Exciting New Analog Packs on the Way

In case you missed it on social media, I’m excited to share that I’m working on new packs built with analog tools and techniques and they’re looking great so far. The first of these packs is almost complete, so keep an eye out for its release. If there’s a particular analog concept you’d love to see brought to life, I’d love to hear from you just send me an email!

THE SECRET WEAPON OF PRO EDITORS

Ever opened a project to find red “media offline” warnings everywhere? Welcome to the world of conforming – your editing superhero cape.

WHAT IS CONFORMING?

Conforming is digital detective work – reconnecting your timeline to lost media files. It’s how pros seamlessly move projects between Premiere, Avid, and Resolve without rebuilding everything from scratch.

Think of it as a universal translator for your edit decisions. When a director wants Avid editing, Resolve color, and ProTools audio – conforming makes it all play nice together.

QUICK RESOLVE CONFORM TRICKS

1. Fix Offline Media: Right-click > Relink Media > Find your files
2. Import Other Projects: File > Import > XML/AAF/EDL > Choose match options
3. Protect Your Work: Use “Conform Lock” after fixing connections

PRO TIP

The real magic happens in the “Match using:” options. Try “Timecode,” then “File Name,” then “File Extension” until everything links up.

Master conforming and you’ll save hours of tedious rebuilding, impress clients with quick turnarounds, and finally finish work in time for dinner. Your sanity will thank you.

VFX Breakdown

The Gorge | Framestore

COLOR GRADING WITH POWER WINDOWS

Have you tried using Power Windows in your color grades? If not, you’re missing one of Resolve’s most powerful tools for elevating your footage from basic correction to professional finishing.

THE POWER OF POWER WINDOWS

Power Windows give you precise control over where your color adjustments appear in the frame. Unlike global corrections that affect everything, windows let you target specific areas – brightening a face, deepening sky blues, or drawing attention to products.

Think of Power Windows as digital spotlights that highlight exactly what you want viewers to notice. When you see a subject that seems to subtly “pop” from the background in films or commercials, that’s often Power Windows at work.

WHY POWER WINDOWS MATTER

The magic of good color grading is that viewers feel its impact without noticing the technique. Windows make this possible by creating natural-looking separation between subjects and backgrounds.

With just a few strategically placed windows, you can guide viewer attention, enhance emotional impact, and create depth in otherwise flat images – all while maintaining a natural look that doesn’t scream “heavily processed.”

WHEN TO USE THEM

• Brighten faces in underexposed footage
• Create subtle vignettes that draw eyes to your subject
• Separate foreground from background in flat lighting
• Balance uneven lighting across a scene
• Isolate problematic areas for targeted noise reduction

Check out how to use power windows inside DaVinci Resolve. It walks through the power window controls and how to use them.

Master Power Windows and you’ll immediately notice the difference in your grades – even if your viewers only notice that somehow, your work just looks more “professional.”

Keep creating, stay curious, and never stop pushing your creative boundaries!

Stay creative,
Justin R.