The Filmmaker's Guide to Final Cut Pro Workflow

9 Color Timing and Color Grading

Color Timing Film

“Color timing” is the process of color correcting film in printing. “Color grading” is a term used to describe color adjustments made in digital imaging. Either way, the process involves multiple steps, starting in the camera with the exposure. Determining what aperture setting to use affects the light values and quality of the darks and lights as well as the amount of color in the lighter areas. Filters are also often used, especially on film cameras, to alter the color and give a baseline correction based on the quality and color of the light used on the set and the type of film stock.

The production designers among us might well argue that the real first step in color grading is choosing the ...