Final approved color correction. Serves as reference for all deliverables: theatrical, streaming, HDR, SDR, archival. Director and cinematographer sign off.
What is a Hero Grade?
The Hero Grade is the final, approved color correction of a film or project. It represents the definitive creative vision, as developed collaboratively by the director, cinematographer, and colorist – the reference standard for all subsequent deliverables.
Status in the Workflow
| Phase | Description |
|---|---|
| Dailies | First viewing |
| First Pass | Basic correction |
| Creative Grade | Look development |
| Hero Grade | Final approved |
Approval Process
| Step | Involved Parties |
|---|---|
| Initial Session | DoP, Colorist |
| Review | Director added |
| Refinement | Fine-tuning |
| Sign-Off | Final approval |
Who Approves?
| Role | Influence |
|---|---|
| Director | Final decision |
| DoP | Technical/Creative |
| Colorist | Execution |
| Producer | Sometimes involved |
Deliverables from the Hero Grade
| Version | Description |
|---|---|
| Theatrical | Cinema master |
| HDR | High Dynamic Range |
| SDR | Standard Dynamic Range |
| Streaming | Rec.709/sRGB |
Technical Parameters
| Element | Specification |
|---|---|
| Color Space | P3, Rec.2020 |
| Dynamic Range | HDR/SDR |
| Resolution | 4K+ |
| Format | DPX, EXR |
HDR Hero Grade
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Nits | Up to 1000/4000 |
| Highlights | Extended |
| Shadows | More detail |
| Basis | Often created first |
SDR Trim
| Process | Description |
|---|---|
| Conversion | From HDR |
| Manual Trim | Adjustments needed |
| Highlights | Compressed |
| Approval | Review separately |
Theatrical Grade
| Aspect | Specification |
|---|---|
| Color Space | DCI-P3 |
| Gamma | 2.6 |
| Environment | Dark surround |
| Projection | Target system |
Home Video Grade
| Aspect | Specification |
|---|---|
| Color Space | Rec.709 |
| Gamma | 2.4 |
| Environment | Dim surround |
| Adaptation | From Theatrical |
Scene-by-Scene
| Approach | Description |
|---|---|
| Consistency | Matching scenes |
| Story-Driven | Supporting emotion |
| Technical | Exposure, Balance |
| Creative | Look, Atmosphere |
Look Development
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| LUT | Base look |
| Power Windows | Local corrections |
| Keys | Color selections |
| Curves | Fine-tuning |
Reference Material
| Source | Usage |
|---|---|
| DoP References | Examples |
| Test Footage | From shoot |
| Stills | Mood boards |
| Other Films | Inspiration |
Grading Software
| Tool | Status |
|---|---|
| DaVinci Resolve | Industry standard |
| Baselight | High-end |
| Lustre | Legacy |
| Nucoda | Specialist |
Session Management
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Calibrated Room | Essential |
| Reference Monitor | Dolby/FSI |
| Viewing Distance | Standardized |
| Lighting | Controlled |
Changes After Approval
| Situation | Handling |
|---|---|
| Minor Tweaks | With approval |
| Major Changes | Re-approval required |
| Costs | Additional |
| Documentation | Track versions |
Archiving
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Project File | Grading session |
| LUTs | All used |
| Stills | Reference frames |
| Notes | Documentation |
Version Control
| Aspect | Method |
|---|---|
| Naming | Date, Version |
| Backup | Multiple |
| Access | Controlled |
| Restoration | Possible |
Quality Control
| Check | Description |
|---|---|
| Clipping | Highlights/Shadows |
| Banding | Smooth gradients |
| Artifacts | None |
| Consistency | Scene-to-scene |
Challenges
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Different Displays | Calibration |
| HDR/SDR Balance | Separate trims |
| Director vs. DoP | Communication |
| Time Pressure | Prioritization |
Budget Factors
| Element | Cost |
|---|---|
| Colorist Time | €500-2,000/day |
| Suite | €1,000-3,000/day |
| Deliverables | Depending on quantity |
| Revisions | By the hour |
Communication
| Medium | Usage |
|---|---|
| In-Person | Best option |
| Remote | With streaming |
| Stills | Via email |
| Notes | Documented |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| DoP present | Camera intention |
| Calibrated | Accurate viewing |
| Document | For deliverables |
| Take time | No rushing |
Today
The Hero Grade is the definitive look of a film. In a world with HDR, Dolby Vision, and myriad displays, the Hero Grade is the anchor – the creative decision from which all versions are derived. It is the synthesis of cinematography, storytelling, and color science.
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