on KZbin

[@jeraldrobertsii6268]

I have been waiting so long for this episode! Thank you so much!

[@lifeisforadv]

Awesome! I have been looking for a way to get depth and color out of my shots and I think this is a winner! Will remember to use your youtube channel for commission for you as your videos have huge amounts of value to me. Thanks for everything!

[@TGVG_]

Your videos are so amazing! :D

[@kusogaijin]

I'm in love with your videos :D Short and clean with understandable English and interesting content ! Well done.

[@loganross4586]

I am an aspiring filmmaker and you have taught me so much. I'd just like to thank you because you have inspired me so much to pursue my dream.

[@PauloNideck]

What a great perception!

[@resident1123]

Wierd ass

[@EposVox]

I'm so bad at color grading though Q_Q Even just for improving a basic, non-filmy shot to make it look clean & natural.

[@DSLRguide]

+EposVox try the video on the blog post: dslrguide.tv/blog that should be a good introduction to getting things to look natural :)

[@EposVox]

DSLRguide Thanks :)

[@Jamminn555]

Fantastic video, Simon. Well-selected and -demonstrated, well-written and well-narrated.

[@parallelpalmtrees]

Your channel is like warm soup on a cold winter day.. Great content, wonderful delivery, absolutely superb. Thanks for all the knowledge!

[@littlebigsmile7081]

am i the only one who feels like catching my breathe while hearing his voice?

[@AhmedDiae]

Can you please make a another tutorial on adobe premiere pro ? Because i use adobe premiere pro

[@niklaskarlssonmedia2225]

It's the same in premiere, just use three way color corrector instead of the color corrector in final cut.

[@DSLRguide]

+EverySing | افري سنك‎ Everything in FilmConvert is identical, and you just need to use the three way color corrector instead (as Niklas also said)

[@MarilynReturns]

+Niklas Karlsson What about the masking of the face?

[@niklaskarlssonmedia2225]

+Marilyn Monroe the Series I think there should be a pen tool in the latest update of premiere. otherwise you could use after effects.

[@MarilynReturns]

Niklas Karlsson Ok, thanks, I don't know after affects yet, but I'll look for the pen tool as I'm using latest premiere.

[@PositiveNoteNetwork]

Been watching your videos nearly all night. Thanks for the great tips!

[@RojoFilmz]

Awesome video as always, Simon! I commented on your last video (albeit 6 days late) - I finally started that video series! The first episode is on my channel! Again, thanks for all that you do for all us fellow film makers!

[@shnbwmn]

Really nice video. I honestly expected some hipster shit but got a video I might refer to later.

[@zegill30]

You probably have been asked this so many times, but what is the editing software you are using?

[@DSLRguide]

final cut pro X with filmconvert for color grading

[@lukasjbryant]

Love your work as always, Simon Cade!

[@jorj2838]

I seriously love the videos, new fan and already am loving it

[@endlessitaly21]

suggestion: tell us about some good film making books!

[@nukliozz]

The Total Filmmaker - Jerry Lewis Filmmaking for Dummies Painting With Light - John Alton Pixar Storytelling - Bloop Animation Screenwriting for Dummies The rest is up to you buddy!

[@jasonwillhite4820]

+Francesco Russo Alexis Van Hurkman has a great book and work book to train with! The digital copy is free with RAW files to Color Correct

[@sokiwi_tv9945]

can you not take a breath every half a second

[@drewmorg.]

+Sokiwi_tv There are no rules in film making ;)

[@stanen]

Sokiwi_tv ^lol

[@ziggy5721]

its also really relaxing idk y

[@hussainoid]

what. is the. problem. in that. i don't. see.

[@ir9398]

Let him live

[@MaartenHeilbron]

I appreciate your concise and clear approach with easy to follow examples backed with good creative detail.

[@DSLRguide]

+Maarten Heilbronn cheers Maarten!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

+DSLRguide I do wish you were closer - I'd love to collaborate on a project.

[@YaricoTV]

gosh I love your videos, thank you so much again for taking the time to make them. you are simply awesome.

[@BadMouseProductions]

I really hate how FCPX has now made it not a default to have a colour section :(

[@simianinc]

+BadMouseProductions because applying a color board takes .... 3 seconds, and if you don't need it your inspector won't be cluttered with irrelevant panels

[@InclementFilms]

+BadMouseProductions Hit Command 6 :)

[@JoeTalks]

Any problems with grading the t3i when you first started?

[@bendaviskate]

+JoeTalks I've used the t3i, and grading was very simple and natural looking right out of the camera compared to other cameras I've used.

[@DengekiGamer]

+JoeTalks Try an Flat Image Profile like "Marvels Cine Picture Style" while shooting. This gives you a big space for grading in Post.

[@DSLRguide]

+JoeTalks when I first started I was clueless, so I had all kinds of problems. Wouldn't blame the camera though, I just had a lot to learn

[@UnratedAwesomeness]

+DSLRguide do you shoot on raw with Magic Lantern or just a flat picture profile, or both?

[@DSLRguide]

I use magic lantern, but never shoot raw. I do use a flat picture profile though, either cinestyle or vision color

[@PablosPOV]

Bro Ive watched a lot of your videos and this one seems to be more creative and shows more personality. I like it!!!! keep it up!

[@TMTVProductionsPR]

I reeeeeeally love your channel and the way you easily explain complex procedures. Greetings from Puerto Rico!

[@federz666]

Awesome video! Actually helpfull unlike half the shit on youtube.

[@mpess8569]

I'm using for a long time Sony Vegas to editing my movies and I'm felling a bit challenging to change to others, What do you think about this program? Do you think I should learn other to be able to upgrade my "game"? By the way, thx a lot for the amazing material you have been posting, it is a fresh motivation to me.

