Help with interview lighting & HVX

[Jim Arthurs]

Hi all,

Setting up some lighting schemes for generic interview situations, did this quick test, looking for feedback.

http://ftp.datausa.com/imageshoppe/outgoing/HVX_TESTS/kristi_interview.jpg

The setup: Early morning, shooting into sun, subject somewhat isolated from BG, used amber board for right fill, reflector bounced through 4 by 4 silk for main key.

http://ftp.datausa.com/imageshoppe/outgoing/HVX_TESTS/Kristi_park_small.mov

Please download the clip if you can spare the time, as it shows the motion and play of lighting better as the talent turns from side to side (18 megs, Sorenson QT... PLEASE...save to disk and not try to stream).

In general, the HVX is a great performer, especially given the challenge of this particular setup.

BTW, the clip is processed through the CineForm codec via ConnectHD in Vegas.

Regards,

Jim Arthurs

NOTE: Edited to fix movie link...

[Jim Arthurs]

Okay, one more for the heck of it... this time a two shot.

http://ftp.datausa.com/imageshoppe/outgoing/HVX_TESTS/Both_interview.jpg

Everything exactly the same, just wider and a bit of re-framing. The lighting rig is the same, I should have flagged the blonde-hair of Paula a bit more, as it was set right for the brown hair of Kristi... Thanks to both Paula and Kristi for putting up with the process...

And here's a QT for grins...

http://ftp.datausa.com/imageshoppe/outgoing/HVX_TESTS/BOTH_small.mov

Regards,

Jim Arthurs

[ericcosh]

Very nice Jim. Did you shoot this at Garden of the Gods? Looks kind of like it.
eric

[Jim Arthurs]

Hah!

Good eye, yes that was at GOG on Tuesday morning... I doubt the talent appreciated being put in front of a couple of rest rooms in the BG behind the little bridge, but that's where the gear wound up... :)

Jim Arthurs

[bikefilms]

Jim,

The quality of light looks nice with the diffusion you used. I'd try brightening up the subjects a bit to set them off the BG. Keep posting,

a

[for_mlove]

Looks nice Jim. Af first glance though, I thought it almost looked like it was green screened. Am I just imagining things or does it look like that to anyone else? Would shallower depth of field take some of that away??

I'm no pro so feel free to tell me I'm crazy.

[imgentertainment@mac]

Looks good could use a little more just a little more key light. Or a relector off camera left

[Jim Arthurs]

Looks nice Jim. Af first glance though, I thought it almost looked like it was green screened. Am I just imagining things or does it look like that to anyone else? Would shallower depth of field take some of that away??

I'm no pro so feel free to tell me I'm crazy.

No, it's sure not green screen... interesting observation though... would have to have been the best key EVER from an HVX, I mean with the frizzy hair and all. Every key I've seen so far on-line from HVX material has a "ratty" quality to the fine edges of the hair, no matter what the DP and FX guy does. There's ALWAYS an edge issue.

Check out the actual clips to see in motion, I think that helps...

I do agree that opening up, ND'ing down and backing out a bit with a touch more telephoto would serve to pop them off the BG, especially in a still image. And of course a 35 adaptor for that ultimate DOF look...

Regards,

Jim Arthurs

[cinemakinoeye]

Consider making the key light on the subject a tad on the warm side and the back lights a tad on the cool side. 1/4 CTB (Blue) and 1/8 CTO (Orange) might do the trick. By warming up the key a tad and the cooling the background a tad you increase the perception of dimensionality. There is no formula for this, it depends on the subject, skin tone, setting, etc. I keep the range of CTO and CTB in addition to Bastard Amber, Straw, Surprise Pink, No Color Blue etc. in my gel kit for stuff like this.