Color grading has become an essential skill in modern media production, with growing demand across the industry. Avid Media Composer provides a powerful suite of tools that combine HSL and Curves corrections for precise and robust color adjustments, while Symphony elevates your workflow with advanced secondary correction capabilities and the fastest color grading process available. This course teaches you to harness these professional tools efficiently, applying expert techniques to deliver consistent, polished results.
This comprehensive two-day course will equip you to analyze images methodically, diagnose color issues, and correct them with speed and precision. You will master multi-pass grading techniques and learn to leverage specialized tools for maximum flexibility when correcting challenging images. Discover the power of shape-based secondary tools found in both Media Composer and Symphony, enabling you to create sophisticated animated masks, vignettes, and gradient effects. You will also work with Symphony's advanced relationship-based grading tools to streamline your workflow and complete grading projects in significantly less time.
Who is this class for?
- Editors
- Assistant Editors
- Multimedia Producers
Prerequisite:
- Completion of MC 101: Media Composer Fundamentals I and MC 110: Media Composer Fundamentals II, or equivalent experience with 12 months of full-time editing on the system
- Completion of MC 210: Media Composer Professional Editing II is strongly recommended
At the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Understand color grading fundamentals and industry standards
- Configure systems optimally for color grading work
- Apply core grading tools and techniques effectively
- Use Curves for advanced color corrections
- Perform advanced primary color correction
- Execute secondary color correction in Avid Symphony
- Create and manipulate animated masks using AniMatte
- Group color corrections for efficient workflow
- Deliver professional graded digital masters
Note: Each student receives their own workstation.
Course Syllabus:
Color Grading Fundamentals
Introduction
- What is Color Grading?
- Are You (only) the Colorist?
Before You Grade
- Properly Calibrated Viewing Monitor
Core Color Grading Workflow
- Stage One: Set the Baseline Grade
- Stage Two: Achieving Shot-to-Shot Consistency
- Stage Three: Achieving a Final Look
Color Correction Mode
- The Composer Window
- The Color Correction Tool
- The Timeline
Analyzing Images with Scopes
Video Scopes, Color Science, and Shot Analysis
- Types of Scopes
- Overview of Scope Displays
- Understanding the Y Waveform
- Understanding the RGB Parade
- Shot Analysis with the RGB Parade
- Understanding the Vectorscope
- Shot Analysis with the Vectorscope
- Understanding the YC Waveform
Establishing the Base Grade
- Performing a Primary Correction
- The HSL Group
- Adjusting the Controls and Hue Offsets Tabs
Using Tonal Controls in HSL
- Identifying the Tonal Controls
- Understanding Tonal Adjustments
- Setting the Tonal Range Using HSL Controls
Using Chroma Controls in HSL
- Understanding the ChromaWheel Controls
- Removing a Color Cast Using Hue Offsets
Grading with Curves
Identifying the Curves Controls
- Exploring Curves Adjustments
- The Master Curve
- Using Avid Artist Color to Adjust the Curves Graphs
- Exploring R, G, or B Curve Adjustments
- Making Adjustments Using Curves Versus HSL Controls
Performing a Primary Grade Using Curves
- Performing a Basic Grade
- Correcting a Color Cast Automatically
Grading a Sequence in Curves
- Grading the First Shot
- Grading the Second Shot
- Grading the Third Shot
Matching Shots
Methods of Shot Matching
- Using the Color Match Controls
- Succeeding with Color Match Control
- Grading a Scene Using Color Match Controls
Understanding NaturalMatch
- Using NaturalMatch for Automatic Shot Matching
Working with Color Correction Effect Templates
- Saving Color Correction Effect Templates to a Bin
- Using Color Correction Effect Templates
- Workflow for Using Source-Based Templates
Stepping Up to Symphony
The Added Power of Advanced Tools
- Identifying Symphony's Advanced Tools
- HSL Controls and Capabilities
- HSL Luma Ranges
- Levels Group
- Channels Group
- Secondary Group
- Customizing the Color Correction Tool
Understanding the Symphony Grading Workflow
- The Interaction of Color Correction Groups
- The Relationship Menu
- Identifying Relationships in the Timeline
Understanding the Levels Group
- Levels and Color Space Processing
- Performing Primary Corrections with Levels
Understanding the Channels Group
- Identifying the Channels Controls
- Repairing Damaged Signals with Channels
Performing Secondary Corrections in Symphony
Understanding Secondary Corrections
- Identifying Avid's Secondary Correction Tools
- Understanding Qualification Techniques
Understanding Luma Ranges
- Using Luma Ranges for Targeted Corrections
- Making Adjustments Using Luma Ranges
Exploring the Secondary Group
- Performing Vector-Based Corrections
- Using Standard Vectors
- Using Custom Vectors
Intraframe Effects: Avid's Hidden Secondary Tools
Exploring Avid's Shape-Based Secondary Tools
- Understanding Intraframe Effects and Their Applications
- Using the Spot Color Effect for Selective Color Grading
- Using the Paint Effect to Create Dynamic Corrections
- Creating Gradients and Vignettes for Cinematic Effects
- Tracking Spot Corrections Through Your Footage
- Using AniMatte to Create Spot Corrections and Animated Masks
Finishing the Grade
What's in a Look
- Techniques for Applying Looks
- Applying a Look as a Program Relationship
- Applying Corrections to Filler
Keyframing Color Changes
- Keyframing HSL Adjustments
- Keyframing Curves Adjustments
Creating Popular Looks
- Monochrome Looks
- High Contrast Looks
- Changing the Color Temperature
Managing Multiple Grades
- Merging and Updating Sequences
Delivering Safe Colors
- Using Safe Color Warnings
- Using the Safe Color Limiter Effect
- Rendering Effects with ExpertRender for Final Delivery
