What makes effective color grading different from basic correction?
Color grading transforms video from technically correct to emotionally resonant. While correction fixes exposure and white balance, grading creates mood, atmosphere, and visual storytelling through intentional color choices.
This program teaches you both foundations and advanced techniques. You'll understand how different color palettes affect viewer perception, learn industry-standard tools like DaVinci Resolve, and develop your own visual signature through practical projects.
The curriculum combines technical knowledge with creative exploration. Each module builds on previous lessons, taking you from basic color theory to complex secondary corrections, power windows, and film-style looks that clients request.
Our approach focuses on real-world application. You'll grade actual footage types you'll encounter professionally—interviews, documentaries, commercials, narrative scenes—and receive detailed feedback on every assignment.
What You'll Learn
The program covers everything from fundamental color science to advanced grading workflows used in professional post-production. Each module includes hands-on projects with real footage.
Color Theory Foundations
Understanding how color works in digital video and how viewers perceive different color combinations.
- RGB and YUV color spaces
- Color wheel relationships
- Complementary color schemes
- Temperature and tint basics
Primary Corrections
Master the essential corrections that ensure your footage has proper exposure, contrast, and color balance.
- Waveform and vectorscope reading
- Lift, gamma, gain adjustments
- White balance correction
- Contrast optimization
Secondary Techniques
Learn to isolate and adjust specific elements within your frame for precise creative control.
- Power windows and shapes
- HSL keying and qualifiers
- Skin tone isolation
- Selective color adjustments
Look Development
Create signature visual styles and match reference images for consistent project aesthetics.
- Film emulation techniques
- LUT creation and application
- Style matching exercises
- Custom look libraries
Shot Matching
Ensure visual consistency across multiple shots and scenes for seamless editing sequences.
- Scene-to-scene balancing
- Camera mismatch solutions
- Timeline organization
- Batch processing workflows
Professional Workflows
Industry-standard practices for efficient grading, client collaboration, and project delivery.
- Node structure best practices
- Version management systems
- Export specifications
- Client feedback integration
Your Instructors
Torin Beckham
Senior ColoristTorin has graded over 200 commercial projects and multiple feature documentaries. He specializes in naturalistic looks and teaches the practical approaches studios actually use. His background includes work with major streaming platforms and advertising agencies across North America.
Vera Lindstrom
Creative ColoristVera brings a distinctive visual style to narrative projects and music videos. She focuses on color as storytelling and helps students develop their artistic voice. Her work has been featured at international film festivals and she regularly collaborates with emerging directors.
Malcolm Drury
Technical DirectorMalcolm handles the technical aspects of color science and workflow optimization. He ensures students understand the engineering behind the creative choices. Previously worked as a color scientist for camera manufacturers and now focuses on education and consulting.
Sienna Nakajima
Post-Production SupervisorSienna teaches professional workflows and client management. She's overseen post-production on dozens of high-budget projects and shares insights about the business side of color grading. Her focus is on preparing students for real studio environments and freelance success.
Program Outcomes
Portfolio Projects
Complete 12 graded projects across different genres suitable for your professional portfolio
Tool Proficiency
Master DaVinci Resolve's color page with advanced node structures and workflow efficiency
Visual Expertise
Develop your eye for color relationships and understand how grading affects storytelling
Industry Ready
Learn workflows used in professional facilities and prepare for freelance or studio work
Ready to start grading?
The program runs for 12 weeks with new cohorts starting monthly. You'll have access to course materials, project files, and instructor feedback throughout your enrollment and for six months after completion.
Classes include live sessions twice weekly plus self-paced video lessons. You'll work with professional-quality footage and receive individual critiques on every graded project you submit.
No prior color grading experience required, though basic video editing knowledge helps. You'll need access to DaVinci Resolve (free version works fine) and a calibrated monitor for accurate color work.
Program Investment