Look up table (LUT) is a Cinematography term in filmmaking. In virtual production, the nuances of this term take on special meaning. Here, we break down the definition to give you a starting point.
View the full Virtual Production Glossary here »
A LUT is a mathematical formula or matrix that acts as a color correction, such as transforming between a RAW camera image and the desired display appearance, such as an SDR or HDR monitor. While this might sound complex at first glance, understanding what they do is actually quite simple.
A LUT works by assigning a specific value to each pixel of an image. When applied to a scene, the values modify the colors and tones of the image based on their assigned luminance. In other words, it takes raw data from the camera and converts it into something more visually appealing for viewers watching at home. Put simply, LUTs allow filmmakers to make subtle adjustments to images to get them just right.
Regarding virtual production, LUTs primarily create certain looks and effects. They can enhance lighting, add warmth to shots, adjust contrast levels, and even apply special effects like film grain. Furthermore, LUTs are incredibly useful for creating consistent visuals across multiple projects with different cameras and settings. This ensures that everything appears unified despite any discrepancies between setups.
The person in charge of using Look Up Tables in virtual production is typically the cinematographer or director. They will often use pre-made LUTs during post-production to get precisely the look they want without having to go through the time-consuming process of manually tweaking every shot themselves. Alternatively, some may opt to customize their own LUTs if they have the knowledge and experience necessary. Either way, LUTs offer an invaluable way of getting shots just right with minimal effort.