{ config DIT / Colorist !! set verify (load CDL #scene_#take, init ())
Workflow Overveiw
Constellation, like any modern dailies platforms, can handle many kinds of LUTs, including CUBE, 3DL, 1DL, LUT, CTL, CSP to name a few. It has both an input (source) LUT designation and an output (grade) LUT designation. It can handle ITU-R REC709, 2020 and 2100 colorspaces, and LUT dimensions up to 64x64x64. Some LUT Boxes can only handle smaller sample sizes, like 16x16, but is not recommended that these are passed through for dailies. We suggest that you create a higher resolution LUT (33x33 for example) and then create reduced resolution versions for specific appliances and cameras as required.
LUT Workflow
Arri, Sony and some RED Camera’s will pass along the LUT or color information via metadata tags, Constellation will use this to attach the correct LUT or Look to each shot. Other cameras exhibit similar behavior and updates are always coming - check in with us about the camera you plan to use prior to principle photography. In the case of using a single show LUT simply give the system the desired LUT and it will apply it to all the footage, regardless of the metadata tags.
COLOR WORKFLOW
Head over to the DIT / Colorist page to learn more about managing color and colorspace.
Matching ITU Colorspace to Resolution
When Dailies or On-Set Monitoring are UHD or 4K, we recommend using REC2020 (REC2100 if HDR deliverables are anticipated) Colorspace and LUTs. Per ITU Standards;
This ensures that images are color optimized. A great explanation of the colorspaces can be found here.
Citations and White Papers can be found in index page.
CDL Workflow
CDL’s are fully supported in the Constellations workflow, however you should take careful note of the following conditions, and while they are not unique to just Constellation, they can be easily overlooked.
1. CDL’s must follow a proper naming convention. In Pomfort’s Live Grade they should be named as; Scene_Take_Camera. The underscores between them are critical, but the order is not. If you cannot follow this convention please contact us before shooting or testing starts.
2. CDL’s from Assimilate Live Looks are fully supported. Use TC match or use Scene and Take. Place the resulting folder inside the DAY folder and it will match back to the appropriate shot.
On the rare occasion we see errors they are usually one of two things; Scene or take information is incorrect or TC was used and the camera lost ‘jam’.
ACES Workflow
Constellation is fully Academy Color Encoding System compliant, but must be set up in advance as it is a whole Post pipeline system.
Constellations NKD Workflow
This is a workflow in which the images stay Log all the way through, even with the editorial files. The editors are given a metadata column in which the correct LUT(s) are specified. In some apps these can be applied automatically, in others it is manually done but only takes a moment. This puts one powerful advantage in your pocket - you can change out the LUT at anytime and it will reflect in the editing bay. Find a better look during a subsequent scene? Send it to Constellation and it will be passed along as a replacement. The compatible editing application will update the shots.
HDR, HFR, 4K and Beyond.
Constellation is fully compliant with 4K HDR, and high frame rate projects. For specifics please contact us. We do not charge any additional fees for HDR or 4K workflows.
High Frame Rate and Audio
Media shot at frame rates that do match the baseline frame rate will not receive sound sync, even if sound is available. This is to avoid confusion or errors in the EDL because the temporal difference between the audio and the picture will cause the audio to distorted and will not line up correctly.
Good Practices Guide
CDLs are a delicate workflow in which all aspects of the color chain must match to ensure the desired result. Here are some ways to maximize your chance of sucess if you are new to CDL Workflows.
