No matter what you read or hear, Davinci Resolve has a steep learning curve. The fact that Davinci Has 7 different pages or 7 applications in one. The fusion page and color page have a node system whereas the Fairlight page and Edit page have a layer system. All this can be overwhelming for any novice. I’m starting by pointing out these facts not to scare away new users but to prepare yourself mentally and physically not to be discouraged or overwhelmed.
I have been using Resolve since version 12 on and off and I can’t tell you how many times I had to quit the app and bounce back to final cut or premiere because I couldn’t do something. It was not until version 17, that I was steadfast on sticking with the application for good. Now I’m a Davinci Master Trainer. The amazing updates over the years and simplistic UI made resolve much more accessible.
So, Judging from experience these are the best resources I found listed chronologically from Beginner to intermediate.
Table of Contents
What is your main goal from Davinci Resolve?
Please know that Davinci is a studio suite, not a single application:
- Edit / Cut Page allows you to edit.
- Color page to color correct and grade.
- Fusion page for VFX and motion graphics
- Fairlight page to Sound design mix and master
- Delivery page to export a project to a myriad of formats.
A first tip would be to prioritize what you want to achieve. Davinci is very generous and makes it easy to break between different pages(Apps). So if you want to just edit, you can and the same applies to the rest of the pages. Most beginners are drawn to the application for its color-grading capabilities. So focus and learn as much as you can about the color page before exploring other pages. For this article, we will focus on the colorist learning path to sort the order.
Official Davinci resolve Training Page
Davinci Resolve has done an amazing job in providing free, concise, and focused training from top professionals. The lessons are broken by page taught by top professionals. It’s advised to download the project files for each section and play around with the tools yourself to get a sense of what the app can offer. Tutorials are translated into many languages. Books can also give you a thorough walkthrough of each page if you have the patience and discipline.
Color Correction Handbooks
The software is just a tool and it’s up to the user and what makes out of it that creates the difference. Learning Davinci does not essentially translate into Hollywood-quality work. It’s important to understand the basic concepts and ideas behind the grade.
The “Color Correction Look Book: Creative Grading Techniques for Film and Video 1st Edition” serves as a comprehensive guide for professionals and enthusiasts in the film and video industry. Authored by Alexis Van Hurkman, an experienced colorist and filmmaker, this book delves into the intricate world of color correction and grading, offering a detailed exploration of various techniques used to enhance visual storytelling.
Van Hurkman provides practical insights into the art and science of color correction, covering topics such as color theory, color grading workflows, software tools like DaVinci Resolve, and strategies for achieving specific looks and moods in films and videos. The book is richly illustrated with examples and case studies, offering step-by-step tutorials and explanations that cater to both beginners and seasoned professionals.
Readers can expect to gain a deeper understanding of color grading techniques, from basic adjustments to advanced creative approaches, empowering them to manipulate colors effectively to convey emotions, set the tone, and strengthen the narrative impact of their visual projects. Overall, the “Color Correction Look Book” is a valuable resource for anyone looking to master the art of color grading in film and video production.
Color Correction Handbook: Professional Techniques for Video and Cinema
Color Correction Look Book: Creative Grading Techniques for Film and Video 1st Edition
Free Tutorials
Casey Faris is renowned for his comprehensive and user-friendly tutorials on DaVinci Resolve. His teaching style blends expertise with simplicity, breaking down complex concepts into easily understandable steps. Through his tutorials, Casey covers various aspects of DaVinci Resolve, from basic techniques to advanced workflows, offering insights that cater to beginners and seasoned professionals alike. His tutorials often focus on color grading, editing techniques, workflow optimization, and creative approaches, providing invaluable guidance for anyone looking to enhance their skills in using DaVinci Resolve for filmmaking and video production.
Mr. Alex Tech is a dedicated content creator whose expertise shines in his comprehensive coverage of all the pages within DaVinci Resolve. His unique approach blends technical know-how with a touch of fun, making learning an enjoyable experience. His tutorials are meticulously crafted, breaking down intricate software components into easily digestible bits that cater to users of all levels. With a knack for delivering clear and precise instructions, Mr. Alex Tech ensures that even complex functionalities become understandable and manageable. His tutorials serve as a guiding light for users navigating through every facet of DaVinci Resolve, offering a seamless and engaging learning journey characterized by clarity, simplicity, and a touch of entertainment.
Cullen Kelly, a veteran colorist in the video production sphere, distinguishes himself through meticulously detailed tutorials that stand in contrast to the quick-paced YouTube style. His approach is deliberate, offering longer yet profoundly insightful videos where he unravels the complexities of color grading with patience and depth. Renowned for his in-depth knowledge, Cullen’s tutorials serve as masterclasses, diving deep into color science and image manipulation, rendering even the most challenging concepts easily digestible. His deliberate and methodical breakdown of intricate techniques makes his content invaluable, providing a comprehensive understanding for enthusiasts seeking a thorough exploration of color grading, and catering to those who prefer a meticulous and immersive learning experience.
