What is a LUT?

A LUT (Look-Up-Table) is simply a table of fixed numerical values that can be applied to video to alter its look. It can change an image’s contrast, colour or both. 1D LUTs are the simplest, each input value mapping to a single output value, while 3D LUTs are more sophisticated and can apply to a co-ordinate set of colours.

Benefits of LUTs

A LUT or Look-Up Table makes it easy to apply a wide variety of different looks to your video content. It’s often used when shooting RAW or log content, which may initially look quite flat but contains large amounts of information for post-production creativity.

Technical LUTs

This family of LUTs provide basic colour space conversion from S-LOG3 into Rec.709. These LUTs can be used on set to monitor the footage accurately, helping to ensure the lighting and exposure is correct. As the LUT is used only for monitoring, your footage can be recorded in S-LOG3, retaining the full range of information for the final grade.

The package contains both a "standard" conversion and a "low contrast" conversion to help cater for the needs of your production. There are further variants of both the "standard" and "low contrast" conversions, which drop the exposure from 1, 2 or 3 stops, helping to provide further flexibility for challenging lighting conditions.

Creative LUTs

This family of LUTs not only provide a conversion from S-LOG3 into Rec.709, but also apply a creative "look" to your footage. Whether it is to help evoke a rich rainforest vibe, a warm summer day or neon-lit city, these LUTs will help transform your footage to meet your creative intent.

Depending on your production's needs, these LUTs can be used to monitor on set or even as a primary look for finishing. When used for monitoring, it is recommended to compare your footage with the standard Rec.709 technical LUT. This will help ensure your footage is still balanced and exposed correctly.

The Creative LUTs also contain variants which drop the exposure down 1 stop.

Creator of LUTs

The Pardy Suite

Daniel Pardy is a freelance film colourist from Sydney, Australia. With over a decade of experience in the film industry, he has had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, from high end commercials through to the Oscar winning Mad Max: Fury Road, directed by George Miller.