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Color Correction - The question often arises if one should color correct in the field or in post. The general rule of thumb is that one optimizes a picture in the field to present maximum color correction options in post. Such color correction may include the "stretching of the blacks" to enhance shadow detail (one can always remove it later by crushing the blacks) or to manipulate knee to gain maximun highlight information.
Independent features may go a different route. Since budgets are often limited, a producer or director may select a set-up that mimics "Bleach Bypass Process," however, one should be aware that once choosing such a set-up, he or she is limiting his or her options for color correction in post.
Recently I worked on a pilot for 20th Century Fox. During our prep day, the DP had me dial in a set-up for the general look of the program. Since the program took place in the '70's, the DP chose a set-up that recorded a slightly desaturated image that crushed the blacks by 5% (much like the look of film stocks from that era). We stayed with that general color palette for the entire show but there were instances in which we had to manipulate the "blacks" and "highlights" due to atmospheric conditions (overcast, direct sun, haze).