Create CINEMATIC Videos with These Simple Color Grading Tricks
Color grading is one of the most powerful tools in a filmmaker’s arsenal. It has the ability to transform dull, flat footage into a stunning cinematic masterpiece. Yet, many beginner editors struggle with the process—either applying color adjustments in the wrong order, neglecting proper contrast, or failing to shape light in a way that enhances the story.
If you’ve ever looked at your footage and thought, Why doesn’t this look cinematic?—you’re not alone. But the good news? There are simple tricks used by professional colorists that you can start using today to elevate your videos instantly.
In this guide, I’ll break down the step-by-step process to achieving a cinematic look, from proper color correction to advanced grading techniques. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to transform your footage into a visually compelling story.
The Right Order of Color Grading Matters
One of the biggest mistakes beginner editors make is not understanding the order in which color grading should be done. If you apply effects in the wrong sequence, you risk ruining your footage and losing valuable image quality. The correct workflow is:
Color Correction – Adjust your footage from Log or Rec.709 to a properly balanced base.
Creative Color Grading – Apply your artistic look, including LUTs and tonal shifts.
Masking & Advanced Techniques – Use masks and gradients to shape the light and guide the viewer’s attention.
Step 1: Color Correction – Setting a Proper Base
Before you add any creative touches, you need to ensure your footage is correctly balanced. This means adjusting exposure, contrast, white balance, and converting log footage to Rec.709.
Open Lumetri Color in Premiere Pro. If you don’t see it, go to Window > Lumetri Color to enable it.
In the Basic Correction tab, apply the proper Input LUT for your camera (provided by the manufacturer).
Rename this effect Color Correction to stay organized.
At this stage, you want to make sure the image looks natural and properly exposed—this will serve as the foundation for your creative grade.
Step 2: Applying a Creative Color Grade
Once your footage is color-corrected, it’s time to add style and emotion.
Add another Lumetri Color Effect and rename it Color Grade.
Use the Creative LUTs panel to apply a LUT that fits your aesthetic.
Adjust the Intensity of the LUT to blend it naturally.
If necessary, tweak the colors manually using the Color Wheels & Match panel.
📌 Pro Tip: If you accidentally apply the grade before correction, your colors might look unnatural, and exposure could be thrown off. Always double-check the layer order!
Advanced Techniques for Cinematic Color Grading
Shaping Light with Masks & Gradients
Professional colorists use light shaping to subtly guide the viewer’s eye toward the subject. You can do this by darkening certain areas and adding artificial light sources.
Darkening the Edges for a Cinematic Look
Create a New Adjustment Layer in your project panel and place it above your footage.
Apply Lumetri Color to this layer.
In the Effects Controls, use the Rectangle Mask Tool to create a mask covering the foreground or edges.
Feather the mask to around 500 pixels for a smooth transition.
Lower the Exposure slightly to draw attention to the subject in the center.
Simulating Light with a Radial Gradient
Add another Adjustment Layer and apply Lumetri Color.
Use the Circular Mask Tool to create a soft glow effect in the corner of your frame.
Increase the Exposure slightly and add a touch of Warmth (Orange Tint) to simulate sunlight.
Feather the mask to 400 pixels for a seamless blend.
These subtle adjustments make a huge difference, helping your footage feel more three-dimensional and cinematic.
Adding Color Contrast for Depth
One of the best-kept secrets in color grading is color contrast—where you use complementary colors to add depth and separation between elements in the frame. The most common combination? Orange and teal.
In the Color Wheels & Match panel:
Push the Shadows toward Teal (Blue-Green).
Push the Midtones and Highlights toward Orange.
Use the Luminance Sliders to adjust brightness in each area without affecting color balance.
This method enhances skin tones while creating separation between the subject and the background, mimicking the color contrast found in Hollywood films.
Using Curves for Precise Contrast
Many beginners rely on the Contrast Slider in Lumetri Color, but professionals use Curves for more control.
Open the Curves Tab in Lumetri.
Add four anchor points on the diagonal curve.
Slightly lower the Shadows and raise the Highlights to create an S-curve.
This fine-tuned contrast adjustment helps maintain detail while making your image pop.
The Final Transformation: Before & After
Now that we’ve applied all of these techniques, let’s compare the before and after:
Before: Flat, dull footage with low contrast and no visual direction.
After: Cinematic image with depth, contrast, and a professional color grade that enhances the storytelling.
Take Your Color Grading to the Next Level
By following these simple yet effective color grading tricks, you’ll be able to transform your videos into cinematic works of art. The key takeaways:
✅ Follow the correct order (Correction > Creative Grading > Masks & Advanced Techniques). ✅ Use masks and gradients to guide the viewer’s eye. ✅ Apply color contrast with complementary tones (Orange & Teal). ✅ Adjust contrast with Curves instead of relying on sliders.
Want to dive deeper into any of these topics? Let me know in the comments! Your feedback directly shapes future content, and I love hearing your thoughts.
🎬 Now, go open Premiere Pro and start grading your footage like a pro! 🚀
