What is a LUT and How Do You Use It in Filmmaking?

LUT stands for Look Up Table. It is a table that stores pre-defined color grading settings, which can be applied to footage in post-production. The purpose of a LUT is to provide a consistent color palette across different cameras and footage, and to make the color correction process more efficient.

In filmmaking, LUTs are commonly used to achieve a specific look or style for a project. For example, a LUT might be created to give a film a warm and nostalgic feel, or to create a cool and sterile look for a sci-fi movie.

LUTs can be applied to footage in various ways, including:

1. Color grading software: Many color grading software programs, such as DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Premiere Pro, allow users to import and apply LUTs to their footage.
2. Camera settings: Some cameras, such as the Blackmagic Design URSA Mini, have built-in LUTs that can be applied to footage in real-time.
3. External devices: Some external devices, such as the LUT box, can be connected to a camera or computer and allow users to apply LUTs to their footage.
4. Online tools: There are also online tools, such as ColorHist and Lutify, that allow users to apply LUTs to their footage directly in their web browser.

Overall, LUTs are an essential tool for filmmakers and colorists, as they provide a quick and efficient way to achieve a specific look or style for a project.