Creating Cinematic Videos in Premiere Pro with LUTs – A Step-by-Step Guide

Do you want to take your videos to the next level and make them look like they were shot by a professional filmmaker? With the help of LUTs (Look-Up Tables), you can achieve that cinematic look and feel in a matter of minutes. LUTs are a great tool for color grading your footage and giving it a specific mood or style.

Premiere Pro is a powerful video editing software that allows you to apply LUTs to your footage with just a few clicks. LUTs work by mapping the colors in your footage to a new set of colors, giving it a different look and feel. Whether you’re going for a warm, vintage look or a cool, futuristic vibe, LUTs can help you achieve the desired effect.

So, how do you create cinematic videos using LUTs in Premiere Pro? First, you need to find the right LUTs for your project. There are plenty of websites and marketplaces where you can download free or paid LUTs. Look for LUTs that match the aesthetic you’re going for and download them to your computer.

Once you have your LUTs, you can easily apply them to your footage in Premiere Pro. Simply import your footage into the program, drag it onto the timeline, and then go to the Effects panel. Search for the “Lumetri Color” effect and drag it onto your footage. In the Lumetri Color panel, you’ll find a section called “Basic Correction” where you can apply your LUT.

Click on the drop-down menu next to “Input LUT” and select “Browse…”. Navigate to the folder where you saved your LUTs, select the one you want to use, and click “Open”. Instantly, you’ll see your footage transform with the new colors and mood of the LUT. You can adjust the intensity of the LUT by changing the “Intensity” slider.

With just a few simple steps, you can make your videos look like they were shot on a professional camera and edited by a seasoned filmmaker. So, go ahead and experiment with LUTs in Premiere Pro and take your videos to the next level!

What Are LUTs and How Do They Work?

A Look-Up Table, or LUT, is a mathematical formula used in video editing to convert one set of colors to another. It is essentially a mapping function that transforms the color values of an image or video clip. LUTs are widely used in the film industry to achieve specific looks and color grades.

When editing a video, LUTs can be applied to the footage to achieve different cinematic styles and moods. For example, a LUT can be used to give a video a vintage look by adding a warm color tone and adjusting the contrast. Alternatively, a LUT can be used to create a cool and desaturated look.

LUTs work by manipulating the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color channels of an image or video clip. Each pixel in the image or video is analyzed, and its color values are transformed based on the predefined mapping in the LUT. The transformed color values are then used to create the final image or video with the desired look.

There are two main types of LUTs: 1D LUTs and 3D LUTs. 1D LUTs only affect the brightness and contrast of the image. They map the input values to the corresponding output values in a linear fashion. On the other hand, 3D LUTs affect both the color and brightness of the image. They use a 3D cube to map the input RGB values to the corresponding output values.

In Adobe Premiere Pro, LUTs can be applied to video clips through the Lumetri Color panel. By importing a LUT file, you can instantly change the look and feel of your footage. Premiere Pro supports both 1D and 3D LUTs, giving you flexibility in achieving your desired cinematic style.

Advantages of using LUTs in Premiere Pro

Time-saving: Applying a LUT to your footage can instantly transform it, saving you time on manual color grading. Consistency: LUTs can help you achieve a consistent look across multiple videos or scenes. Professional looks: With the wide range of LUTs available, you can easily achieve professional-grade color grading in your videos. Experimentation: LUTs allow you to experiment with different looks and styles, giving you creative freedom in your editing process.

In conclusion, LUTs are a powerful tool in video editing that allow you to achieve cinematic looks and color grades in a quick and efficient manner. By understanding how LUTs work and utilizing them in Premiere Pro, you can elevate the visual quality of your videos and create stunning cinematic effects.

Benefits of Using LUTs in Premiere Pro

Using Look-Up Tables (LUTs) in Premiere Pro has several benefits that can greatly enhance the quality and visual aesthetic of your videos. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Time-saving: Applying LUTs to your footage can save you a significant amount of time during the color grading process. Instead of manually adjusting every color parameter, LUTs allow you to instantly apply a pre-designed look to your footage with just a few clicks.

