CineCraft PRO+

1. Introduction

Welcome to CineCraft Pro+, a comprehensive film emulation toolkit that brings the authentic look of professional motion picture film to your digital projects. This premium package includes carefully crafted Power Grade and custom DCTLs (DaVinci Color Transform Language) scripts that precisely recreate the characteristics of legendary film stocks.

CineCraft Pro+ is designed for colorists, editors, and filmmakers who want to achieve the timeless aesthetic of analog film without the cost and complexity of actual film processing. Whether you're working on a feature film, documentary, commercial, or music video, CineCraft Pro+ provides the tools to give your project a distinctive cinematic look.

Key Features:

• Precision Film Emulation: Meticulously modeled color science based on extensive testing and analysis
• Authentic Film Stocks: Accurate recreations of 250D, 500T, and 2383 Print Film characteristics
• Custom DCTL Scripts: Advanced color transformation algorithms for deeper control over your look
• Flexible Workflow: Optimized for DaVinci Wide Gamut and ARRI Log C3 color spaces, though compatible with other formats
• Professional Results: Cinema-quality output for projects of any scale

2. Installation

System Requirements

• DaVinci Resolve Studio 18.0 or later
• Windows 10/11, macOS 11.0 or later, or Linux
• 8GB RAM minimum (16GB recommended)
• Compatible GPU with at least 4GB VRAM

Installing Power Grades

1. Extract the downloaded CineCraft Pro+ ZIP file to a location on your computer
2. Open DaVinci Resolve
3. Navigate to the Color page
4. Right-click in the Power Grades album and select "Import"
5. Browse to the "CineCraft_PowerGrades" folder in the extracted files
6. Select all .drx files and click "Open"

Installing DCTL Scripts

1. Navigate to the following directory on your system:
   • Windows: C:\ProgramData\Blackmagic Design\DaVinci Resolve\Support\LUT
   • macOS: /Library/Application Support/Blackmagic Design/DaVinci Resolve/LUT
   • Linux: /home/resolve/LUT
2. Copy the contents of the "CineCraftPro" folder to this location
3. Restart DaVinci Resolve if it was already running

3. Film Stock Emulations

CineCraft Pro+ includes accurate emulations of three iconic film stocks:

Daylight Balanced Stock (250D Emulation)

Based on the characteristics of professional 250D motion picture film, this emulation is optimized for daylight conditions (5500K) and provides:

• Neutral, flattering skin tones
• Fine grain structure
• Slightly warm highlights
• Natural shadow detail with subtle cool tint
• Medium contrast with excellent highlight retention

Ideal for: Exterior scenes, natural lighting conditions, portrait work

Tungsten Balanced Stock (500T Emulation)

Based on the characteristics of professional 500T motion picture film, this emulation is optimized for tungsten lighting (3200K) and provides:

• Higher sensitivity for low-light situations
• Slightly more pronounced grain
• Characteristic blue shadows
• Warm amber highlights
• Rich, saturated colors with a gentle cinematic quality

Ideal for: Interior scenes, night scenes, situations with artificial lighting

Print Film Process (2383 Emulation)

Based on the characteristics of 2383 print film, this emulation recreates the look of projected motion picture film and provides:

• Classic film contrast curve
• Distinctive shadow density
• Gentle highlight rolloff
• Subtle color shifts that defined the golden age of cinema
• Authentic print film color palette

Ideal for: Final output when you want the complete film print look

4. Components Overview

CineCraft Pro+ consists of two main components: Power Grades and DCTL Scripts. These components can be used together or separately depending on your workflow needs.

Power Grades

• Pre-configured node structures that incorporate the DCTL scripts in optimized configurations
• Ready-to-use film looks that require minimal adjustment
• Organized layouts that allow for easy customization

DCTL Scripts

Six core DCTL scripts form the foundation of CineCraft Pro+:

Script Name	Primary Function	Key Parameters
CC+ Vision_Color.dctl	Film Stock Emulation	Film Stock Selection, Effect Strength
CC+ 2383_Film_Print.dctl	Print Film Process	Print Film Type, Effect Strength
CC+ Film_Matrix.dctl	Color Cross-talk	RGB Matrix Transformation
CC+ Contrast.dctl	Film-like Contrast	Contrast, Pivot, Shadow/Highlight Roll-off
CC+ Gamut_Conversion.dctl	Color Space Conversion	Conversion Type
CC+ Saturation_Magic.dctl	Advanced Color Control	Saturation, Skin Tone, Film Density, Split Tone

5. Using Power Grades

CineCraft Pro+ Power Grades are designed to be flexible starting points for your color grade. Each Power Grade is organized in node structures that allow you to make adjustments without breaking the film emulation.

