Bringing out the Party in your Film: Party Gels.

[RyanT]

I was shooting a music video last night where we did a small party scene. We were shooting in a hotel that had a bunch of colored lights all around and a small light went off in my head, perhaps I should try and use some of the party gels I have. Try and liven things up a bit.

But then a problem came along. How do you use these things? Is it just about controlling your spill and then attempting to light little areas of your scene with whatever color you please? I tried my best to do this last night and the client ended up really liking it, but I wasn't 100% pleased.

Anyone have any good examples or experiences with party gels? I'm trying to branch out a little bit in my visual style, so I figure this is always a fun little direction to try out. Thanks guys.

 

[Charles Lowthian]

lol to the title

I think a lot of people 'bring the party' out in post. As in they light it 'normal' and then change colors after.
But obviously there are perks to doing it 'raw' as you can specifically manipulate certain tones in the shot which might not be so easy to target in post.

You can splash some color in the background or be specific and spot a bit on a subject face (eg: a dedo with gel to one side).

I don't think there is a 'right' or set way of doing this. As with color (in these days) anything goes eg: CSI tv series.

One thing to keep in mind though, is with the white balance - make sure you don't 'kill the party' by setting the white with the party in it