2. Consistency: LUTs help you maintain a consistent visual style throughout your project. By using the same LUT across multiple shots or scenes, you can create a cohesive and professional look that ties everything together.

3. Easy experimentation: LUTs provide a quick and easy way to experiment with different looks and styles. You can quickly apply different LUTs to your footage and see how they affect the overall mood and tone. This allows you to explore creative options and find the perfect look for your project.

4. Professional-grade results: LUTs are often created by professional colorists or filmmakers who have expertise in color grading. By using these pre-designed LUTs in your workflow, you can achieve high-quality, cinematic results without requiring extensive knowledge of color grading principles.

5. Customization options: Although LUTs provide a ready-to-use look, they can still be customized to your specific needs. Premiere Pro allows you to adjust the intensity or opacity of the applied LUT, giving you the flexibility to fine-tune the look and make it fit your vision perfectly.

6. Compatibility: LUTs are widely supported by various video editing software and devices. This means that LUTs created in Premiere Pro can be easily imported and used in other software applications or even on external devices, ensuring seamless integration into your workflow.

In conclusion, using LUTs in Premiere Pro offers numerous benefits, including time-saving, consistency, easy experimentation, professional-grade results, customization options, and compatibility. Incorporating LUTs into your video editing workflow can greatly enhance the visual appeal and overall quality of your videos.

Finding and Downloading LUTs

Using LUTs (Look Up Tables) can greatly enhance the cinematic look of your videos in Premiere Pro. Luckily, finding and downloading LUTs is a fairly straightforward process. Here are a few ways you can locate and obtain LUTs:

• Online LUT Marketplaces: There are several online marketplaces where you can purchase or download free LUTs. Some popular options include sites like PremiumBeat, RocketStock, and Lutify.me. These marketplaces offer a wide range of LUTs that are specifically designed to give your footage a cinematic feel.
• Individual LUT Creators: Many filmmakers and video editors create and share their own LUTs for others to use. You can often find these creators on platforms like YouTube or Instagram. They may provide free downloads of their LUTs or offer them for purchase. Following these creators can be a great way to stay updated on the latest trends and techniques in cinematic color grading.
• Premiere Pro Built-In LUTs: Premiere Pro comes with a variety of built-in LUTs that you can use right away. To access these LUTs, go to the “Creative” tab in the Lumetri Color panel. Here, you can browse through the available options and apply them to your footage. While these built-in LUTs may not be as customizable as others, they can still be useful for achieving certain looks quickly.

Once you’ve found a LUT that you like, downloading it is usually a simple process. Most websites will provide a download link or button next to the LUT, allowing you to save it to your computer. Make sure to keep track of where you save your LUTs so that you can easily access them in Premiere Pro.

After downloading the LUT, you can import it into Premiere Pro by going to the “Color” workspace and opening the Lumetri Color panel. From there, click on the “Browse…” button in the Creative section and locate the downloaded LUT on your computer. Once imported, the LUT will appear in the dropdown menu, ready to be applied to your footage.

By exploring online marketplaces, following LUT creators, and utilizing the built-in LUTs in Premiere Pro, you’ll have plenty of options for finding and downloading LUTs to enhance the cinematic look of your videos.

Applying LUTs in Premiere Pro

To apply a LUT (Look-Up Table) in Premiere Pro, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Premiere Pro and create a new project or open an existing one.

Step 2: Import your footage by clicking on the “Media Browser” tab and selecting the files you want to work with. You can also use the “File” menu and choose “Import” to import your files.

Step 3: Create a new sequence by dragging your footage from the “Project” panel and dropping it onto the “New Item” button at the bottom of the panel. Alternatively, you can right-click on your footage and select “New Sequence from Clip”.

Step 4: Open the “Effects” panel by clicking on the “Window” menu and selecting “Effects”. Alternatively, you can use the shortcut “Shift+7” to open the panel.

