I started using daVinci Resolve in 2005. It was a $300,000 system, the hardware rack was the size of a doorway and it took a Resolve engineer two days to install. In 2006 I met with Mike Seymour and John Montgomery, who said they were thinking of opening an online university. They asked me if I would like to be their professor of color. I didn’t really have any ideas of the specifics, but being keen to try different things I jumped at the chance.
My first classes were released in 2007 and it was one of the first ever FXPHD offerings, 30 minute tutorial films released every week over a 10 week term. We decided to run the class on a daVinci 2k color corrector. FXPHD didn’t own one so we had to beg, borrow and steal from the Post Houses in Sydney. The grading rooms were over $1000 an hour back then so we had to be in and out very quickly, sometimes only shooting 3 lessons during their downtime. Having just about used up all our favors with Australian Post Houses we luckily managed to secure a demo $300,000 Resolve Linux system, meaning we could mix things up and record 4 lessons on Resolve.
These were the world’s first high end Color Correction online classes, there was no ICA back then, no classroom training available so interest was high. Not many of my students had access to a daVinci 2k or a Resolve to practice on, so my students were mainly a mix of Apple Color/After Effects/Avid/FCP users looking for general tips.
I had to do lots of prep on paper then had a few minutes before each class recording to rehearse each lesson. We didn’t want to make a simple screen recording with V/O so a mix of cameras including myself addressing the camera, screen and grading monitor recordings were edited to make the final vision. FXPHD have always had high production values so we always dressed the set, had good demo material, and shot with the RED camera, making things look as good as possible.
The first class was more of an introduction where I chatted to my DP clients about the relationship of the Colorist and the DP. I think this relaxed feel and background info on the role of the colorist, always showing ‘why’ just not ‘how’ to do something is what people liked back in 2007.
With the release of Resolve 7 in 2010 my classes moved to the Fast Forward section of FXPHD where you can download all 10 x 30m lessons, enabling the user to work on the section of their choosing.
For Resolve 14 I have recorded three completely separate courses that come with the class media so you can follow along with me:
Resolve 14 Fundamentals
Great for beginners who have no grading experience. You can be from any background, I have had Lawyers, dentists, and traffic cops attend my classes.
Resolve 14 Advanced
For existing Resolve Colorists who want to take their grading to the next level. Get useful tips and tricks to speed up your workflow in easy to digest lessons. You get media, XMLs, and an insight into how I deal with projects and clients.
Warren’s Looks and Matching Masterclass with Resolve 14
I often get asked this question “Where do we start, how do we approach the grade?” This class explores grading using media from different genres. Cars, Beauty, Music videos, TV Promo, and Action Sports. It showcases the major looks and styles of our time across the 12 lessons. Everything from mountain bikes to skin grading.
You get the classes, the media, the projects, the PowerGrades and the chance to submit your work to the FXPHD website for feedback.
All three classes are available now at: https://www.fxphd.com/new-resolve-v14/
