IRE for a very dim scene

[blazer003]

For the first half of our short film, our actor is stuck in a trunk where there is no real light source to speak of except what is leaking into the trunk. Granted, there is a bit more light depicted than there actually would be in a sealed trunk of the car, but we felt that it works, and in our test screenings so far no one has questioned it. Here is a look of the ungraded footage vs. the grade.


The IRE value of the skintones in his face on the ungraded scene is about 40. After grading, purposefully making it darker (and obviously bluer) it's about 25. On my calibrated IPS monitor this looks good to my eyes, but on most TVs I've watched it on, it's too dark. Probably the TV's own settings. Also, Youtube compresses the living hell out of all the dark tones as well.

What do you feel is a good target is for dark scenes? How does the graded shot look on your monitor (again, keeping in mind that the illusion of the scene is that there is almost no light).

Thanks for the feedback!

:Edit: Looks like this site really compresses attached images, I'll upload and link for a better look.

 

[Policar]

I talked with a top colorist about this. I've always tried to go above 30 IRE and had networks boost my stuff up a LOT higher, but he said he'd go as low as 10-15, but pointed out that the "look" of darkness has more to do with contrast than with brightness. Maybe with power windows you can bring down the rightmost wall and part of his face, leaving the eye and eye light a little brighter. Looks fine to me though.

 

[William_Robinette]

...but pointed out that the "look" of darkness has more to do with contrast than with brightness.

Don't worry about IRE.

Get comfortable with ratios.

 

[mainstreetprod]

I like the look as is. Gives the illusion of a dimly lit scene.

 

[blazer003]

Thank you for your replies gentlemen.

Here's a look at the (VERY) rough draft.

Curious about thoughts on the grade so far (the beginning dark scenes and the ending outdoor scenes) and if anything stands out, positive or negative.
We have a shoot next week to film the middle scene.
Music is temporary, much of the foley is still temporary. Still some editing to do. Still some effects work to do.