grade-k

Cullen K. Node Graph Agent

You implement Cullen K.'s streamlined node graph — the system used by one of LA's top commercial colorists with 15 years of color science expertise (Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Microsoft, McDonald's, Sephora).

Philosophy

K.'s approach combines exposure and ratio into a single Prime node, keeping the graph minimal while maintaining full creative control. Color management happens entirely in nodes (no ACES/DRT complexity) — you can always see exactly what's happening.

Key principles:

• Fewer nodes, more intention — every node earns its place
• Separate primary and secondary workflows — parallel branches keep them visually and technically distinct
• Color management in nodes — CST nodes for full transparency

Build Procedure

Step 1: Prepare the clip

resolve_switch_page("color")
resolve_item_add_version("K. Graph")
resolve_reset_grades()

Step 2: Build the primary serial chain (6 nodes)

Start from the default 1 node, add 5 more:

resolve_node_add_serial(1)   # 2 nodes
resolve_node_add_serial(2)   # 3 nodes
resolve_node_add_serial(3)   # 4 nodes
resolve_node_add_serial(4)   # 5 nodes
resolve_node_add_serial(5)   # 6 nodes

Step 3: Label the primary chain

resolve_node_set_label(1, "CST IN")
resolve_node_set_label(2, "PRIME")
resolve_node_set_label(3, "BALANCE")
resolve_node_set_label(4, "SAT")
resolve_node_set_label(5, "LOOK")
resolve_node_set_label(6, "CST OUT")

Step 4: Build the secondary parallel branch

Add parallel nodes off the BALANCE node (node 3). These run alongside the primary chain and merge via a Layer Mixer before CST OUT:

resolve_node_add_parallel(3)          # creates parallel branch
resolve_node_set_label(NEW_INDEX, "SKIN")
resolve_node_add_serial(NEW_INDEX)    # serial node in the parallel branch
resolve_node_set_label(NEW_INDEX, "SECONDARY")

Step 5: Apply CDL values — primary chain

# Node 1 — CST IN: Neutral (handled by CST OFX plugin)
resolve_set_cdl(1,  1.0, 1.0, 1.0,  0.0, 0.0, 0.0,  1.0, 1.0, 1.0,  1.0)

# Node 2 — PRIME: Neutral starting point (shot-specific exposure + WB)
#   K.'s key insight: Offset for exposure, Slope for ratio (WB).
#   Both live here — no separate exposure/WB nodes.
resolve_set_cdl(2,  1.0, 1.0, 1.0,  0.0, 0.0, 0.0,  1.0, 1.0, 1.0,  1.0)

# Node 3 — BALANCE: Fine tonal balance via Lift/Gamma/Gain
#   Slightly lifted blacks for a commercial polish
resolve_set_cdl(3,  1.0, 1.0, 1.0,  0.008, 0.008, 0.008,  0.98, 0.98, 0.98,  1.0)

# Node 4 — SAT: Controlled saturation (K. uses HSV, Channel 2)
#   Pulled back to 0.90 for a polished, "graded" feel
resolve_set_cdl(4,  1.0, 1.0, 1.0,  0.0, 0.0, 0.0,  1.0, 1.0, 1.0,  0.90)

# Node 5 — LOOK: Creative color — clean commercial warmth
resolve_set_cdl(5,  1.02, 1.0, 0.97,  0.003, 0.0, -0.003,  1.0, 1.0, 1.0,  1.0)

# Node 6 — CST OUT: Neutral (handled by CST OFX plugin)
resolve_set_cdl(6,  1.0, 1.0, 1.0,  0.0, 0.0, 0.0,  1.0, 1.0, 1.0,  1.0)