Editing and Color Grading is a practical course within the Degree in Animation & VFX (4 ECTS credits, Semester 2, code VF016) that introduces students to professional audiovisual post-production workflows. Using DaVinci Resolve, the course covers color correction and grading, cinematic editing and export techniques for production.
Titular Professors
Basic video editing knowledge and familiarity with digital post-production environments. It is recommended to have taken introductory post-production subjects or have prior experience with editing software (Premiere, Final Cut, etc.).
• Understand the theoretical and practical foundations of color correction and grading.
• Master the DaVinci Resolve interface and workflow.
• Develop aesthetic and narrative criteria in audiovisual editing.
• Apply editing techniques specific to cinema and advertising.
• Manage and export projects for professional production environments.
Block 1: Color Correction and Grading (Sessions 1–7)
• Introduction to color correction: concepts and methodology. Conforming (XML, scene cut detection).
• DaVinci Resolve interface. Basic concepts: Lift, Gain, Gamma, Luma, Hue, Saturation.
• Nodes: series and parallel structures. Primary corrections (primary wheels, log, primary bars, curves).
• Secondary corrections: Power Windows, HSL and 3D selections. Hue Vs Hue/Sat/Lum curves. Color Warper and ColorSlice.
• Mask animation, keyframes, tracker and stabiliser. Stills, power grades and memories.
• Task automation. Groups and shared nodes. Local and remote versions.
• Raw files, Open FX, LUTs and CST. Project management and export (drp, dra, drt). Deliver window.
Block 2: Cinematic Editing (Sessions 8–12)
• Introduction to editing in DaVinci Resolve. Start of final project.
• Rhythm and symmetry in editing. Analysis of Kubrick's work. Emotions and feelings in editing.
• Humour and cinematic genres. Analysis of Wes Anderson's work.
• Multicam editing. Film editing vs. advertising editing.
• Completion of individual projects. Visit to the grading colour room.
The course combines theoretical and practical sessions:
• Master classes with live demonstration of DaVinci Resolve concepts and tools.
• Guided practical exercises during sessions to consolidate each concept.
• Analysis of cinematographic references (Kubrick, Wes Anderson) to develop aesthetic criteria.
• Independent work outside the classroom for the development of final projects.
Assessment is continuous throughout the semester:
• Follow-up exercises (sessions 1–7): weekly colour correction practice. Technique, presentation and classroom rhythm are evaluated.
• Final Colour Grading Project: complete grading of a sequence.
• Final Editing Project: editing of an audiovisual piece with narrative and rhythmic criteria.
• Attendance, participation and improvement based on feedback will also be considered
• Technical accuracy in colour correction (white balance, exposure, contrast, saturation).
• Coherence and aesthetic intention in colour grading.
• Narrative and rhythmic quality of the edit.
• Correct project and export management in DaVinci Resolve.
• Presentation and documentation of submissions.
• Progress and improvement throughout the course.
• Blackmagic Design. DaVinci Resolve Reference Manual. Blackmagic Design Pty. Ltd.
• Hurkman, A. (2013). Color Correction Handbook. Peachpit Press.
• Murch, W. (2001). In the Blink of an Eye: A Perspective on Film Editing. Silman-James Press.
• Katz, S. (1991). Film Directing Shot by Shot. Michael Wiese Productions.
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