To continue our review of technical processes related to Post Production and video processing, we will look again at color correction. Several of the video assignments and projects completed this semester would greatly benefit from including color correction in your workflow. Color correction in workflow can be done before footage is edited, as a pre composed sequence or aftward on a clip by clip basis. Color correction in workflow should take place before an keying or other effects are applied.

General Considerations for Color Correction
• Luma or Exposure: is the footage too dark? too light?
• White Balance: does white appear white?
• Black & Contrast: does black look black? is there enough contrast from light to dark?
• Tint or Tone: is there a color tint or tone that dominates?
• Skintone: does the person's skin look natural in color?
• Stylize: is there a need for the color/tone to be stylized?

There are applications that is designed to work more specifically on color correction and color grading. This application is more professional in nature and allows a Post Production specialist to refine the aesthetic of their footage with more attention to detail. In the Adobe environment the application is called Speed Grade. Some of its tools are present in Premiere but because it is a more targeted application there is more depth available.

Once footage has been color corrected, some projects might consider stylizing the appearance of their sequence through the use of Lumetri Looks. Although these are often of limited use, they may be useful to experiment with in the context of VFX. Lumetri Looks are presets for color grading. They are related to different styles of film/video appearance and are very easy to add and modify.

It is common for students learning video production and visual effects to not consider color correction in their work flow. However, it is one area that can greatly improve the quality of their work... even with a very basic understanidng and approach.