hallway lighting question

tony240sx

tony240sx

Well-known member
Im shooting a scene for a short film in a fairly long hallway. It is about 7 feet wide with high ceilings. I was wondering if any of you guys have any advice on lighting for a dolly shot tracking with 3 characters as they walk the hallway. It will be a wide shot and no room for lights on the sides or background. I dont really want to just flood light from the front behind camera but it may be my only option. Im just having trouble because the camera will be pulling back as the characters walk forward and I cant think of a good idea of light placement where they will not be in the shot or get in the way of the dolly. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks a lot.
 
how far down does the hall way go before it ends? (behind talent)
and are there any rooms with doors on the sides of the hallways? windows? etc
 
Often solved by having the actors walk through pools of light, as if coming from overhead hallway lights or open door just off camera. (as Lifestylefilms is referencing.)
 
you cau use wall spreaders to suspend lights or if the shadows can be dealt with fly a china ball on pole following talent.
 
Sorry I should have been more specific. Thanks for the responses. There are no doors or windows to hide lights in and the cieling is really high with hanging light bulbs, just not strong enough for good light. The china ball on a pole might be a good option. Ill test that out. Thanks again guys.
 
Several wall spreader in between the walls will allow yo to hang lights overhead out frame and also run cabling over head.
 
Hallways are always problematic, but can oftn offer possibilities. I usually learn a new trick with each one.

Are there any scout pictures of the locations?
 
You might consider having light bounce off of foamcore under the actors to get the light up to them but not be too harsh and leave the rest of the hallway darker in the background. Most likely you will need at least 3 grips to pull it off but will be situated in front of the camera but be out of site. Then on the far end of the hallway, have some background light to create the depth..preferably using a colored gel to give it character.
 
Another vote here for wall-spreaders/autopoles if that's viable for you.

Another possibility might be to swap out the existing globes with something more powerful.
 
what is the feeling you are going for? Do you want it tobe dark? In a situation like this, you may want to rethink your location casting.
 
There are lots of opinions, suggestions, and tips to give here, but the two biggest questions are what is the mood of the piece, and what are the exact characteristics of the hallway.
 
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