filming a nightclub
- Thread starter wahrez
- Start date
Bermudaforce
Well-known member
Re: filming a nightclub
If you want to know how to light in a night club. Check out the movie " Once apon a time in Mexico." On the DVD theres a club scene and on the behind the scenes he talks about how he lit the scene. You might find something helpful on there. If I was to light a night club I just think "practical." Don't over light it. If you are shooting a movie, make the lighting less obvious. Unless you are shooting something for TV, then go flat. I"m not an expert on cinematography but I'm still learning. and by learning I mean play around with lighting. Experiment! It doesn't hurt.
If you want to know how to light in a night club. Check out the movie " Once apon a time in Mexico." On the DVD theres a club scene and on the behind the scenes he talks about how he lit the scene. You might find something helpful on there. If I was to light a night club I just think "practical." Don't over light it. If you are shooting a movie, make the lighting less obvious. Unless you are shooting something for TV, then go flat. I"m not an expert on cinematography but I'm still learning. and by learning I mean play around with lighting. Experiment! It doesn't hurt.
DVX100Shooter
Veteran
Re: filming a nightclub
Some people will say to just use the lights there in the club and set up lights that know you are going to need and thats it. I don't think you would want the club all lit up (bright) because that will take away from it being a dark club which it is. I think it would have to depend on what the scene is all about. If your shooting people on the dance floor just dancing then you might want that bright enough for the camera to handle the darkness.
Some people will say to just use the lights there in the club and set up lights that know you are going to need and thats it. I don't think you would want the club all lit up (bright) because that will take away from it being a dark club which it is. I think it would have to depend on what the scene is all about. If your shooting people on the dance floor just dancing then you might want that bright enough for the camera to handle the darkness.
DVX100Shooter
Veteran
Re: filming a nightclub
I guess the next question for the original poster is Light Placement within the nightclub.
I am always amazed when I look at complex lighting setups and wonder how they came up with the set up. You see flags all over the place, Butterfly scrims, lights of all sizes and watts. How does one know (when doing this on his/her own).
I guess the next question for the original poster is Light Placement within the nightclub.
I am always amazed when I look at complex lighting setups and wonder how they came up with the set up. You see flags all over the place, Butterfly scrims, lights of all sizes and watts. How does one know (when doing this on his/her own).
10s
Veteran
Re: filming a nightclub
Check out the movie "Casino", they did all sorts of extra lighting for it, if that's what your looking for. American Cinematographer magazine ran a story on it years ago that is worth reading but it's a major Hollywood set up, so it might not be real practical for you.
I suggest you simply go into the club w/ camera and shoot some tests and see what works, what doesn't and start from there. Soon you'll have an idea of what the results will be & then you can build upon that.
Check out the movie "Casino", they did all sorts of extra lighting for it, if that's what your looking for. American Cinematographer magazine ran a story on it years ago that is worth reading but it's a major Hollywood set up, so it might not be real practical for you.
I suggest you simply go into the club w/ camera and shoot some tests and see what works, what doesn't and start from there. Soon you'll have an idea of what the results will be & then you can build upon that.
Re: filming a nightclub
From my experience in shooting in dark places (just finishing up a short that was shot in a projection booth, as well as I have shot in clubs before) I recomend bringing the floor level of light up just a bit using practicles as your highlights.
From my experience in shooting in dark places (just finishing up a short that was shot in a projection booth, as well as I have shot in clubs before) I recomend bringing the floor level of light up just a bit using practicles as your highlights.