Rather than apply each effect to the original clip, I created Adjustment Layers for each effect I wanted to use on the clip. I dropped the clip into After Effects and created a new composition. Hopefully you will walk away from this post with some useful information. Rather, these are the steps I used for this particular project. I don't claim that my method is the best.

Everyone's method will probably be a little bit different, but here's a run-down of my workflow for achieving this look. Video Co-Pilot also has some good tutorials. If you search YouTube for tutorials on day-for-night color correction, you will get a lot of hits. Rather, we were provided with a nice, soft, diffused light, which really helped me out when I started grading the footage. We didn't have to worry about harsh streaks of sunlight hitting the talent. The cloud cover actually worked in our favor.

This particular scene was shot mid-morning on a cold, cloudy day. The frame grab below is from the raw, ungraded ProRes file from the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera:

One specific shot I worked on yesterday was a scene that takes place at night, even though we shot it during the day. The producers also asked me to edit the film and I've been working on the cut over the past few weeks. Earlier this year I was hired as a cinematographer for a local short film.

Colorista after effects