| Issue DLII: The Monitor Crawl Edition |
| The Color Grading Newsletter |
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News, reviews, thoughts, career advice, and humor for professional Video / Film Colorists & Finishers. Delivered Sundays. Curated by a professional color grader.
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I was curious early this week and checked out the flights and hotel prices for getting to NAB in two weeks. To my surprise, prices dropped significantly from when I checked in early January. After some number crunching, the Tao Treasurer and I decided to pull the trigger.
We are headed to Vegas!
I'm rather surprised at my enthusiasm. I think it may be because I have zero responsibilities this year. For almost 10 years, I'd been teaching and hosting events for our community. They took time, preparation, and energy and completely filled my schedule. By the 7th year, it became a grind.
This year, I get to attend the Colorist Mixer as an attendee - not an organizer. I've no classes to teach, no stage or other teachers to manage. But apparently, not organizing something isn't in my DNA.
The return of the 'NAB Monitor Crawl'
This was an informal NAB show floor tour that was usually organized over Twitter. A bunch of colorists would meet up for 3 hours and visit the booths of reference display manufacturers. We'd usually also try to drop by the Future Pavilion and see what companies like NHK wants the industry to adopt.
This go-around, readers of the Color Grading Newsletter and Mixing Light members are invited to join me on this informal tour. I'll be emailing a form for readers & members, so I can get a head count and see if there's anything specific anyone wants to see.
I also have an idea for a few other companies we might put on the tour.
If you're getting this email, you'll get that intake form via email sometime this week. I'm planning the Monitor Crawl for Monday, April 17. It will probably be around 1 pm.
Enjoy this week's Newsletter!
After a few slow news weeks in early March, there's tons to share as the industry has awoken. Plus, I have more for next week's Newsletter already.
Also, this week and next, the Sunday Funnies are being replaced by NAB Resources - for those of you planning to attend.
Happy Grading!
Sincerely,
Patrick Inhofer
Colorist | Publisher
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Featuring the work of creative craftsmen, the theory of color, and industry news. Learn practical workflows, useful theories, and actionable insights from existing (and emerging) leaders and teachers in our industry.
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(video) This is a good look at a colorist explaining his decision-making as he grades up a scene with a specific look.
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(video) From Adam Savage's Tested YouTube channel: "Fabulous Fleischer Cartoons Restored is on a mission to restore the films of Max Fleischer from original prints and negatives. We visited the team and restoration expert Steve Stanchfield at Blackhawk Films, a film scanning facility in Southern California to learn about the restoration process and watch a classic Koko the Clown short brought back to life."
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(video) "This neat and informative video takes you behind the scenes of the science behind how the eyes sees to discuss the topic and the implications it has for filmmakers."
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(video) "Our tests this year highlight common shooting situations and scenarios that are traditionally difficult to photograph. By staging complex and real-life scenarios, encountered by real shows, and shooting them with the latest high end imaging tools, we can present an in-depth and thorough review of the strengths and weaknesses of each camera system." (via Marc Wielage)
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(video) "REVEAL Color Science is a completely new image processing chain used by ALEXA 35 internally and available for ARRIRAW from ALEXA 35, ALEXA LF, and ALEXA Mini LF ... accomplished cinematographer and Cinema Lens Specialist, Art Adams, walks you through several practical examples of the improvements you will discover within REVEAL, compared to the older color science." (via Marc Wielage)
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(video) This one was released in November, but it just came to my attention. It's a fresh look at a complaint that hasn't gone away, "With digital cameras and digital monitors, it’s easy to see what the final product will look like — and that can embolden a cinematographer to film scenes darker and darker ... But how dark is too dark? Check out this Vox video to find out." (via Marc Wielage)
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Our craft keeps changing. And growing. Learn about updates to your favorite software. Discover new tools to help you work faster or more creatively. Build your toolchest with new techniques and approaches.Â
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(video) "[Learn] the ins and outs of using Texture pop, including how to use Texture Pop as a three-dimensional tool to change the feel of skin and boost contrast, all while keeping your manipulation hidden from view."
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(video) "Create custom pencil sketch effects starting from a Resolve FX, Fusion Sobel Filter, or from 3D Materials. You can bring the effect to life by combining it with animated drawing strokes."
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A look at this integration.
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(video) "[Colorist Cullen Kelly] answers all of your questions about HDR tools, when to use them vs primaries, and how to best work with applying film grain."
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"I walk through this powerful tool and some of the advanced techniques to take AnimCurves to the next level!"
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I spoke with Steve Shaw of Light Illusion two weeks ago, and he informed me of their ZRO product. It's a $35 version of ColourSpace to check the calibration of your display and decide if you need to send it in for calibration - or hire a calibrator.
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(video) "Is grading Red camera footage the same as grading anything else? Yes... and no: there are some things unique to Red cameras you'll want to watch out for."
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"Take advantage of the Stream Deck Plus dials in this suite of profiles made specifically for Final Cut Pro ... Organized by workflow, you can load up and start right away or customize these sets further to suit your own editing style and needs."
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| Get it done,
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| Learn more at MacSales.com |
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(video) "Cullen Kelly shows you how to build a custom transform by combining a film print LUT with basic color science - to add style to images."
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(video) "Learn how the Blackmagic Mini control surface is giving you the 'wrong' results on the HDR Palette if your not paying VERY close attention."
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(video) "Colourist Luke Ross shows how to uses the various selections in Resolve Studio's Noise Reduction toolset - and identifies mistakes to avoid."
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Stay updated on the latest hardware that's shipping - because the craft of color grading isn't just about software. Plus, keep an eye on future equipment trends and hardware odds-and-ends.
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Get a deal on very lightly used FSI professional monitors (and gear).
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"We want to clarify that this data represents our workstation sales at Puget Systems and is not indicative of the computer industry at large. We focus on high-end workflows for content creation, engineering, and scientific computing, which often have very different priorities than gaming or general home/office systems. With that explained, let’s jump into the data!"
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"It is unclear exactly what will happen to TCL's development plans for printed OLED TVs but the professional OLED monitors from LG, Eizo, Asus and others will most likely be discontinued."
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"Nexis | F2 SSD storage is designed for ultra-high-resolution workflows, including finishing of 4K, 8K and HDR content, color grading, VFX and animation. Users enjoy more space and enhanced performance while simultaneously lowering total cost of ownership, with capacity to scale from 38.4TB to 307.2TB per engine."
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The X-Rite i1 Display Pro Plus is EOL. This is the replacement product.
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A listing of events & resources for readers who plan on attending NAB 2023 Las Vegas.
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Sunday, April 16, 2023, at Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, Las Vegas, NV. Registration is required.
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The Tao Treasurer and I will be attending. We hope to see you there! Monday, April 17th, 5:30 pm at Sahara Hotel. Registration required.
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"Check out the registration packages and options and build your perfect pass."
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Sometimes it's less expensive to buy hotel tickets through this NAB link. But double-check by calling the hotel directly and see if they can do any better.
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If you're attending NAB, I always recommend staying at a hotel on the monorail. It's super convenient for getting to the Convention Center and inexpensive. It costs more to buy tickets in Vegas. You can pre-purchase on this website or save a few dollars more as an add-on when registering at NABShow for your Exhibit passes.
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| Th- th- th- that's all folks! I'll see you next Sunday. |
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