Step 5: In the “Effects” panel, type “Lumetri” in the search box to find the “Lumetri Color” effect. Drag and drop the effect onto your footage in the “Timeline” panel.

Step 6: With your footage selected, go to the “Effect Controls” panel. Here you will see the “Lumetri Color” effect applied to your footage.

Step 7: In the “Effect Controls” panel, navigate to the “Basic Correction” section and click on the “Input LUT” dropdown menu.

Step 8: Select “Browse…” to locate the LUT file on your computer. Once you find the LUT file, click “Open” to apply it to your footage.

Step 9: You can further adjust the intensity of the LUT by using the “Intensity” slider in the “Lumetri Color” effect controls.

Step 10: Continue editing your footage as desired, adding other effects, adjusting colors, or applying additional LUTs if necessary.

Remember, applying a LUT can drastically change the look and feel of your footage. It’s always a good idea to experiment with different LUTs and make adjustments to achieve the desired cinematic effect.

Tips for Creating Cinematic Videos with LUTs

Using LUTs (Look-Up Tables) in Premiere Pro can greatly enhance the cinematic look and feel of your videos. Here are some tips to help you create stunning cinematic videos using LUTs:

1. Choose the Right LUT: There are various LUTs available, so it’s important to choose the one that best matches the mood and style you want to convey in your video. Experiment with different LUTs to find the perfect one for your footage.

2. Adjust Exposure and Color Balance: Before applying a LUT, make sure your footage is properly exposed and color balanced. This will ensure that the LUT enhances the right colors and tones in your video.

3. Don’t Overdo It: While LUTs can add a lot of visual impact to your videos, it’s important not to overdo it. Avoid applying multiple LUTs or applying a LUT that is too strong, as it can make your video look unnatural. Subtle adjustments are often more effective.

4. Customize the LUT: LUTs can be adjusted to better suit your footage. Premiere Pro allows you to customize LUTs by tweaking the intensity, saturation, and other parameters. Experiment with these settings to achieve the desired cinematic look.

5. Use LUTs in Combination: If you want to create a unique and stylized look, try using multiple LUTs in combination. Layering different LUTs can create interesting effects and give your videos a truly cinematic look.

6. Apply LUTs to Specific Scenes: Instead of applying a LUT to the entire video, consider applying it only to specific scenes or segments. This can help differentiate different moods or locations within your video, adding depth and visual interest.

7. Experiment and Iterate: Creating cinematic videos with LUTs is an art form, so don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Keep refining your LUT choices and adjustments until you achieve the desired cinematic look.

8. Use LUTs as a Starting Point: While LUTs can significantly enhance your videos, they should not be the only tool in your arsenal. Consider using LUTs as a starting point and then further refine your footage using other color grading techniques.

By following these tips, you can create cinematic videos that captivate your audience and leave a lasting impression. Have fun exploring the world of LUTs in Premiere Pro and unleash your creativity!

Question-Answer:

What are LUTs and how can they improve my videos?

LUTs, or Look-Up Tables, are color grading presets that can be applied to your videos to give them a cinematic look. They can help enhance the overall mood, add visual interest, and create a consistent aesthetic throughout your video.

Are LUTs only available in Premiere Pro?

No, LUTs can be applied in various video editing software, including Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve, among others. The process of applying LUTs may differ slightly between different software, but the concept remains the same.

Where can I find LUTs to use in my videos?

There are several websites and online marketplaces where you can find both free and paid LUTs. Some popular options include Adobe’s Creative Cloud marketplace, LUTify.me, and RocketStock. You can also create your own LUTs by adjusting the color grading settings in your video editing software.

Can LUTs be customized to fit the specific look I want for my video?

Yes, LUTs can be customized to some extent. Most video editing software allows you to adjust the intensity or strength of the LUT, as well as make additional color grading adjustments to fine-tune the overall look. However, keep in mind that LUTs are generally designed to work best with footage that is properly exposed and balanced.