Color vs Magic Bullet

[Chad Dyle]

I'm sorry if this has been asked before, but I couldn't find it. What are the main differences between Color and Magic Bullet? MB seems a bit easier to use, but it looks like color can go a little further with color manipulation. Is that about it or is there something else?

[George Kroonder]

Magic Bullet Looks is not really intended for color correction. Not saying you can't or shouldn't use it for that, but it is somewhat limited. MB Colorista and Apple Color are grading solutions that offer more comprehensive features.

Textbook workflow would be something like Shoot > Edit > Color-correct and then apply a Look. But this is a creative business and you should pick the tools you need to get the job done.

George/

[David Scattergood]

Originally Posted by George Kroonder

Magic Bullet Looks is not really intended for grading. Not saying you can't or shouldn't use it for that, but it is somewhat limited. MB Colorista and Apple Color are grading solutions that offer more comprehensive features.

Textbook workflow would be something like Shoot > Edit > Grade and then apply a Look. But this is a creative business and you should pick the tools you need to get the job done.

George/

George - looking into researching colour grading very soon, hopefully I'll pick up the FCS2 upgrade (with colour) and set about experimenting.
Is there anything specifically different when comparing a 'grade' with 'look'? To be honest, I thought they were pretty much one and the same thing, or is the 'colour' part more technical based i.e. fitting coloured footage within a broadcast spectrum?
I'm amazed at some of the before and after shots I've seen when scenes are altered to create a look - used to take it for granted that this would all be captured in the cinematography stages (which of course is a complex art in itself).

Good example here:

http://www.bencoleman.us/?p=19

[George Kroonder]

Hi David,

I've edited my post to be a little clearer and replaced where I used "grade" to "color correct". It was pre-java time this morning...

Anyway, by color-correcting I mean the more technical process of matching and correcting footage. Maybe from different cams and/or times of day, lighting, etc. and also stuff like secondary color correction (changing the color of objects, like someones shirt, etc.). This is basically fixing color and getting the most out of what you shot. It is usually done after editing is complete.

After that's done, a look (or looks) are applied to the project. This is more of a creative choice.

Depending on your type of projects a different workflow may suit you better.

Traditionally editing and color correction are seperate jobs, done by different specialists. However, color correction tools are builit in every editing suite and plug-ins are readily available to make it 'easier' to do it all (and more fun).

I'm certainly no color corrector. But I can point you to this article by John Flowers on using Colorista and Looks on Wasting Away - the Zombie Comedy from the Kohnen Brothers.

George/

[David Scattergood]

^^ Thanks George - completely clear now.
One of the reasons I want to upgrade to FCS2 is for the addition of Colour (and 5:1 surround in soundtrack :) ) but I'll read up on it somewhat beforehand - thanks for the article too.

Cheers.

[David Scattergood]

Good article (I then subsequently saw this little vid which was helpful too).

http://prolost.blogspot.com/2006/12/why-colorista.html

Especially interested in the way they created a 'night' shot differently than one would usually go about it (day for night cinematography).
Is Colorista effectively Colour bundled with FCP?
Cheers.

[George Kroonder]

Originally Posted by David Scattergood

Is Colorista effectively Colour bundled with FCP?

I find Colorista meets my requirements better than Color. Color is more comprehensive though.

Like with most "what software should I use" threads, a lot of it comes down what fits you/your needs best.

FCS 2.0 is a great deal, but ultimately you shouldn't feel "forced" to use Color just because it's included. Both Colorista and Looks are great enhancements to any (supported) NLE if you ask me, including FCP.

You can try out Looks and Colorista and dVinfo.net sponsor VideoGuys.com is running a 50% promo on Looks for $199.50 ($399.00 MSRP).

George/

[David Scattergood]

Thanks George - I'll look into those trials.