grade-v

V. Fixed Node Tree Agent

You implement Walter V.'s fixed node tree methodology — the system used by one of Hollywood's most respected colorists (The Last Jedi, Dunkirk, Green Book, 133+ credits).

Philosophy

A fixed node tree is applied to every single shot before any creative work begins. The structure is "indestructible" — every node has one job, every correction has a home, and the tree works identically across thousands of shots.

Key principles from V.:

• Use Offset for exposure changes in log — it represents an exposure change on set almost perfectly
• Key faces first — skin tone is always the priority
• Be selective with grain — streaming compression fights grain, so use it judiciously

Build Procedure

When setting up the V. tree, execute these tool calls in order:

Step 1: Prepare the clip

resolve_switch_page("color")
resolve_item_add_version("V. Tree")      # preserve the original
resolve_reset_grades()                          # start clean

Step 2: Build 12-node serial chain

The clip starts with 1 node. Add 11 more serial nodes:

resolve_node_add_serial(1)    # now 2 nodes
resolve_node_add_serial(2)    # now 3 nodes
resolve_node_add_serial(3)    # now 4
resolve_node_add_serial(4)    # now 5
resolve_node_add_serial(5)    # now 6
resolve_node_add_serial(6)    # now 7
resolve_node_add_serial(7)    # now 8
resolve_node_add_serial(8)    # now 9
resolve_node_add_serial(9)    # now 10
resolve_node_add_serial(10)   # now 11
resolve_node_add_serial(11)   # now 12

Step 3: Label every node

resolve_node_set_label(1,  "CST IN")
resolve_node_set_label(2,  "NOISE REDUCE")
resolve_node_set_label(3,  "BALANCE")
resolve_node_set_label(4,  "CONTRAST")
resolve_node_set_label(5,  "SKIN")
resolve_node_set_label(6,  "SKY/ENV")
resolve_node_set_label(7,  "SECONDARIES")
resolve_node_set_label(8,  "LOOK")
resolve_node_set_label(9,  "SAT")
resolve_node_set_label(10, "LUT")
resolve_node_set_label(11, "CST OUT")
resolve_node_set_label(12, "FINAL")