This intensive three-day workshop provides an excellent introduction to DaVinci Resolve software. The class is ideal for first-time users who have no prior colorist experience or previous grading exposure. The course combines operational instruction with practical, real-world training covering workflows, basic color theory, grading approaches, and professional techniques.
DAY ONE
- Introduction to Resolve: A complete demonstration of the system, examining every functional area of the software and how it integrates with control surfaces.
- Setting up your Resolve: Learn to load the software and get started properly. Create a customized user account and configure all necessary settings before beginning work. Address resolution considerations, including 2K, HD, and SD formats.
- How to import your images: Master importing and conforming both film and digital material using EDL, XML, and AAF formats. Use scene cut detectors and manually create timelines.
- Basic Color Theory: Study the waveform, vectorscope, and histogram. Understand how different colors interact with increased saturation and contrast, and identify which colors complement each other effectively. Learn RGB versus YUV correction in Resolve.
- Primary Correction and Grading with Curves: Understand that primary correction is essential. Master how to establish the correct primary correction to serve as the foundation for any professional look. Learn how proper primary correction simplifies your entire color correction workflow.
DAY TWO
Serial and Parallel nodes
- Learn when and how to use these fundamental node types, which you will employ throughout your color grading work.
Secondary Correction
- Understand that keying represents a critical component of color grading. Learn how to perform keying in Resolve using HSL, RGB, or LUM methods. Determine whether keying a specific color or adjusting its secondary curve provides the better approach.
Power Windows
- Each node includes four Power Windows: the classic DaVinci Circle, Linear square, Polygon, and Bezier Power Curve. Learn to use each effectively and understand why you choose one over another. Master repositioning, key-framing, and auto tracking techniques.
Keyframing
- Use the pan, tilt, zoom, and rotate controls to explore how far you can zoom into film or digital images. Understand keyframing in the timeline and auto tracking capabilities.
Resolve Workflows
- Master workflows for Film, RED, Canon, ARRI Alexa, Sony F3, and other digital file formats. Learn the advantages and disadvantages of working with different formats in Resolve.
DAY THREE
Layer and Key mixer nodes
- These nodes provide substantial flexibility. Learn to combine them with other Resolve nodes to complement your grades. Master mixing between nodes effectively.
Looks and Styles
- Create looks and styles within Resolve to give your sessions a powerful starting point. Explore several popular approaches, including orange and teal looks, cross-process effects, bleach bypass, Schindler's red coat technique, duotones, and day for night effects.
Versions and the Gallery and Powergrade
- Understand versions and gallery setup, including importing and exporting stills. Learn to create your own Powergrade looks for future projects.
Rendering and Output Options
- Determine how and where to render your finished grade. Master the process of playing out to tape and other output destinations.
Course Certification
- The course will be ICA certified, with all students receiving a certificate.
- Each student has their own workstation.
