Show LUT is a specialized term used in filmmaking and video production.
Technical Details
Show LUTs are based on 1D or 3D look-up tables with precise RGB value mappings. Standard 3D LUTs use 33x33x33 interpolation points (35,937 data points), while high-resolution variants utilize 65x65x65 points (274,625 data points). The mathematical transformation is performed via tetrahedral or trilinear interpolation between the control points. Show LUTs differ from Technical LUTs in their creative purpose – they define gamma curves, color shifts, and stylizations rather than pure format conversions.
History & Development
Look-up tables originated in the 1980s in telecine technology for film scanning. The term "Show LUT" became established around 2005 with the digital cinema camera revolution and the introduction of log recording in cameras like the Sony F23. Blackmagic Design popularized the standardized Show LUT pipeline in 2012 with DaVinci Resolve. Since 2018, ACES-compliant Show LUTs (Academy Color Encoding System) enable precise color reproduction across various output formats.
Practical Application in Film
"Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015) used characteristic orange-blue Show LUTs for desert sequences, while "Blade Runner 2049" (2017) employed separate LUTs for different plot locations. The typical workflow begins with LUT creation by the colorist in coordination with the DoP, followed by implementation in on-set monitors and editing systems. Show LUTs reduce color grading time by 30-40% as the basic mood is already defined. Disadvantages arise with extreme lighting changes, where the LUT may not function optimally.
Comparison & Alternatives
Show LUTs differ from Camera LUTs (technical conversion) and Display LUTs (monitor calibration) in their artistic purpose. Technical LUTs convert Rec.709 to P3, while Show LUTs create specific looks. Modern alternatives include Color Decision Lists (CDL) with mathematical parameters or node-based color setups in Resolve. ACES workflows are increasingly replacing traditional Show LUTs with Output Device Transforms (ODTs), which ensure identical looks on different output devices.