[@DSLRguide]

If I were you i'd give "DaVinci Resolve" a try, there's a very powerful free version :)

[@mpess8569]

I use Sony Vegas very well already and for a long time, what advantage I will get in lean and use this new program? thx already for your reply.

[@Branco18]

Well, I edit in Premiere and I also came from Vegas. So I would recomend you Premiere. It will up your game and also It is very well connected with other Adobe software, so if you want to make some titles in AE you just right-click on clip and choose this option or you want to clean up voice, same thing, it will take you to Adobe Audition. If you have it all installed of course...:) But I would never go back.

[@mpess8569]

Very well explained, I will give a thought about Premiere. I'm very pleased with what I'm doing with Sony vegas just not seen many companies using it. Thx

[@Branco18]

Sure, I was very happy to help, feel free to contact me on my channel. If you want.

[@protofilms4612]

I love these tutorials they help me get started on my film

[@mj.ebuenga]

I love how your explanations are always simple to me and that's why it helps me understand better. 😄

[@dzakyalfajr]

Do you have a color grading tutorial for premiere pro? Thanks!

[@dzakyalfajr]

I'm looking for a vintage look like Conan Gray uses in his videos. Do you have something like that? +Ganesh Kumar

[@GaneshKumar]

+Zakdraws yes i do.i will upload within 2 hours.Thanks

[@GaneshKumar]

+Zakdraws Teal and Orange lut pack uploaded.Hope you like it.Vintage lut pack will be out tonight.Download Link is in the video in my channel.

[@giridharchenna6275]

Ganesh Kumar what are the best software for grading please dude

[@murugavel.r6670]

Ganesh Kumar wt is ur channel name

[@oliverkeely4767]

R o bot

[@frank.conway]

Cheers for the tips! Also your hand drawn titles are brilliant!

[@HypeOmanic]

great explanation! will be watching this over and over as I work on getting down what you discussed. thanks!

[@_C_E_C_]

matrix isn't a good example in this video, since they were color coded.. other than that excellent!

[@georgerosebush9754]

+Emil Cozianu What's color coded as opposed to graded?

[@user-zq9ej5eg8q]

+Emil Cozianu what is color coded film?

[@retardedvaxxedliberal]

+George Rosebush color coding is the same thing as tinting

[@Quickk]

I cant listen to how this guy talks. How does he not hyperventilate.

[@serraemartins]

Awesome content as always You're going to go far kid Best QUALITY videos I've seen in a long time

[@DSLRguide]

+serraemartins thank you, that really means a lot :)

[@SimonThorntonVideo]

You speak in groups of 3 words. It's really unnatural.

[@stefanschwartze9932]

+Simon Thornton might wanna grade that

[@chronicle1767]

Really irritating for me

[@rr4ch]

😂 didn’t notice that and honestly 💯👌

[@oswald8081]

Like Gordon Ramsay

[@meninpapin]

like captain kirk in star trek

[@armanarustamyan6406]

My dear friend. I have been looking for an answer about colors and its meanings and suddenly saw your video. One part I really like was about creativity, so thank you for this small and helpful video.

[@Xavier-my8wg]

I must say, the is probably your most useful video yet; before i watched it,i would usually leave my footage as it is, but now i just can't look at it without saying Something like " man, how about i higher the reds a little bit "and without noticing it i end up changing prety much every aspect of the color. your videos rock man, cheers !

[@AdilConstantineMusic]

Always learning something new from your vids. keep up the great work :)

[@SkeletonStewdios]

This is a great guide. I love your style, easy and enjoyable to watch.

[@violeu]

Such a good video! Love how you take things way deeper

[@BUZZFULLER]

i was just looking into color grading videos and this was already in my sub box

[@AvaCaviness]

I really would love to get filmconvert for Christmas. Looks like a great purchase for filmmakers

[@DevonFlair]

Love it! Great video as usual. Colour grading is always the thing that makes the biggest difference but takes soooo long! A proper fine art to getting right.

[@bokeflo]

Great tutorial Simon. I haven't done any colour grading on any of my videos yet but I still found this interesting.

[@JOSEANTONIOMUSIC]

Nice tutorials, keep going, you inspire rest of filmmakers in this crazy filming world, greetings from Ecuador, and thanks!

[@paulvterry]

Wowww. One of the best videos I've seen on KZbin. Ever.

[@mrmashup1404]

i love watching your videos they're very informative and helpful. I am a student studying media on my second year and also make music videos in my spare time. Your videos give me a lot of inspiration and guidance, helping me better my work/workflow. thank you my man keep them coming (Y)

[@doobydoba]

YOU ARE SO FREAKING COOL! I totally love your work.

[@prananditabiswas4599]

Your videos are really insightful and intelligently scripted! Thanks for putting so much effort into not just teaching people technique, but also reminding them to "think" on their own. There are no rules in filmmaking!

[@DSLRguide]

+Pranandita Biswas no problem Pranandita :)

[@Marcodarco22]

You are awesome! sending much love from Anchorage, AK! Your videos are the best. Thank you.

[@lamar7of9]

Wow! Thank you. I got Graded with FilmConvert last week. powerful tool! keep up the good work!

[@zbrown2016]

I just found your channel today and your already my favorite youtuber

[@DSLRguide]

+Zach Brown well that's super flattering cheers zach!

[@MichaelFasaniPhotography]

Your story telling is pretty good your videos are super easy to watch from beginning to end. Your inspiring hundreds of people! :-)

[@OmkarFaatak07]

Please make a film someday, your visual sense & narrative is pretty awesome.

[@oldbear86]

Fast, well explained, professional... all that a good video must be! congrats!