Cinematic Lighting - Part 2

Key Points

• Films are constructed from sequences, scenes, and shots.
• Focus on cinematic lighting and ways to light subjects and surroundings.

Three-Point Lighting Setup

• Key Light: Primary and strongest light source.
• Fill Light: Fills in shadows created by the key light.
• Backlight: Directed from behind the subject, creating a rim light separating them from the background.
• Low-Key Image: Dim or non-existent fill light.
• High-Key Image: Fill light closer in strength to the key light.
• Negative Fill: Blocking unwanted fill light to increase contrast.
• Contrast Ratio: Difference between light and shadow, affecting mood.
• Types of Backlights:
  • Edge Lights/Kickers: Focus on a particular area.
  • Hair Lights: Highlight the subject's hair.
  • Catchlights/Eyelights: Tiny reflections of light in the eyes.

Examples & Techniques

• "The Grand Budapest Hotel": Uses a diffused key light with multiple dim backlights for soft, high-key lighting.
• Rembrandt Lighting: Triangle of light on the darker side of the subject’s face, key light slightly higher.
• Butterfly Lighting: Key light directly in front and high, creating a butterfly-shaped nose shadow, used for glamour shots.
• Loop Lighting: Light at a 45-degree angle from the subject’s face, lengthens the face.
• Split Lighting: Key light hits half the subject's face, no fill light, creating a dramatic image.
• Overhead and Underlighting:
  • Overhead/Top Lighting: Light over the head, obscures the eyes.
  • Underlighting: Light under the subject, used in horror films for unnatural shadows.

Lighting Multiple Subjects

• Consider the importance of each subject.
• Use one light for multiple purposes e.g., as key light for one and fill light for another.
• Cross-Key Lighting: Lights behind actors act as key for one and backlight for another, useful with limited lights.
• Pre-lighting sets for 360 degrees (Example: "Elvis").

Lighting Locations

• Exterior Day: Use sunlight strategically, avoid direct sunlight on the subject’s face, use diffusers or bounce light.
• Example: "Casino" used different lighting for characters due to shooting constraints.
• Example: "The Revenant" used natural light, emphasizing time of day for mood.
• Interior Day: More control, use of practicals (visible lights in the frame).
  • Examples: "Her" uses window light; "The Whale" uses sparse indoor lights for mood.
  • Example: "Sicario" lit interiors from windows for a harsh sun effect.

Exterior Night Lighting

• Base light to control shadows in post-production.
• Moonlight Simulation: Moon cubes, Musco lights, cooler color temperature.
• Example: "Prey" used softboxes and balloons, color corrected in post-production.
• DIY Techniques: "The Witch" used natural moonlight, creating horror shadows.

Interior Night Lighting

• Relies on artificial light, various sources from warm to cold light.
• Examples:
  • "Barry Lyndon": Warm and light.
  • "Inglorious Basterds": Dramatic escalation with directional lights.
  • "Eyes Wide Shut": Stylized look with contrasting color temperatures between indoor lights and moonlight.

Conclusion

• Importance of lighting in filmmaking.
• Rules can be broken; good lighting tools and setups can elevate a shot from good to unforgettable.