FilmConvert Halation for Nitrate Announced – A New Add-on to Mimic the Filmic Look

Software Update

by Jose PradaNovember 6^th, 2023

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FilmConvert has just announced Halation, a new add-on for FilmConvert Nitrate, the popular color grading tool for Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro X, and DaVinci Resolve. The halation effect adds glow to the brightest parts of the image, softening the final result and cutting off the digital edge many new cameras produce.

Many of us were raised in an era where almost every movie was shot on celluloid. That gave us a perception of what ‘cinematic’ or ‘filmic’ is, both terms so hard to define, but so easy to identify. Of course, a ‘cinematic’ image is not only defined by its texture but is the result of a blend of all the filmmaking elements, including lighting, art direction, wardrobe, etc.

Digital imitating analog

But let’s talk about texture here. Since digital filmmaking has become the standard, the texture of the image has changed. However, many filmmakers using digital cameras still pursue that analog touch, looking for a way to make ‘digital’ less digital. A few solutions included adding softening filters to the lens, reducing camera sharpness, lighting more evenly to avoid pushing digital sensors, or adding filters and processing the image in postproduction.

Many editing tools include ways to achieve that kind of image, and many plug-ins have been released through the years to mimic that analog look. FilmConvert Nitrate is amongst the most popular, thanks to its film emulations and grain. They even released Apple Log support recently to allow iPhone 15 Pro users to achieve that look.

FilmConvert Nitrate Halation – another tool in the bag

Now, FilmConvert are announcing Halation as the latest add-on for their famous plug-in. Halation, when used subtly, mimics the natural glow effect produced when shooting on film, a red glow that happens particularly around strong light sources. When used intensely, the final image has that dreamy, romantic look of many 80’s music videos and movies. As always, taste and personal preference are critical when using this and other effects.

FilmConvert Nitrate Halation’s main parameters will enable us to control sensitivity, strength, hue, and softness in the final image. Other more specific settings will allow us to have extra control over our images and customize the halation.

Price and Availability

FilmConvert Nitrate Halation will be released on November 20, and it will be available as an extra feature of FilmConvert Nitrate for $59. It will also be included in the main program for new license purchases.

What do you think of halation in digital footage? Do you like its effect, or do you prefer to keep the digital character in your footage? Let us know in the comments!’

Featured image by Alex Cormier.