DigitalFilm Tree Color Correction Training

Product Review: Page (1) of 2 - 03/21/03

DigitalFilm Tree Color Correction Training DVD and Book review By Stephen Schleicher This week I take a look at DigitalFilm Tree?s Color Correction for Final Cut Pro instructional DVD and their Final Cut Pro Color Correction 101 book. As a first edition for both of these, I like what I see, but also have mixed feelings.

I should point out right at the beginning that the DVD and book are sold separately, and I think that is where part of my mixed feelings come in. I?ll explain why in a little bit, but for now, let?s begin by taking a look at the DVD.

When Apple first announced that DigitalFilm Tree would be releasing a DVD on color correcting in Final Cut Pro, I was pretty excited. I was even more excited when I found out that Steve Martin was the host/narrator/instructor for the series. Not only is Steve a certified Final Cut Pro instructor, he also worked on one of the best Final Cut Pro training series on the market today (Secrets of Final Cut Pro and Final Cut Pro Powerstart by dvcreators.net). I knew with Steve on board the DVD would be a good learning experience. And it is, if you have never done any color correction at all.

Good instruction from a great Final Cut Pro Instructor.

The DVD begins by describing and defining what color is and how color space works in a video environment. If you haven?t read the article I wrote a couple of years ago on calibrating your NTSC monitor (do a search in the archives of this site), there is also a very good section on how to do that on the DVD. I highly recommend everyone watch this section as it is key to not only good color correction, but good quality video output as well.

The DVD contains very good information on color theory, but after a while it begins to feel a bit like a glorified slide show.

Steve then covers the different video scopes available in Final Cut Pro 3 and gives a very good explanation of what each of them does and should be used for. If you are not sure what the parade monitor is for or how to accurately view a waveform monitor, then this section is for you.

The topics discussed on the DVD.

Finally, Steve takes you into basic and advanced color correction using the filters found in Final Cut Pro and shows you how to correct footage for a commercial piece. Included in the discussion of color correcting is a thorough explanation of the Color Corrector 3-way, how to do secondary color correction (changing on color to another), using the desaturation filter, and using the Broadcast Safe Filter.

I suggested watching the DVD all the way through from beginning to end before trying to duplicate the theories Steve discusses. In addition to the video, included on the DVD are all sorts of sample files for you to experiment with and edit to your hearts content.

A lot of great follow along material is included on the DVD. After watching the information, you can then experiment (and edit) your own project.

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DigitalFilm Tree Color Correction Training by DMN Editorial at Aug. 03, 2004 11:54 pm gmt (Rec'd 2)

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