ENDA Episode 212 → The time when ENDA tells a little secret called: Curve Tool (Part 3)

In Part 2, we saw the results of using Max Luma Pixel to replicate flicker, but there’s another curve type we need to be aware of.

If we look through the list in the node, we’ll find Avg Intensities. This curve calculates the average pixel intensity across the region over time. In other words, it gives you the overall intensity changes throughout the sequence.

Once we run Avg Intensities, you’ll notice it creates its own tab in the Curve Tool. From there, we can copy the data into another Grade node, just like before.

However, the result often looks too dark compared to the original screen in the plate.

The solution?

We raise the Multiply value to match the plate’s overall brightness, while keeping the flicker behaviour intact.

When we compare both approaches, Max Luma Pixel vs Avg Intensities, we can see that Max Luma Pixel gives slightly better results for this particular shot. That doesn’t mean Avg Intensities is bad; it just needs a bit more adjustment in the Grade node.

And here’s the important part: this is only true for this situation. Depending on the shot you’re given, you might end up using one curve type, the other… or even combining both to achieve the exact effect the client is asking for.

So, is this the end of the Curve Tool story?

Maybe yes… maybe no…

But if there’s an answer, it will be in a future episode.

So, stay tuned!

The journey continues...