"Evil" Lighting

[kenwilx1016]

I'm going to be shooting a music video for a post hardcore/screamo genre band. The director sent me the shot list and in the list he's pretty vague about wanting "Evil" lighting on some parts. the only note he makes is, "Evil, not necessarily Red".

So I'm going through lots of paintings, pictures, and films that I know encompass what i'm looking for, but I thought I'd post a little message here to ask all you fine people what you would do and how.

Here's an example of a shot that require's "Evil lighting":

Ext. Forest - Night

MCU - Singer - Evil Lighting - Static.

As you can see, the description is rather vague, but let's explore some ideas... Low angle lighting, harsh shadows, high contrast... how would you do it?

 

[Hand Crank Media]

The thought that came to my mind is like you said, low angle, hard light.

I would try using strong rim/back lighting and leaving the faces mostly in shadow. Adding some fog might also create an interesting effect.

 

[j1clark@ucsd.edu]

The thought that came to my mind is like you said, low angle, hard light.

I would try using strong rim/back lighting and leaving the faces mostly in shadow. Adding some fog might also create an interesting effect.

While this is not 'forest'... perhaps something like this could be setup. Provided there's budget for equipment...

Another classic...

 

[clang]

Yup, go for film noir lighting. Although do send a few examples to the director just to confirm it fits what he had in mind - it's possible he has some other idea of 'evil lighting'...

 

[David Jimerson]

"Evil" is generally something jarringly unnatural. Generally it's the opposite of what you'd normally see, so keys coming from below, leaving shadows where you don't normally see them and lighting things that are normally in shadow. Plus, as others have said, darkness, contrast . . .