Want to shoot a short digital film project = Black & White/ High Contrast

V

vision_filmz

Carbonite Member
This project will be in the 5-10 minute area max with opening and closing credits. It will be based more on a theme instead of actual dialogue and I want to have a black and white super high contrast look. This will be shot on a dslr and I have access to a lot of lighting and lenses.

Think pulp fiction, drugs, women, gangster life. The actual story is under wraps for now, but just trying to give a quick look of how I want this picture to look.


From some very experienced Dp's, Directors, etc. what tips can be given ( Look Wise) for shooting a project black and white and having a super high contrast look. This as of now will only be viewed online.
 
Test test test!

Some cameras are able to deliver a great in-camera B&W.
Other times it's best to shoot color via a B&W monitor and then do the effect in post.
 
I'm thinking of changing my signature to "test test test!" (and, "there's a specific forum here for that" and maybe "Have you tried the search button?") But I digress... in the case of the OP, I understand wanting some starting points for testing...

Protect your highlights and keep a hair of detail as deep as you can shadow-wise; without color, you'll rely on tonal range to convey info, so hang on to it and bump contrast up in post. Use a monochrome monitor (most pro panels can be switched to mono). And study-up on best practices for converting to B&W. Remember, unlike B&W film, video will still use three color channels to convey your B&W look. The no-brainer way is to just kick saturation all the way down; the more artistic way is to use channel mixing to some extent. And I'm no expert on that. I'd also try the free-trials of some of the magic bullet stuff - mojo, quick-looks, or looks. I know quick looks has a B&W preset.

Whatever plugin takes you to B&W, also play with either levels or curves, and whether that exposure plugin hits the footage before or after the B&W effect. My guess is that is where you'll get the subtle control of black depth and highlight finesse.
 
If I were u I'd shoot in BW in camera.

On the 5/7d its nice.

Once you are shooting in b/w in camera you can use colored filters to adjust the tone of the image.
 
Set dressing and costume are going to be your major concern. Its gonna be a problem getting high contrast if a beautiful white dress is shot against a white wall no matter what camera you have. Lots of pre planning and testing.
 
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