Keep VFX Color Consistent by Design
We bring OpenColorIO, compositing software, shot metadata, and HDR review into a unified workflow—building a clear, consistent, and repeatable VFX color pipeline that lets artists focus on their creative work.
Production-Optimized OpenColorIO Custom Config
Using a generic config as-is can result in too many unnecessary color spaces and display options, making workflows more complex and increasing the risk of setup errors.
We create Custom Configs tailored to your production—from shooting and VFX to grading and delivery—keeping only the necessary functions and integrating production-specific elements such as LMTs and Show LUTs.
- Integrate production-specific LMTs, including Show LUTs, CDLs, and CMTs
- Add custom color spaces where needed to simplify workflow design and configuration
- Streamline available settings and reduce unnecessary UI options to help prevent artist setup and selection errors
Beyond delivering the Custom Config itself, we provide technical guidance on OpenColorIO, help establish practical operating guidelines, and support your team in building the knowledge and processes needed to maintain and update the Custom Config in-house.
Color Management Setup for Nuke and After Effects
Even when using the same OpenColorIO configuration, Nuke and After Effects differ in where color transforms are applied and how color is processed internally.
We clarify the entire color pipeline—from media ingest and compositing to monitoring and final output—so that your team understands exactly where and how each color transform is applied.
- Correctly configure input color spaces and scene-linear transforms for source media
- Set up and manage an appropriate working color space, such as ACEScg
- Properly configure LMTs, including Show LUTs and CDLs
- Configure viewer settings and manage output transforms correctly within the application
Rather than simply providing recommended settings, we explain the color processing that takes place behind them and how each setting affects the pipeline. Our goal is to give your team the understanding needed to diagnose and troubleshoot color issues independently.
Automated Shot-Level Application of CDL and Show LUTs
Manually rebuilding CDL and Show LUT settings for every shot—whether established on set or during match grading—can be time-consuming and prone to missing or incorrect configurations.
By leveraging CDL data embedded in EDLs and metadata carried through AMF, we can build automated workflows that reliably reconstruct the correct color settings for each shot.
- Associate shot names and clip metadata with the correct CDL and Show LUT
- Automatically apply color settings to compositing scripts and templates
- Standardize color transforms across review media, VFX plates, and final deliverables
- Design logging and validation processes to verify processing results
We review your existing naming conventions and production management systems, then design an approach that can be integrated with minimal disruption to your current workflow.
Building a Reliable HDR Review Environment
A reliable HDR review environment requires more than just an HDR-capable monitor. The entire signal chain—including software, video output hardware, signal formats, monitor configuration, and viewing conditions—needs to be properly validated.
We design and configure HDR review environments tailored to the capabilities of your display system and the purpose of the review, providing a trustworthy reference for creative and technical decisions.
- Verify the HDR signal path, metadata, and signal range settings
- Measure peak luminance, black level, color gamut, and EOTF performance
- Define appropriate roles for reference monitors and consumer Smart TVs within the review workflow
- Establish procedures for calibration and periodic quality verification
We recommend the appropriate level of accuracy and a practical equipment configuration based on the purpose of the review—whether evaluating shots during compositing or reviewing material for client approval.
Image quality evaluation of generated AI video and introduction to production flow
Generative AI images and video may look convincing at first glance, yet reveal issues in fine detail, frame-to-frame consistency, HDR conversion, or after compression. We objectively evaluate whether the results meet the quality requirements for final delivery.
- Quantitatively analyze dynamic range and bit depth
- Compare improvement methods, including pre-processing, post-processing, and upscaling
We evaluate where Generative AI can be used most effectively within the production workflow and what additional processing may be required to meet final delivery requirements, including 4K and HDR.
Color Management Workshop
A solid understanding of color management is essential for modern content production. However, with limited access to practical learning resources, many professionals have had few opportunities to study it in a structured and hands-on way.
At PixCal Solutions, we offer customized color management workshops tailored to your team’s experience level, production environment, and specific needs.
- What is Color?
- Basics of Color Space
- About Color Pipeline
- About ACES
In addition to the topics above, we can also offer more advanced, hands-on sessions covering LUTs, CLF, AMF, DCTL, OCIO, and other technologies used in modern color-managed workflows.
From Targeted Configuration Reviews to End-to-End Production Pipeline Design
We review your current software, source material, delivery requirements, and team structure to identify where issues are occurring. Depending on your needs, we provide support ranging from troubleshooting existing productions and developing Custom Configs to building custom tools and providing workflow training.