Cinematographer
Primary Grading korrigiert zunächst meine On-Set-Entscheidungen. Exposure-Feintuning, Weißabgleich-Anpassung – hier wird die technische Basis für den finalen Look gelegt.
First stage of color grading that applies global adjustments to the entire image – corrects exposure, white balance, and color balance before targeted secondary corrections, establishing the foundational look.
What is Primary Grading?
Primary Grading is the first stage of color correction, where global adjustments are applied to the entire image. These fundamental corrections establish the technical and aesthetic foundation for further manipulation.
Basic Principles
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Phase | First stage |
| Scope | Entire image |
| Goal | Fundamental correction |
| Basis for | Secondary Grading |
Primary vs. Secondary
| Aspect | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Global | Selective |
| Tools | Wheels, Curves | Keys, Masks |
| Order | First | After |
| Goal | Foundation | Refinement |
What is Corrected?
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Exposure | Brightness |
| White Balance | Color Temperature |
| Contrast | Dynamic Range |
| Saturation | Color Intensity |
Tools for Primary Grading
| Tool | Function |
|---|---|
| Color Wheels | Lift/Gamma/Gain |
| Curves | RGB, Luma |
| Levels | Input/Output |
| Offset | Global Shift |
Lift, Gamma, Gain
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Lift | Shadows/Blacks |
| Gamma | Midtones |
| Gain | Highlights |
| Offset | All Tones |
Color Wheels
| Wheel | Control |
|---|---|
| Shadows | Dark Tones |
| Midtones | Middle Tones |
| Highlights | Bright Tones |
| Movement | Color Shift |
RGB Curves
| Curve | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Master | Luminance |
| Red | Red Channel |
| Green | Green Channel |
| Blue | Blue Channel |
Workflow
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Analysis | Waveform, Scopes |
| 2. Exposure | Correct exposure |
| 3. Balance | White balance |
| 4. Contrast | Set dynamic range |
| 5. Saturation | Adjust saturation |
Scopes for Primary
| Scope | Shows |
|---|---|
| Waveform | Luminance |
| Vectorscope | Color Saturation |
| Histogram | Distribution |
| Parade | RGB Channels |
Waveform Usage
| Range | Indication |
|---|---|
| Bottom | Black Level |
| Middle | Midtones |
| Top | Highlights |
| Clipping | Over/Under |
Exposure Correction
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Underexposed | Increase Gain |
| Overexposed | Reduce Gain |
| Flat | Increase Contrast |
| Too Contrasty | Bring Lift/Gain closer |
White Balance
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Eyedropper | Select neutral point |
| Temperature | Adjust Kelvin |
| Tint | Green-Magenta |
| Manual | Curves/Wheels |
Typical Corrections
| Situation | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Daylight Mix | Unify temperature |
| Log Footage | Contrast, Saturation |
| Overexposed | Highlight Recovery |
| Color Cast | Correct balance |
Software
| Program | Primary Tools |
|---|---|
| DaVinci Resolve | Color Wheels, Curves |
| Baselight | Film Grade, Curves |
| Premiere | Lumetri Color |
| FCPX | Color Board |
DaVinci Resolve Primaries
| Tab | Function |
|---|---|
| Lift/Gamma/Gain | Standard Wheels |
| Log | Alternative Controls |
| Offset | Global Shift |
| Contrast/Pivot | Quick Adjustment |
Matching
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Shot Matching | Align shots |
| Scene Matching | Unify scenes |
| Reference | Key shot as basis |
| Consistency | Across the film |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Use Scopes | Objective control |
| Don't Overdo It | Leave headroom |
| Reference | Define master shot |
| Non-Destructive | Use nodes/layers |
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Avoidance |
|---|---|
| Clipping | Observe scopes |
| Oversaturation | Stay subtle |
| Inconsistency | Shot matching |
| Too Early Creativity | Technical first |
After Primaries
| Next Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Secondary | Selective corrections |
| Looks | Creative grades |
| Windows | Local adjustments |
| Effects | Glows, Grain |
Today
Primary grading remains a fundamental first step in any color workflow. The basic corrections establish the technical foundation for all subsequent creative decisions. With modern tools, primary grading is fast, but understanding the fundamentals – exposure, balance, contrast – remains essential for quality color grading.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Im Primary Grade entsteht der Grundton des Films. Warm oder kühl, kontrastreich oder flach – diese globalen Entscheidungen definieren die visuelle Atmosphäre jeder Szene.
Producer
Primary Grading ist der effizienteste Teil des Color-Prozesses. Ein erfahrener Colorist schafft hier in kurzer Zeit die Basis, auf der dann kreative Arbeit aufbaut.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Primäre Korrektur / Primärkorrektur / Primary Grade"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?