Mastering AI Assisted Color Grading

AI is revolutionizing color grading, creating new possibilities for beginners and experts alike. In this masterclass, we’ll focus on the Colourlab AI family of products, taking a practical, hands-on approach to see how AI assists with color grading. Discover how AI lowers the entry barrier for new colorists and how seasoned professionals use AI to deliver consistent results faster, jumpstarting their creative workflows.

This full-day masterclass is accessible to all, regardless of your technical background. We explain everything in straightforward terms, ensuring you can follow along and understand every concept. By the end, you’ll have hands-on knowledge and a software license that you can start applying immediately in your work.

This training is an ideal starting point for anyone looking to elevate their color grading skills with AI, taking advantage of the latest advancements in the field.

What You Will Learn

1. Color Science Fundamentals

Begin with the core of image processing technology behind AI-assisted color grading. We’ll explore how Colourlab AI seamlessly integrates into existing workflows, enhancing both the efficiency and accuracy of color grading. You’ll learn not only how to implement these tools but also gain an understanding of the principles that drive them, giving you confidence in the workflow.

2. Introduction to Color Management

Effective color management is the foundation of a streamlined workflow. AI makes this process simpler than ever. We’ll cover the roles of Input Device Transforms (IDT) and Output Device Transforms (ODT), and how AI can automate the color management process, creating a consistent starting point for every project.

3. Mastering Primary Color Correction

Primary color correction, or CDL (Color Decision List), is where the core look of a project takes shape, responsible for exposure, contrast, and tonality adjustments. This module will delve into how AI automates primary color correction, giving you powerful tools to enhance your images while maintaining creative control.

4. Understanding Scopes, Waveform Monitor, and EL Zones

Precision is key in color grading, and measurement tools like Waveform Monitors, Scopes, and EL Zones provide the necessary control. You’ll learn how to read and interpret these tools to make informed grading decisions, ensuring accuracy at every step of the process.

5. Developing ShowLUTs and the DNA of the Look

A ShowLUT is a custom-designed LUT tailored to enhance your specific footage. Using Look Designer, you’ll learn to create LUTs based on photochemical processes, bringing natural and consistent character to digital footage. We’ll focus on creating a balanced ShowLUT that enhances colors while avoiding overly stylized effects, providing a consistent look for every production.

6. Working with AI References

One of the most powerful AI features is the ability to use reference images to guide the color grading process. In this section, you’ll learn three approaches to AI referencing, allowing you to translate the look of a chosen reference image directly onto your material.

7. Batch Shot Matching for Consistency

Batch Shot Matching is one of the most challenging aspects of color grading. AI simplifies this process by taking a diverse sequence and unifying its appearance across different scenes, lighting conditions, and environments. You’ll learn how to achieve the best AI-matching results by selecting optimal references, using targeted image regions, and fine-tuning the match for continuity.

8. Fetch and Push Workflow

The Fetch and Push workflow is a unique feature of Colourlab AI, allowing seamless transfer of color grades between DaVinci Resolve, Premiere, and Final Cut Pro without rendering. This module demonstrates how to leverage Colourlab AI’s metadata to maintain consistency and efficiency across applications, ensuring smooth project transitions.

9. Plugin Workflow

The Pro Release of Colourlab AI introduces new capabilities through plugins, providing a flexible approach to AI-assisted grading directly within DaVinci Resolve, Premiere, or Final Cut Pro. This module is ideal for users interested in pushing the boundaries of color matching, look development, and high-quality finishing.

10. Combining Desktop and Plugin AI Workflows

By combining the batch processing power of Colourlab AI’s desktop version with the flexibility of its plugin, you’ll achieve an optimal AI-assisted workflow. We’ll explore how to use each version for different stages of the grading process, maximizing both efficiency and creative control.

Requirements

This is an in-person class held at AbelCine Training Facilities in New York and Los Angeles. Participants must bring their own laptops to follow along with the training.

Minimum Hardware Requirements:

• macOS: MacBook Pro (Intel or M Series), macOS 13+. MacBook Air is supported but not recommended.
• Windows: Windows 10 or 11, with an NVIDIA GPU (Intel and AMD GPUs are supported but not recommended).
• Screen Resolution: Minimum of 1920 x 1080.

All attendees will receive the necessary software and training materials.