ClassInfo

DC 425 Color Correction

Robert Sliga

Office: Meets in Classroom/Zoom
Fall 2018-2019
Class number: 14745
Section number: 401
W 1:30PM - 4:45PM
CDM 00922 Loop Campus

Summary

Summary of the Course
This course is an introduction to digital color correction used in the film industry. Color correction is often the least talked about, most overlooked part of film making. Today, using digital tools, the possibilities of manipulating images are endless and require both technical and artistic sensibilities that take practice to develop. Using DaVinci Resolve software students will take their first steps toward color correction manipulation techniques with industry-standard technology and methodology currently used in professional film making.


DC 325 and DC 425
Winter Quarter 2019
Meeting Time Mon 5:45pm - 9:00pm
Lecture and Lab
Classroom CST 922


Instructor Information
Bob Sliga
Email: bobsliga@yahoo.com
Cell: 815-955-8701
Office hours:
Mon CDM 522-4 4:15pm-5:45pm



Texts

Textbooks and Printed Resources
Suggested but NOT REQUIRED
Color Correction Handbook Professional Techniques for Video and Cinema by Alexis Van Hurkman PeachPit Press
Current DaVinci Resolve Manual on local machine



Grading

Grading Scale Percentage
A 93-100: A- 90-92: B+89-87: B 86-83: B- 82-80: C+ 79-77: C 76-73: C- 72-70: D+ 69-67: D 66-61: D- 60-55: F 54 and below


Prerequisites

Prerequisites
Understanding and Knowledge of the Editorial Process


Reccommended Supplies


1 External MAC FORMATTED Hard drive (500 GB minimum)


Course Policies

Course Policies Projects
1 In Class Color Balance project worth 100 points
1 In Class HSL Grading project worth 100 points
1 Conforming and Color Matching project worth 100 points
1 In Class Scene Cut Detection project worth 50 points.
1 Continuity project worth 200 points.
1 Shot Grouping Project 75 Points
Attendance 5 Points Per Week
Exams
1 Written Midterm Exam worth 100 points.
1 Written and Practical Final Exam worth 200 points.

GRADUATE STUDENTS MUST ALSO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING
1 final project color graded 1 - 2 minutes in length.
1 page paper on the impact of color correction in FEATURE FILMS.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this class the student should be able to:
Have a working knowledge of color aesthetics for the motion picture industry.
Evaluate of an image?s contrast and color using Waveform monitor and Vector Scope.
Use proper technical procedures, and color grading techniques utilized by professional colorists required for the digital cinema color correction process with the DaVinci Resolve color correction software.
Conforming and verifying an edited project in DaVinci Resolve for color correction.
Using color correction for matching to maintain continuity throughout the project.
Demonstrate a basic understanding of Scene Cut Detection and Round trip workflows from Adobe Premier to DaVinci Resolve, back to Premier.

Course Policies:
Changes to Syllabus
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.

Online Course Evaluations
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student?s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/. If you have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.

Academic Policies
All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at: http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx

Students with Disabilities
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at: csd@depaul.edu.
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd. Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296

Course Policies as Suggested by the Dean of Students Office
Attendance: Students are expected to attend each class and to remain for the duration. Coming 15 minutes late or leaving 15 minutes early constitutes an absence for the student. The overall grade for participation drops one-third after any absence. Three absences for any reason, whether excused or not, may constitute failure for the course.

Class Discussion: Student participation in class discussions will be measured in two ways. First, students are highly encouraged to ask questions and offer comments relevant to the day?s topic. Participation allows the instructor to ?hear? the student?s voice when grading papers. Secondly, students will be called upon by the instructor to offer comments related to the reading assignments. Students must keep up with the reading to participate in class discussion.

Attitude: A professional and academic attitude is expected throughout this course. Measurable examples of non-academic or unprofessional attitude include but are not limited to: talking to others when the instructor is speaking, mocking another?s opinion, cell phones ringing, emailing, texting or using the internet whether on a phone or computer. If any issues arise a student may be asked to leave the classroom. The professor will work with the Dean of Students Office to navigate such student issues.

Civil Discourse: DePaul University is a community that thrives on open discourse that
challenges students, both intellectually and personally, to be Socially Responsible Leaders. It is the expectation that all dialogue in this course is civil and respectful of the dignity of each student. Any instances of disrespect or hostility can jeopardize a student?s ability to be successful in the course. The professor will partner with the Dean of Students Office to assist in managing such issues.

Cell Phones/On Call: If you bring a cell phone to class, it must be off or set to a silent mode. Should you need to answer a call during class, students must leave the room in an undisruptive manner. Out of respect to fellow students and the professor, texting is never allowable in class. If you are required to be on call as part of your job, please advise me at the start of the course.

School policies:
Online Instructor Evaluation
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student?s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over two weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online at https://mycti.cti.depaul.edu/mycti

Email
Email is the primary means of communication between faculty and students enrolled in this course outside of class time. Students should be sure their email listed under "demographic information" at http://campusconnect.depaul.edu is correct.

