Not sure if WB and clean blacks without explanation can be considered mistakes. I personally have been given footage where the scene is lit with different temperatures and color cast intentionally by DPs. I think personally that the beginner mistake would be to neutralize it without consulting the DP or director that it's not shot intentionally. If you went ahead and did your fixes here, you could actually be fired from a project. Can you imagine the colorist for "Joker" making those assumptions? I am not a fan of the "Beginner" mistake videos myself. I think if I were a beginner that it is a tad insulting. But, the before and After marketing model has a proven record - just need to walk that line where you aren't sabotaging the "Beginner" to make the "Pro" look better. I think you didn't do this in this video, but I have talked to some beginners that have been made to feel bad when videos by others have used that technique.
Both of these are really great points Jim, I appreciate all of this feedback! Especially the point about intentional color casts by DPs, will definitely be taking that knowledge with me into future projects!
I use the curve tool for bright light sources. This allows me to shape the pattern the light creates on background surfaces. This comes in handy when your location has multiple/varied light sources.
I like your tip on correcting the shadows however I still don’t understand the use/need of the linear method to get balance. Similar to yourself I use the HDR global wheel but I just can’t get my head around the linear method even though both yourself and Cullen Kelly prefer to use it. Good episode and very enjoyable to watch.
There is not much of a difference! HDR Global Wheel is a totally valid choice. The only reason I use Gain in a linear gamma is because I use a Mini Panel, and it doesn’t have the function to switch to the HDR palette, so to keep things efficient I’ve got it setup that way so I don’t need to take my hands off the panel when I’m doing quick corrections :)