Darren Mostyn‘s been in the YouTube game for years, but in the past year, he’s blown up big time. He’s got an impressive track record in filmmaking and video production, and that experience really shows in his work. Lately, he’s been gaining a ton of attention for his engaging and top-notch content. Darren’s videos are like a goldmine for anyone into filmmaking or creating content online. He’s been sharing tricks, tips, and some awesome behind-the-scenes stuff that’s really struck a chord with folks looking to up their game. His recent surge in popularity is just a nod to how much people value his insights and expertise in the world of filmmaking.
Leon Barnard Team2film runs a vibrant YouTube channel centered around the thrill of filmmaking. It’s a crew of passionate creators sharing their adventures, tips, and tutorials in the world of movies. With behind-the-scenes insights and engaging content, they’re your go-to for all things filmmaking fun!
Daria Fissoun is a recognized authority in the realm of color grading, notably acclaimed as the author of the “DaVinci Resolve Color Guide” book. Her expertise in the intricate art of color manipulation and enhancement within DaVinci Resolve shines through her comprehensive guide. Davinci Master Key is her personal YouTube channel in which she explains in detail the intricacies of Davinci and breaks down complex concepts.
VFX Study is a treasure trove for anyone diving into the world of visual effects, particularly focusing on the Fusion page. It serves as an invaluable resource offering comprehensive insights into the intricate realms of compositing, 3D, and motion graphics within Fusion. The channel predominantly delves into VFX-related tutorials, placing a spotlight on the art of compositing using Blackmagic Fusion. What sets VFX Study apart is its commitment to providing thorough, step-by-step tutorials that cater to beginners, taking a deliberate and patient pace to ensure everyone can follow along. Moreover, the channel stays at the forefront of updates, consistently refreshing its content with every new release, ensuring viewers are equipped with the latest techniques and features in the ever-evolving world of visual effects and compositing.
DV Resolve is an independent, unofficial resource hub dedicated to all things DaVinci Resolve. Here, you’ll find the latest software updates, breaking news, and a curated collection of tutorials from across the web categorized by specific pages within the software. Additionally, there’s a comprehensive guide featuring top-notch plugins and hardware recommendations specifically tailored to elevate your DaVinci Resolve projects and output quality.
Lift gamma gain forum stands tall in the world of color grading, boasting a rich history of supporting and guiding colorists and filmmakers. This forum isn’t just a platform; it’s a treasure trove of invaluable resources and assistance, cultivated over years of active participation from industry professionals and enthusiasts. Signing up opens the door to a vibrant community where you can dive into diverse threads, each offering a wealth of insights, trends, and techniques. It’s an open invitation to immerse yourself in the pulse of the latest trends, gather cutting-edge knowledge, and become an integral part of an expansive community that’s passionate about advancing the art and craft of color grading and filmmaking.
Best Paid Option
If you would like to take your knowledge to the next level. There are paid options for an in-depth understanding of Davinci resolve. These tutorials are catered to professionals who like to be absolute and aspire to work in high-end projects like mainstream films and TV shows.
Paid TUtorials
Mixing Light is an online platform and community that specializes in professional color grading education and resources. It offers a wide range of in-depth tutorials, articles, and insights dedicated to colorists and professionals using various software, including DaVinci Resolve. Founded by industry experts, Mixing Light provides premium, high-quality content covering color grading techniques, workflows, industry trends, and more, catering to both beginners and seasoned professionals in the field of color grading and post-production.
Lowepost is an online learning platform tailored for film and TV professionals seeking to enhance their skills in post-production. Specifically, it focuses on offering comprehensive tutorials, courses, and resources for various software used in filmmaking, including DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, and more. With a vast library of tutorials covering diverse topics like color grading, editing, visual effects, and sound design, Lowepost serves as a valuable resource for individuals looking to deepen their knowledge and proficiency in the post-production process.
Masterclasses
This option tends to be the most expensive among the choices listed. If you appreciate a particular teaching style and have the budget to invest in a masterclass, it could be worth considering. These classes often range from $100 to even $1500 and provide extensive training covering various aspects of the post-production process and beyond. They typically offer perks like access to project files, forums for discussion, and regular updates. While I can’t specifically recommend any particular masterclass right now, many of them do offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, providing some assurance if you’re unsure about your choice.
Conclusion
There it is! A super long list to go through and lots of ground to cover. Please don’t buy into the 1 hour, “easy” color correction tutorials. Remember, the Davinci Resolve license used to be $100K aimed only at the top tier in the film industry. Now it’s for everyone. You need time, patience and resolve (no pun intended) to learn the application properly and to qualify as an experienced user. So practice, practice, practice, and good luck
Please let me know if I missed any worth mentioning resources in the comment section.
I think if you just stick to this list you might do just fine.
