Avid Editing, 6th Edition

19Color Correction

Color Correction is a crucial phase of the post-production process—a phase that you should begin after you’ve achieved picture lock. Color correction allows you to not only correct problematic footage, but also to add things that were not present during the time of shooting. You have the tools to create a unique style or look to your project. If you want, you can do so much more than simply “correct” your color.

Before You Color Correct

The first thing you need to do when color correcting a shot is to use your eyes to determine what needs to be changed. Sophisticated video monitors and scopes are great, but they can’t “see” what is supposed to be white and what is supposed to be black. They don’t know what look you’re trying ...