New Titles - reviews

Steve Hullfish
Focal Press, $50
373 pp.

Color correction is often considered a "dark art" practiced in special rooms deep in the dungeon of post houses and by an elite group of wizards. In The Art and Technique of Digital Color Correction, Steve Hullfish takes the mystery out of the art with detailed examples and practical hands-on modules. Steve calls upon some of the industry's best colorists to explain how they'd tackle a tricky color correction problem. He also provides easy-to-read, step-by-step explanations, as well as a great DVD filled with samples, so the reader can practice the techniques and tips learned from the text. Steve guides his readers towards a better understanding of the tools and techniques of color correction and the artistic thought process that goes on when the colorist is working with an image. Most authors would probably stop there, but Steve adds an additional element with a section that includes discussions with different DPs and directors. This section takes color correction out of the edit suite into the field and illustrates the collaboration between the DP, directors and the colorist in creating the images the director and DP had in mind in the original shoot. While not for the faint-at-heart, this text is a must-have for anyone creating professional-quality videos. (A bit difficult for those who do not have a basic understanding of color theory) Rating:…