Importance of Color Correction/Grading

Since I am teaching color correction/grading in my Digital Editing class (PHT 274), I thought I would show a few stills from the forthcoming behind-the-scenes video series to accompany the NOVA Woodbridge film program promotional video (due in Woodbridge theaters after Thanksgiving).

These are the baseline expectation for any film student because these stills only received primary adjustments (no secondary adjustments, effects, or filters performed/applied).

NOVA Color Correct1UnNOVA color correct1Done

 

NOVA color correct2UnNOVA color correct2Done

 

NOVA color correct3UnNOVA color correct3Done

 

These stills are examples of the most basic form of correction in balancing colors and adding contrast to taste.  Granted, these might be more over saturated than most would like but I enjoy my colors to pop.

From here, the next step is to perform secondary corrections to get the look you want. For example, do we want to further smooth out the skin of our actors to remove any blemishes, or add a sun-kissed look to their skin tone, or give a little punch to their hair color, or even blur the edges of the frame to place emphasis on the center of frame?  There are many secondary decisions to be made while color grading and each is specific to the style the filmmaker envisions.

However, we spent more time on the actual promotional video rather than these behind-the-scenes shots, so we are leaving it at the primary adjustment level and just ensuring the colors are balanced and we added an appropriate level of contrast.

Keep checking back for the videos to be on this site.  We will also be promoting them on our new Facebook and Twitter pages: NOVAFilmExposed.

Cover Girl

CharleyLawsLow

 

Congratulations to former film student Charley Laws for her selection as a cover girl.

Okay, okay, maybe it was just the cover of the spring 2014 NOVA schedule of classes and maybe she had to share the spotlight with other students but we are proud of her nonetheless.

This picture was one of the many that were taken of our students during a photo shoot by the college last spring semester.

Below you will find a picture that was used on the cover of the mailed notices about the convocation last spring (featuring student Kat Hemphill):

KatChrisLow

 

See, taking film classes at NOVA Woodbridge does have its advantages!

Tease from the NOVA Promo Video

As we inch closer to the release of our promotional video for the NOVA Woodbridge film program, here are some of the stills a student took while on set:

Audio Guys Rojit and Jesus prep for audiobefore the mess Dressing a set from this…big setup2 …to this…big shot2 …to create this!directors meet2 Faculty members discuss the shot eric makeup2 Theatre director Eric Trumball in makeupgroup shot1 Some of our students and faculty last shot Bryan Brown applauds last shotpractice2 Our actors rehearsered camera4 Using a RED Epic camerascript breakdown2Kelly Cochran breaks down the script