Cinematic Color Grading Davinci Resolve | How to create the Hollywood look

Introduction

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a stunning cinematic color grade in DaVinci Resolve, using footage shot with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K in RAW format. Follow our detailed node structure and adjustments to achieve that elusive Hollywood look.

Step 1: Build Your Node Structure

1. Create Initial Nodes:

   • Open DaVinci Resolve and create your node structure. Name the first node CST (Color Space Transform).
   • The second node will be the Balance node.
   • Next, create four parallel nodes for secondary adjustments.
   • Follow this by creating three serial nodes named Rec 709, CST, and L (for Lookup Table).

2. Set Up the Color Space Transform:

   • In the first node (CST), add the Color Space Transform effect.
   • Activate the Highlight Recovery option.
   • Set the input color space to Blackmagic Design Wide Gamut Gen 5 and the gamma input to Blackmagic Design Film Gen 5.
   • For output, choose DaVinci Wide Gamut and Gamma DaVinci Intermediate.

Step 2: Rec 709 Conversion

In your Rec 709 node, add another Color Space Transform:

• Input: DaVinci Wide Gamut, Gamma DaVinci Intermediate.
• Output: Rec 709 and Gamma 2.4.

After this step, your image should already look like Rec 709.

Step 3: Creating a Film Look

1. Convert to Cine and Film Log:

   • In a new node, add another Color Space Transform.
   • Set the input to Rec 709 Gamma 2.4 and the output gamma to S-Log Film.

2. Apply Kodak Look-Up Table:

   • In the L node, apply the Kodak 2383 D65 LUT built into DaVinci Resolve to give your image a cinematic film feel.

Step 4: Balance Your Image

In the Balance node:

• Adjust luminosity using the primary wheels.
• Decrease gain slightly and increase lift to reduce contrast.
• Make adjustments in gamma and lift until you reach a pleasing image.
• Continuously monitor your scopes to ensure levels are appropriate.

To achieve the desired cyan and warm tones:

• Move the temperature towards the cooler side in the temperature controls, also adjust lift slightly to enhance the cooler tones.
• In parallel nodes, compensate for the blue tone by increasing the oranges and yellows using the gain tool.

Step 5: Enhance Your Image

1. Add Contrast:

   • Use curves to add a bit more contrast to your image.

2. Create Gradient Masks for Details:

   • Use a gradient mask to selectively lighten areas and add contrast to highlight details.
   • You can add another mask in the next node for further contrast adjustment.

3. Final Touches:

   • Return to the Balance node and add more cyan in gamma.
   • In the final parallel nodes, increase oranges and yellows for more color separation.

4. Composite Mode:

   • Apply soft light composite mode for illumination using lift, gamma, and gain; reduce saturation slightly for a more natural look.
   • Blur the effect slightly, adjusting the opacity for subtlety.

5. Final Effects:

   • Apply the Aperture Diffraction effect to give a gentle glow to lights, with settings adjusted for a natural appearance.
   • Add a vignette in one of your secondary nodes to bring focus to your primary subject.

Conclusion

With the above steps, you'll achieve a Hollywood-like cinematic color grade that enhances the visual appeal of your project. Remember to adjust your settings based on your unique footage for the best results.

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Keywords

• DaVinci Resolve
• Color Grading
• Cinematic Look
• Color Space Transform
• Rec 709
• Kodak LUT
• Contrast Adjustment
• Gradient Mask
• Aperture Diffraction
• Vignette

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FAQ

Q1: What is DaVinci Resolve?
A: DaVinci Resolve is a professional video editing software known for its powerful color grading and correction tools.

Q2: What camera was used for the footage?
A: The footage was shot with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K in RAW format.

Q3: What is a Color Space Transform?
A: A Color Space Transform is a tool used to convert footage from one color space to another, enhancing compatibility and quality.

Q4: How can I achieve a film look in my videos?
A: You can achieve a film look by using specific LUTs (Lookup Tables), adjusting colors and contrasts, and applying effects to emulate film characteristics.

Q5: Why is monitoring scopes important during color grading?
A: Monitoring scopes ensures that your image levels remain within appropriate ranges and helps to maintain both exposure and color accuracy.