Adding Darkness

[finn_mccool]

I hired a professional crew to help me with my first two short (about 40 min. each) films. I really have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to filmmaking, so I decided to hire folks who know what *they're* doing, so my scripts are brought to life with good production values. All the crew members have substantial experience; several have worked on the show "Homocide", one is DP for the Baltimore Ravens, others have similarly strong backgrounds, and they're all exceptional.

Anyway, one thing that has fascinated me (in between watching the actors and making sure the performances are spot-on) is the way the lighting guys use darkness. Flags and black wrap is only the beginning. They have as many black bounce cards as white/silver ones, it seems. They use tons of screens of varying density and thickness. Subtracting the light is, for them, every bit as important as knowing how to add it.

If you haven't had much lighting experience, I highly recommend starting to learn how to subtract light, and putting as much emphasis on that as you do on adding light. It will make a world of difference in your productions; it sure has in mine. I know this isn't very specific in terms of using black, but it may at least get some of you who aren't experienced (like me!) thinking in that direction.

Keith

 

[bcheong]

Totally agreed. What you're talking about here is negative fill (and trimming) which is so critically important in the process. I think for someone looking to put together a lighting kit considering all the various grip accessories - flags, nets, rags, etc is equally if not more important than the lighting units themselves.

 

[Raytracer]

Congrats Finn! Like many, you've recognized your shortcomings and have chosen to invest in professional help to achieve a quality product. Unlike many however, you're paying attention to what's being done and getting a master class in filmmaking while you're at it. I'm envious!

Good luck with your projects and keep sharing that newfound knowledge!

Joe

 

[SilverWolf]

I hired a professional crew to help me with my first two short (about 40 min. each) films. I really have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to filmmaking, so I decided to hire folks who know what *they're* doing, so my scripts are brought to life with good production values. All the crew members have substantial experience; several have worked on the show "Homocide", one is DP for the Baltimore Ravens, others have similarly strong backgrounds, and they're all exceptional.

Anyway, one thing that has fascinated me (in between watching the actors and making sure the performances are spot-on) is the way the lighting guys use darkness. Flags and black wrap is only the beginning. They have as many black bounce cards as white/silver ones, it seems. They use tons of screens of varying density and thickness. Subtracting the light is, for them, every bit as important as knowing how to add it.

If you haven't had much lighting experience, I highly recommend starting to learn how to subtract light, and putting as much emphasis on that as you do on adding light. It will make a world of difference in your productions; it sure has in mine. I know this isn't very specific in terms of using black, but it may at least get some of you who aren't experienced (like me!) thinking in that direction.

Keith

I agree . Watching Ryan , Jeff , Mark , Tim , and Martin work was great. I was amazed at the amount of equipment they had in the grip truck.