Insider Knowledge - The hidden film mode inside FilmConvert

Finally found some free time to work on another Insider Knowledge. This time we take a look at a technique I've been using for the last few years. A hidden film mode inside FilmConvert that I don't think I've seen anyone talk about since it was removed years ago.

So what's the technique?

The technique is to uncover the StatusM profiles which were once part of FilmConvert. They were removed from the software maybe 5-6 years ago. But if you know where to look, they can easily be brought back. As I demonstrate in the video above.

The reason you might want to use StatusM over the standard FilmConvert emulations is that StatusM is emulating a negative film scan as if it just came off the scanner. The standard FilmConvert emulations are emulating the same film scans but then applying a print LUT on top. This is fine if you're after the contrasty look the print LUT imparts. But if you're after a different look, say something a bit more subtle, you will need to battle the print LUT to get there.

By using the StatusM emulations you're free to decide how the emulation converts from negative film scan to Rec709. You can apply you're own print LUT, use a standard Rec709 conversion or even use a custom curve. 

But the main benefit is direct access to the negative film colour emulation. Which I feel sometimes gets crushed out when using FilmConvert in standard mode.

So how good is the neg film emulation?

It's very good. Below are comparisons of FilmConvert's Kodak Vision3 5207 neg film emulation vs actual scans of 5207. Both the  emulations and the film scans have been transformed to Rec709 using the exact same CST settings. The FilmConvert versions have FilmConvert grain applied.

Click the images to open full size versions.

But There's a catch

Unfortunately there's a catch. The StatusM emulations are currently only available for Red MX sensors. As I show you in the video there is a way to use them with different cameras. But it's not totally ideal. Ideally FilmConvert would release versions for all the camera's they support. And if they do decide to go that way, print density versions would be the way to go rather than StatusM. That way they're ready to use straight away with less work. If you want to see this in the future, get in touch with FilmConvert and let them know!

As promised here is the download link to the PowerGrade:

DOWNLOAD THE POWERGRADE

***Update***

A few people have mentioned the Windows version of the Red One profiles doesn't contain the SM profiles. The workaround is to download the Mac version and use 7zip to extract the package. I can't test this ATM, but there is more info in the comment section on youtube.

Make sure you have FilmConvert installed and have followed the instructions on renaming the FilmConvert profiles. Otherwise the PowerGrade won't give you the correct results.

To install the PowerGrade in Resolve, second mouse button click in the gallery and select Import. Navigate to the directory and select the JPG or DRX file and click import. If it won't let you select any files, you might need to click on options down the bottom and then select JPEG from the list.