Loading a Power Grade

1. Open your project in DaVinci Resolve
2. Navigate to the Color page
3. In the Power Grades album, locate the CineCraft Pro+ grades
4. Double-click the desired grade to apply it to your current clip

Understanding the Node Structure

Each Power Grade is organized with a specific node structure:

• Node 1: Input Transform - Converts your footage to the proper working color space
• Node 2: Exposure & Balance - For basic exposure and color temperature adjustments
• Node 3: Film Stock - Applies the film stock emulation (250D or 500T)
• Node 4: Print Film - Applies the 2383 print film process
• Node 5: Creative Grade - For additional creative adjustments
• Node 6: Output Transform - Converts back to your desired output color space

6. DCTL Scripts - Technical Reference

These scripts are the engine behind the Power Grades and can also be used independently for advanced customization.

Using DCTL Scripts in Your Workflow

The DCTL scripts in CineCraft Pro+ can be used in several ways:

1. Through Power Grades

The included Power Grades already incorporate these DCTL scripts in optimized node structures. This is the simplest way to access their capabilities.

2. As Individual Nodes

For advanced users, each DCTL can be applied to individual nodes for maximum control:

1. Add a new serial node
2. Right-click the node and select "DCTL"
3. Navigate to the CineCraft folder
4. Select the desired DCTL script
5. Adjust parameters in the OpenFX panel

3. In Custom Node Structures

Create your own custom film emulation pipeline by combining DCTL scripts in specific orders:

1. Start with CC+ Gamut_Conversion.dctl to convert to Linear
2. Apply CC+ Vision_Color.dctl for film stock emulation
3. Use CC+ Film_Matrix.dctl for color cross-talk
4. Apply CC+ Contrast.dctl for film-like contrast
5. Use CC+ Saturation_Magic.dctl for color refinement
6. Finish with CC+ 2383_Film_Print.dctl for the print film look
7. Convert back to your desired output color space

CC+ Vision_Color.dctl - Film Stock Emulation

This is the primary film stock emulation engine that recreates the look and feel of professional motion picture negative films.

Features:

• Precise emulation of 250D and 500T film stocks
• Film-accurate color science with proper cross-talk between channels
• Characteristic curve modeling for highlights and shadows
• Adjustable effect strength

This script uses extensive LUT data derived from real film stock analysis to ensure accurate color reproduction across the entire dynamic range.

CC+ 2383_Film_Print.dctl - Print Film Process

This script simulates the look of motion picture print film, specifically the Kodak 2383 print stock used for theatrical projection.

Available Print Film Variations:

• 2383 18MD - Standard print film look
• 2383 18MD D55 - Daylight balanced print film
• 2383 18MD Cold - Cooler color temperature variant
• 2383 FP - Film print variant
• 2383 FP Cold - Cooler film print variant
• 2383 FP Cold D55 - Daylight balanced cool variant
• 2383 Rec709 - Optimized for Rec.709 output
• 2383 Rec709 Cold - Cooler Rec.709 variant
• 2383 Rec709 Cold D55 - Daylight balanced cool Rec.709

Each print film variation can be adjusted with the Effect Strength parameter to control the intensity of the print film look.

7. Recommended Workflows

Basic Workflow

1. Begin with properly exposed log or RAW footage
2. Apply basic color correction to balance your image
3. Apply the appropriate CineCraft Power Grade or DCTL for your desired look
4. Make fine adjustments to the emulation intensity
5. Add creative adjustments as needed

Advanced Workflow: Negative + Print Process

For a complete film process simulation:

1. Begin with properly exposed log or RAW footage
2. Apply basic color correction to balance your image
3. Apply CineCraft_250D or CineCraft_500T DCTL based on lighting conditions
4. Add a new node and apply CineCraft_2383 DCTL
5. Fine-tune each node as needed

Complete Nodes Workflow

This comprehensive film emulation workflow recreates a complete film production pipeline through a structured node approach:

