Course content

The primary objective of this course is to impart a comprehensive understanding of color management methods, with a specific emphasis on motion pictures. Participants will delve into key areas such as:

• Color in analog film and its digitization
• Digital workflow and color grading techniques
• Color image encoding systems used in the motion picture industry
• Tone mapping and High Dynamic Range (HDR)
• D-cinema standards and practices
• Compositing and Visual Effects (VFX)
• Gamut encoding and mapping

Additionally, the course may cover other pertinent topics related to color management in video, broadcasting, and cinema.

Throughout the duration of the course, students can expect insights and perspectives from esteemed international professionals and researchers.

Learning outcome

On completion of this course, the students will possess knowledge in the following areas:

• The optical properties of analog film and the best practices for its digitization.
• Color spaces and transformations used in digital film color grading.
• Capture, encode, and the display HDR content in different formats.
• Standards and technologies used in cinema for digital projection.

Possess a range of skills including:

• Capture and process multispectral images of analog film.
• Properly display HDR content.
• Perform gamut mapping in different color spaces.

Possess general competence, such as:

• The ability to present and discuss the results of their research work to experts and to general public.
• Comprehending and memorizing lectures given by international experts in the field, coming from different disciplines and backgrounds.
• Independently acquiring new knowledge and skills.

Learning methods and activities

• Lectures and seminars
• Projects and assignments
• Laboratory sessions
• Field trip

Mandatory activity - Attendance and active participation in the activities are expected from students.

If the number of students registered for the course is less than 5, the course may not run during a semester.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

IMT4304/4072 Cross-media Color reproduction or similar

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

Lipton, L. (2021) The Cinema in Flux. Springer: New York, NY, USA.

Kennel, G. (2006) Color and Mastering for Digital Cinema. Focal Press.

Poynton, C. (2018) Colour Appearance Issues in Digital Video, HD/UHD, and D‐cinema. Simon Fraser University.

Fröhlich, J. (2017) Encoding High Dynamic Range and Wide Color Gamut Imagery. Available at: http://elib.uni-stuttgart.de/handle/11682/9681.

Banterle, F., Artusi, A., Debattista, K., & Chalmers, A. (2017). Advanced High Dynamic Range Imaging (2nd ed.). A K Peters/CRC Press.

Additional materials: Hand-outs and research papers.

Credit reductions