DaVinci Resolve Training and Certification Programme Announced

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by Ollie KenchingtonDecember 28^th, 2017

Blackmagic Design have had quite the year. From releasing cutting edge hardware, like their recently announced Decklink 8K Pro, the mighty Ursa Mini Pro and their fantastic Micro and Mini controllers, to the latest major update for DaVinci Resolve. You’d have thought Grant Petty and his team were done for 2017! Today, however, they announced an all new DaVinci Resolve Training and Certification Programme.

Ecosystem

Apple, Adobe and Microsoft all learnt a long time ago that certified trainers and end-users, qualified via the relevant exams, played a key role in the growth of their software communities. Having been both an Apple and Adobe certified trainer during the past ten years, I know only too well what an important part these networks of highly-skilled instructors and training partners play in the ecosystems of these companies.

Courseware

After a lot of preparation, Blackmagic have now announced the start of their own, internationally-recognised, DaVinci Resolve Training and Certification programme. The first course to be available will be a three-day intro to all aspects of DaVinci Resolve 14, based on The Definitive Guide to DaVinci Resolve 14 written by Blackmagic’s own Paul Saccone. An advanced colour grading course, written by my friend and colleague Daria Fissoun, will follow next year and, further down the line, other advanced editing and workflow courses will become available. These too will be based around official courseware and exams, put together by Blackmagic and taught by certified Blackmagic trainers, such as myself.

Blackmagic describe The Definitive Guide to DaVinci Resolve 14 as a “step-by-step training guide that covers basic editing, color correction and Fairlight audio in DaVinci Resolve 14. The book is designed for both new users and established professionals that are switching to DaVinci Resolve from another editing system.”

The Definitive Guide to DaVinci Resolve 14

Certification

All courses will be available online, as well as in a classroom environment. However you choose to learn, the courses are all run by Blackmagic Design Certified Training Partners, such as my own UK company Korro Academy * (you can search for your local one here) and delivered by official certified trainers. With a pass threshold of 80% or higher, their exams will allow only the most highly-skilled end users to become officially recognised by Blackmagic, and will be added to an online database of certified professional users.

Blackmagic Design Training Partner

Trainers

In preparation for the launch of their new training and certification programme, Blackmagic have spent the last twelve months running train-the-trainer courses for around 300 hand-picked specialists from around the world. I was very flattered to be one of the individuals invited to join this group and, with people like Warren Eagles, Denver Riddle, Steve Hullfish, Robbie Carman and others also involved, it’s safe to say that future trainees will be in capable hands!

The DaVinci Resolve Training and Certification Programme is a major new cog in the Blackmagic Design machine, helping to pad out their support offerings around the globe and no doubt leading to more and more skilled operators in their products.

* As one of our sponsors, all cinema5D readers receive a 10% discount off training at Korro Academy using the code KORROC5D

What do you think about certified training? Do you plan on taking the courses or exams? Let us know in the comments below!