UP.GRADE, the first long-term training programme for Color Grading, combines two central thematic poles throughout the programme, equipping young talents with both the practical skills and the creative mind-set needed to make powerful, innovative cinema. The past few months we dove deeply into theoretical topics as scientific modelling of colour perception and reproduction, gamma encoding, colour spaces, LUT's, CDL, ACES, HDR, grading strategies and client management as well as receiving an intensive practical skill training on various grading systems (Davinci Resolve, FilmLight's Baselight and Digital Vision's Nucoda), collaborative look design, advanced techniques in colour grading (e.g. skin fixing, sky replacement, day for night, de- and re-graining, etc.) colour management and display calibration, filmscanning, archiving and restoration. All topics are presented by well established colourists, cinematographers, researchers and consultants such as Adam Inglis, Charles Poynton, Daniel Stübner, Daniele Siragusano, Harald Brendel, Kevin Shaw and Peter Doyle. “As the post-production business rapidly changes, I feel that future great colourists will be distinguished by a solid understanding of the medium both technically and creatively. The diverse background of students and teachers at UP.GRADE creates a stimulating and inspiring environment in which the sharing of ideas and experience pushes our craft forward and enables colourists to sharpen their edge.”Adam Inglis, Colourist, e.g. [...]