FCPX Color Grading For "FILM LOOK"

FCPX Color Grading For FILM LOOK

tv.adobe.com/watch/shooting-and-editing-...o-edit-act-of-valor/

In this video, Shane Hurlbut (Terminator Salvation) talks about filming Act Of Valor on Canon 5D, then comparing the footage with all the competitors of Adobe Premier Pro, which would include FCP (not sure if FCPX was finished then). Even though he doesn't mention FCP, he implies it. He says that Premier gave the closest to "Film Look."

My question is this - In its current incarnation of FCPX 10.0.5, can it match Premier with color grading for Film Look? Are there any special plugins or presets that you recommend for this task? Are we still waiting for Magic Bullet or some other third party to produce an FCPX compatible Film Look plug?

thank you

What is film look?

For real color grading X is rather limited. There are some effects built in, but I'd suggest you take a closer look at DaVinci Resolve. The Lite version is free, and I like it better than Color.

Moods, Levels and MB Looks are all FCP X compatible and do wonderful jobs, as good as any other NLE. FCP X "can" do grading as well as any other NLE, you just need to get used to the "Squeel" as opposed to the traditional color wheel. I prefer the wheel. I use Moods and Levels, personally.

I was thinking more on secondary grading. There FCP X is rather limited. A circle or rectangle don't always cut it.

cgbier wrote: What is film look?

I would say something that the right lighting, cinematography and a celluloid camera with some grain.
It is funny how many want to create this "film look" (traditional) and pioneers like Cameron or Jackson want something sharper and better.

Like them bad camera filters for high res photos. It was allot work to avoid it and today they create allot work to recreate it. :evil:

My opinion to create film look, the lighting and cinematographyis the key. But yes you can do standard NLE correction in FCPX. For heavy grading you would need Color, DaVinci Resolve or even Adobe SpeedGrade.

You know, I always think that if someone can spot a perceivable difference between what NLE you used, your story probably needs help

But seriously, Premiere doesn't give any special looks that Avid or FCP7 or FCP8 or Sony Vegas, or any other NLE can't. Most plugins are available for both. I agree that Davinci is the way to go if you want a lot of control. But "filmic" none of these tools will give you. You will only get that by studying color and lots of practice. I shot a piece last week on the RED Scarlet, took it into Davinci and it looks less than steller. Part was my inexperience as a colorist (learning!) and part was poor choices of location, production design, and wardrobe.

But in direct answer to your question: Yes, FCPX color grading can achieve a filmic look. I recommend googling Denver Riddle's tutorials, which are FANTASTIC (and Free)

I too agree Denver's color grading tutorial is so useful. I soon may buy his presets just to show him my appreciation

Wow, detailed & thoughtful answers.

Thank you, Gents.

If you're really serious about coloring, you have to get the bible.
www.amazon.com/Color-Correction-Handbook...words=alexis+van+hur

Very strange thing to say, no NLE is any better or worse for achieving the look of film.