The Tao Colorist

The Craft

• Noir Shadows and Highlights - Colorist Josh Petok has a nice tutorial showing how to create moody shadows and highlights in DaVinci Resolve using an external matte to create patterns. Well done. (vimeo.com)

• Color Grading HBO's 'Game of Thrones' - A decent article on the post workflow and color grading process on this popular HBO series. Spoliers: Graded on FilmMaster, finished on DS, shot on Alexa, going tapeless for Season 2. (CreativeCow.net via @endlesspicnic)

• Color Palettes: The Academic Ébauche Part I - Not color grading per-se, but a look at how French-trained painters were taught in the 19th century to build up their color palette and more quickly accomplish their work. (UnderPaintings.com)

The Tools

• BaseLight at IBC - In Amsterdam in September FilmLight will introduce BaseLight 4.3, including upgraded Stereo capabilities, object tracking, and integrated scopes. They will also reveal the 'market-ready' BlackBoard 2 control surface, and show their FCP / Nuke plug-ins. (3DRoundAbout.com)

• Apple Releases XSan 2.2.2 Update - Includes a bunch of fixes to 'improve file system reliability'. If you run XSan... maybe you should check it out. I also think MacOSRumors need to change their URL to MacOSFacts given how little they trade in the rumors business these days. (MacOSRumors.com via @digitalreb)

• Maintenence Releases: Magic Bullet Looks, Colorista II (RedGiantSoftware.com)

• Tangent's Element Control Surface: More Details - At NAB Walter Biscardi got a peek at Tangent's forthcoming Element. No pictures. But some detailed descriptions.(BiscardiCreative.com)

• Video Review: GenArts 'Saphire Edge for FCP - This package includes Lens Flares, creating Looks, TV Damage, Film Damage. Also: For Final Cut Studio users, a good way to customize your Lens Flare in Motion. Beware the ear-splitting video pre-roll (how long before the US Congress tries to regulate audio loundness on the net???). (CreativeCow.net)

• Review: Final Cut Pro X Training - A review of the two major FCPx training series. (UrbanFox.tv)

• RenderMon: Monitor Your Renders Remotely - Free until October. For After Effects with more apps coming. (RenderMon.DigiEffects.com)

• Getting Started on DaVinci Resolve Lite - Warren Eagles gives you a quick start on loading your footage into Resolve Lite and starting to grade. (Vimeo.com)

The Technology

• The Art of Digital Color - FXGuide has an interview with a member of the Academy's Science and Technology Council about the evolving science of digital color management. A must-read / listen for any serious colorist. (fxGuide.com)

The LM-2461W is an affordable 24" color critical reference monitor featuring 10bit color depth, 3G/HD/SD-SDI Inputs, 12 onboard scopes, and DCI P3 support. All standard and all for just $4,995.

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Tools You Might Use

• PenMoto - Prefer a tablet to a mouse and want to be more efficient working with a control surface? Check out this funded Kickstarter campaign & video. (KickStarter.com via @glenmontgomery)

Edumacate Yer'self

• What Type of Person Takes an ICA Class? Warren Eagles describes his latest group of colorists taking his live Resolve 201 training - and the advantages of learning in a live group. (iColorist.com)

• Tao of Color + DaVinci Resolve = Upcoming LIVE Workshops (free) - BlackMagic has confirmed me for 3-4 hour workshops covering the DaVinci Resolve Workflow and Toolset. Sign up for September 13 in Washington DC and September 28 in Montreal. More dates and cities coming soon.

• DaVinci Resolve at IBC Supermeet - Colorist Dado Valentio will showcase DaVinci Resolve at IBC with a special emphasis on its stereo toolset. (blog.BroadcastEngineering.com)