Can an Adjustment Layer Override Settings in Layers Below?

[The Mavo]

I know an adjustment layer in After Effects applies settings within that adjustment layer to all the layers below. However, I would like to know if there is a way to have an adjustment layer override the settings already present in layers below. This, rather than the adjustment layer simply adding more settings to the layers below.

Specifically, I have a layer that contains video that is color graded using the Lumetri Color effect. But, at certain points in the composition, that video needs to assume a completely different color grade.

Currently, to attain the effect, I use two separate regular layers. The first layer contains the video footage with one color grade; the second layer has the same footage with the other grade. The cuts, edits, speed, etc., between the two layers is kept identical. I transition between the two grades—and layers—using masks as needed.

But, using this approach can make it a bit cumbersome to change the video. If I need to change the in- or out-points of the video, the speed or another characteristic, I would need to do so to at least two layers and match the layers.

Hence my question about adjustment layers. Or, perhaps there’s a better way not mentioned here...?

[Roland Kahlenberg]

Adjustment Layers are rendered/processed after the layers beneath it. So, it's a lot tricky for the layers below to respond to the Adjustment Layer. The converse is of course possible and needs insights into exactly what you're doing in order for this sort of setup to work - perhaps a second instance of Lumetri Color? Another tip is that you can create an Expression link between two Mask Paths - this feature may help you speed up your workflow if you're not currently using it and it's a viable option in your workflow.

HTH

[Mylenium]

Simply pre-compose the layers to isolate the content from the layer properties. The comps can be much longer than needed right from the start, they can be larger and inside them you can add effects, extend, trim and cut as you please while everything can still be edited in the parent comp. Likewise, any masking work may be facilitated if you actually created them inside a pre-comp as well and assigned them as mattes. That way they, too, can be edited, retimed and whatever just as easily and a simple inversion can make them useful on both layers just like the matte could be used to cut out adjustment layers or be the basis for them, which kind of is the point. A little more structure goes a long way...

Mylenium

[Rick Gerard]

If you want to change the color correction on a single video and don't want to set up keyframes or split the layer, the simplest workflow would be to add two full-frame masks by double-clicking the Rectangle Tool, duplicate the effect (Lumetri), then add compositing options by selecting Mask 1 for the first instance and Mask 2 for the second instance. You can then animate mask opacity to switch between the two effects. 

Adjustment layers tend to be overused, but if your project benefits from adjustment layers and the color correction needs to affect everything below them, there is nothing that is keeping you from stacking two adjustment layers, adding Lumetri to both, setting up your color correction, then just animating the opacity of the adjustment layers. 

Compositing Options Animation:

Adjustment layer Opacity:

Use your own clips for the project file or download the sample video here: https://stock.adobe.com/video/attractive-tourist-in-a-hat-in-new-york-city/315658170