My first ever lighting...

[richblend]

Hi all. I've completed one production to date (a music video shot completely outside). This is my first real go at an interior shoot, and I was looking for some feedback on the lighting.

This will eventually be a cut away (narrative) part of another music video i'm doing, so consider this edit a test. The idea is its an old man watching an old film and becoming nostalgic.

The lights were just 2 x 500w halogen work lights, and it was shot on an HV20 with SGpro.

Any feedback welcome!

http://www.vimeo.com/2765506

 

[nantnee]

Looks really good. I really like the shots of the projector.
A few things I might suggest -

The light on his right side is too strong causing him to look a little mean. Its casting some harsh shadows. Since the scene is about him reminiscing, I would suggest a cooler lighting setup to match the mood. Sort of like when you're at a theatre, and the screen is reflecting blues and greens on the audience.

 

[DM_rider]

looks awesome for just worklights. Like nantnee said though, the light on his face was a little harsh. Bouncing the worklights into some foam core would be a cheap solution to get softer light.

 

[DanHD]

Maybe he wanted a harsher look for the shots...it depends though...what motivated the light on his face? Was is purely stylistic?

 

[richblend]

Yeah I realised at the time that the light was a little harsh. I tried bouncing some light on the other side of the face with some white paper, but those worklights are so hard to control. I had to be careful not to illuminate the entire room, because the lights are so uncontrollable and the room was quite small. People usually watch projectors in teh dark so I was careful to not make the room too light.

To be honest I hadnt thought about what kind of "feel" I wanted, because im not that experienced to know the difference, I just wanted it to look kinda dark and moody.

Thanks for all the feedback so far.

 

[DanHD]

was the light on his face motivated by the projector? It seemed to come from the opposite direction

 

[richblend]

was the light on his face motivated by the projector? It seemed to come from the opposite direction

No, essentially i knew i wanted him lit from the side, to emphasise the character of the face. I know that technically the face would be lit from the front (reflecting off the projector screen), but I thought lighting from the front would look plain and boring. I thought I'd take some artistic lisence to get the dark, moody effect, rather than go for physical realism.

Having said that, I am very inexperienced and would love to know how a pro would light this situation...

 

[mburgh]

No, essentially i knew i wanted him lit from the side, to emphasise the character of the face. I know that technically the face would be lit from the front (reflecting off the projector screen), but I thought lighting from the front would look plain and boring. I thought I'd take some artistic lisence to get the dark, moody effect, rather than go for physical realism.

Having said that, I am very inexperienced and would love to know how a pro would light this situation...

You might to look at movies that have people watching them in them.

1. Citizen Kane - shot in a real dailies theatre with projector light.

2. 8mm - Nicholas Cage sits beside an 8mm projector.

There are others - maybe other people can suggest some.

You might want to do this:

1. If possible, shoot in a room without white walls, best light green to cut down illumination and enhance contrast.

2. Put the projector behind the subject to act as a kicker (gives a halo of light on the hair and head.)

3. Make the screen bright to act as a soft, flickering front light.

4. Don't get hung up on the physical realities of the shot. Move the projector and screen as needed. Remember, that YOU will create the room in post. Make sure you have enough coverage to establish reality in a few shots, but otherwise shoot for the effect you want.

Good luck. You've got an eye and I like your work.