Filmic/Contrast™ DCTL Plug-In

Name: Filmic/Contrast™ DCTL Plug-In
Brand: PixelTools
SKU: filmic-contrast
Price: 79.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.87 (23 reviews)

“I've used many different methods for contrast in Resolve, and this is my favourite by far. Precise, intuitive, and filmic. Couldn't recommend more!”

— Kai Lucchini

Used on productions for Disney+, Apple TV+ & Netflix

COMPLETE THE WORKFLOW

Try the demo — free

Test it in your own project before you buy.

7-Day Satisfaction Guarantee One-time purchase — no subscription

Crafting a signature filmic tone curve has never been easier.

Features

Modern Curves — Scene-referred curve engine gives you a rock-solid foundation for any look or LUT creation.
Lifted Blacks Control — Instantly introduce soft, matte shadows for a contemporary film aesthetic without fiddling with curves or clipping.
Five Curated PowerGrade Curves — Drag-and-drop PowerGrades (Modern, Soft Film, ENR Bleach, Kodak 2383, Fuji 3510) deliver proven starting points that accelerate your grade.
Visual Curve UI — Greyscale ramp and on-screen overlays visualize every adjustment, making fine-tuning fast and intuitive
Wide Color Management Support – Designed around DaVinci Wide Gamut (DWG) and fully compatible with ACES and other professional color managed workflows.
Broad Camera Compatibility – Works perfectly with ARRI, RED (IPP2), Sony, Canon, Panasonic, Blackmagic, Apple Log, DJI, and any input supported by RCM or Color Space Transforms (CST)
Crafted by Professional Colorists – Developed by working colorists for use in real-world film, TV, commercial, and streaming workflows. Currently used on Netflix, Amazon and AppleTV shows!
No Hassle Licensing – One-Time Payment, No Subscription, Free Updates
PixelTools x KaurH - Collaboratively developed with KaurH

What's Included

One Custom DCTLe plug-in file
One Alternate "No Icon" DCTLe plug-in file
Six PowerGrade DRX File
User Guide PDF

Tech Specs

System Requirements

MacOS and Windows: Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Studio 19.1+
NOTE: This Product REQUIRES DaVinci Resolve Studio (DCTLs do not work on the free version)

Demo Version

Click HERE to download Filmic/Contrast™ DCTL Demo

Product Updates

Version 1.2.0 - Released Jan 16, 2026

Added support for DJI D-Log, Apple Log 2, and JPLog2

Version 1.1.0 - Released Sept 29, 2025

Fixed Compilation Error with AMD-Based GPUs

Version 1.0.0 - Released June 25, 2025

Initial Release

Filmic/Contrast™ DCTL Plug-In

$79.99 USD

Stop struggling with curves

Add an analog touch to your digital workflow

Filmic/Contrast™ lets you quickly recreate the timeless feel of analog film by designing a custom contrast curve with soft, smooth highlights and gently lifted shadows.

The One-Node Primary Tool

Prime/Grade

DCTL

Prime/Grade is an all-in-one primaries DCTL for DaVinci Resolve. It consolidates exposure, contrast, balance, and saturation into a single step, letting you build a clean, balanced image without stacking nodes.

Exposure is handled through Linear Gain, Gain, or Offset. Flare and Fill shape the toe, with Fill using an in-house design that lifts shadows without flattening contrast. Contrast offers both S-Curve and Linear behavior, and Temp/Tint balancing operates across Linear Gain, Gain, or Offset. Saturation is built on a subtractive model for a more film-like response under heavy grading.

Five built-in checkers help you read the image as you grade: a ±5 stop False Color, Skin Tone, White Balance, Middle Gray, and Negative. Prime/Grade works internally in DaVinci Wide Gamut Intermediate and supports the same 23 Transfer Functions as the rest of the PixelTools line, so it drops into ACES, RCM, and manual CST workflows without fuss.

Compatible with

Color Managed Workflows

Prime/Grade™ seamlessly integrate with Resolve Color Management (DaVinci Intermediate) and ACES workflows, ensuring accurate and consistent color management throughout your entire post-production pipeline.

Work Faster Using

Blackmagic Control Surfaces

Prime/Grade™ integrates seamlessly with Blackmagic Mini and Advanced Control Surfaces, enabling quick adjustments without disrupting your current grading workflow or established muscle memory.

Filmic/Contrast Examples

Ungraded Rec709

Kodak 2383 Contrast Curve

Ungraded Rec709

Fuji 3510 Contrast Curve

Buy With Confidence

Professional tools, backed by a fair and transparent guarantee.

Our 7-Day Satisfaction Guarantee

Try PixelTools in your real-world workflow. If it’s not the right fit, we’ll help you get the most out of it. And if it still doesn’t match your needs, you’ll receive store credit to choose another PixelTools tool that better fits your workflow.

Built by Working Colorists

Trusted by 30,000+ Professionals

Fair, Transparent Exchange Policy

Filmic/Contrast™ DCTL — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Filmic/Contrast™ DCTL?

Filmic/Contrast™ lets you quickly recreate the timeless feel of analog film by designing a custom contrast curve with soft, smooth highlights and gently lifted shadows — a signature filmic tone curve without fighting Resolve's curve tools. Built for colorists who want an analog touch in a digital workflow.

What's included?

A scene-referred “Modern Curves” engine as a foundation for any look or LUT, a “Lifted Blacks” control for instant soft, matte shadows, and five curated drag-and-drop PowerGrade curves — Modern, Soft Film, ENR Bleach, Kodak 2383 and Fuji 3510 — as proven starting points. A visual greyscale-ramp UI shows every adjustment as you work, with full DaVinci color-management support.

Do I need DaVinci Resolve Studio?

Yes. Filmic/Contrast™ is a DCTL, and DCTL plug-ins run only in DaVinci Resolve Studio — they aren't supported in the free edition.

How do I install it?

Installation is handled by the free PixelTools installer app: download it, run the installer, and Filmic/Contrast™ is placed in the correct Resolve folder automatically.

Can I try Filmic/Contrast™ before buying?

Yes. A free Filmic/Contrast™ demo is available to test in your own footage first.

Is it a one-time purchase or a subscription?

A one-time purchase with free updates — no subscription.