Incomplete
An incomplete grade is given only for an exceptional reason such as a death in the family, a serious illness, etc. Any such reason must be documented. Any incomplete request must be made at least two weeks before the final, and approved by the Dean of the College of Computing and Digital Media. Any consequences resulting from a poor grade for the course will not be considered as valid reasons for such a request.

Resources for Students with Disabilities
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted either:
? PLUS Program (for LD, AD/HD) at 773-325-4239 in SAC 220
? The Office for Students with Disabilities (for all other disabilities) at 773-325-7290 Student Center 307

DePaul University's College of
Computing and Digital Media
243 S. Wabash Avenue, Chicago IL 60604 | (312)362-8381
Questions?? Email us: General | Admission | Advising | Website


Introduction, Course and Syllabus Overview
Lecture and Objectives
Introduction, Course and Syllabus Overview
DaVinci Resolve Overview and demo previews.
What is a Colorist
Different types and needs of color correction ranging from Dailies to Final Color.
Specifics of Resolve?s Multiple User Interface and students create their own user.

Working Resolve?s Project Manager:
New Projects, Opening Projects.
Importing and Exporting Projects.
Creating Folders.

Setting up Resolve?s System Preferences:
Media Storage, Gallery Stills and Cache files and Browser SHORT CUTS.

Understanding of Project Settings
Create 23.976 1080p Preset.

Media Page
Media Pool UI explored
Media Browser
Importing Clips into Media Pool
Connecting Media
Creating Folders
Edit Page
Color Page UI explored

Color Page
Nodes
What is a Node and why important?
Basic Nodes
Serial Node
Parallel Node
Advanced Nodes
Layer Node
Outside Node
Deliver Page Overview
Render Settings Presets
3 Button Dropdown Menu
Create Additional Outputs
Save, Update or Delete Preset

Render as Single Clip or Individual Clips
Render Settings
Video Check Box
Audio Check Box
File
Advanced Settings
Render Complete Timeline vs clip or a Range of clips
Render Queue
Video Scopes
Understanding the Video Scopes.
Evaluation of contrast using Video Scopes.
Identifying and Correcting a Color cast.
Node 1 Setting video levels Lecture and Objectives
Video Attributes
Color Temperature
Color Space
Color Gamut
Chroma Subsampling
Bit Depth

Understanding the Color Video Signal
Gain, Gamma, Lift Linear Color Balance Controls
Log Highlight, Gamma, Lift
Gamma Curves

3 Basic Types of color correction in Resolve
Overall color correction known as Primary color correction.
Secondary color correction
Area isolation based off Power Window Inside or Outside of the shape
Area isolation based on a selectable color / matte Lecture and Objectives
Color Balance Project Worth 100 Points Due at End of Class WEEK 5
Color Balancing
When, Why and How to manipulate color directly in the Blacks, Midtones and Whites.
Color Balance Project Due Next Week
Lab Time for Color Balance Project Lecture and Objectives
HSL Project Worth 100 Points Due at the end of class Week 6

Secondary Color Correction
Curves
Custom Gamma Curves, Hue vs Hue, Hue vs Sat and Lum vs Sat Sat vs Sat Tab Grading,

Qualifier Grading
HSL
RGB
LUM
3D

Power Windows
Circle, Square, Polygon, PowerCurve and Gradient
Matte or Mask
Inside / Outside the shape Grading. Motion Tracking
Motion Tracking
Cloud Tracker
Repair Broken Tracker
Midterm Review
Lab Time for HSL Project
Color Balance Project Due End of Class
HSL Project Due Week 6 Due End of Class Lecture and Objectives
In Class Conforming Project Worth 100 Points Due Week 7
HSL Project Due at the end of class
Conforming
Written Midterm Exam 100 Points
Prep timeline for color correction
Bake and Replace
Convert any MP4 Go Pro or h264 clips to ProRes
Supported Speeds
Opacity and Key Frames
Round Tripping Theory
Avid, FCP, Premier Pro
Deliver
In Class Conform and Match Project Due Week 7 Lecture and Objectives
In Class Conform and Match Project Due end of class
Gallery INTRO
Color Matching and Continuity
Gallery Wipe matching
Matching using scopes
Lab Time for HSL Project and Continuity Project
Assignment Continuity Project Worth 200 Points Due Week 10 Lecture and Objectives
In Class Scene Cut Detection Project Worth 75 Points Due at end of class
Scene Cut Detection
Dissolves in Scene Cut Detection
Stabilization
Lab Time for Continuity Project Assignment Due Week 10 Lecture and Objectives
In Class Shot Grouping Project
Shot Grouping
Pre Clip
Clip
Post Clip
Timeline
Lab Time for Shot Grouping and Continuity Project Lecture and Objectives TBD Review for Practical Final Exam
Open Lab Time

School policies:

Changes to Syllabus

This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.

Online Course Evaluations

Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.

All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.

Academic Policies

All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.

Students with Disabilities

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296