Node Structure Overview

1. Initial Setup & Input Transform
   • Node 01 (IDT): Camera input node that brings in your source footage.
   • Node 02 (→Linear): Converts the camera's log or raw format to linear color space, preparing it for accurate mathematical operations.
2. Exposure & Balance Adjustment in Linear Space
   • Node 04 ([1] Exp/Balance):
     • Positioned immediately after the Linear conversion
     • Handles exposure adjustments and color balance in linear light space
     • Purpose: Makes critical exposure and color temperature adjustments in a mathematically correct color space
     • Benefits: Physically accurate adjustments, perceptually equal changes, better highlight preservation, avoids unnatural color shifts
3. Color Space Management
   • Color Space Transform Node:
     • Converts between color spaces and gamma encodings
     • Input: Sony S-Log3 footage
     • Output: ARRI LogC3
     • Purpose: Standardizes all footage to a consistent working color space
   • CC+ Gamut_Conversion DCTL:
     • Specialized DCTL for precise color space conversion
     • Specifically converts ARRI LogC3 to Linear
     • Purpose: Provides mathematically accurate conversion optimized for film emulation

8. Technical Specifications

Color Science

CineCraft Pro+ is based on extensive analysis of the spectral response, characteristic curves, and color rendition of actual film stocks. Our emulation algorithms incorporate:

• Film-accurate color cross-talk
• Halation and edge effects
• Characteristic curve response in highlights and shadows
• Stock-specific grain patterns
• Print film density and contrast modeling

Compatible Color Spaces

CineCraft Pro+ is optimized for:

• DaVinci Wide Gamut/DaVinci Intermediate (recommended)
• ARRI LogC3

But also works with the following input color spaces:

• Sony S-Log3
• Canon C-Log
• RED Log3G10
• Panasonic V-Log

Output is calibrated for Rec.709 by default, but can be adjusted for other output color spaces.

File Specifications

• Power Grades: DaVinci Resolve .drx files (compatible with Resolve 18.0+)
• DCTL Scripts: Plain text .dctl files (compatible with Resolve 18.0+)

9. Tips for Best Results

Capture Considerations

• Shoot with proper exposure—film emulation works best with well-exposed footage
• Use log or RAW recording formats when possible
• Consider your lighting carefully—film stocks have different responses to light quality
• For 250D emulation, shoot in daylight or with 5500K lights
• For 500T emulation, shoot in tungsten light or with 3200K lights

Grading Tips

• Start with a clean, balanced image before applying film emulation
• Use the film emulation as a starting point, not a final look
• Adjust the intensity of the emulation based on the specific needs of your footage
• Consider adding subtle film grain for enhanced realism (0.5-2% is typically sufficient)
• Use Power Windows and qualifiers after the film emulation for targeted adjustments
• For best results, make critical exposure and color temperature adjustments in linear light space
• The HSV method provides more perceptually pleasing results for creative color work, while the Subtractive method offers more mathematical precision
• When working with skin tones, start with subtle adjustments to the Skin Tone parameter (±0.1-0.2 range)

10. Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Can I use CineCraft Pro+ with the free version of DaVinci Resolve?

The Power Grades will work with the free version of Resolve, but the DCTL scripts require DaVinci Resolve Studio.

Will future versions be included with my purchase?

Minor updates (1.x) will be provided free to existing customers. Major version upgrades may require an upgrade fee.

Can I use CineCraft Pro+ for commercial projects?

Yes, your license allows use in both personal and commercial projects without additional licensing.

Technical Questions

Why doesn't my footage look exactly like film after applying the emulation?

Film emulation is a starting point. Actual film results vary based on many factors including processing, scanning, and printing. You may need to make additional adjustments to match your specific vision.

Can I stack multiple film emulations?

It's not recommended to stack multiple film stock emulations as this can produce unpredictable results. However, you can use a film stock emulation (250D/500T) followed by the print film (2383) emulation for a complete film process.

Why are my DCTL scripts missing from the list?

Try restarting DaVinci Resolve. If they still don't appear, verify that you've copied the files to the correct LUT directory for your operating system.

11. Support

For additional support with CineCraft Pro+, please use the following resources:

Documentation

• This user manual (available in PDF and Markdown formats)
• Video tutorials: www.example.com/tutorials

Technical Support

Email: contact@danevksy.com
Response time: 10 days