Lighting Jared Peet

Lighting refers to the illumination of a scene, and the manipulation of light and shadows by the cinematographer. – Can add to realism of a scene – Can focus attention of the viewer “Lighting creates atmosphere. A mixture of dark shadows and pools of light may create a sense of unease, as in a thriller; if the lighting makes everything bright, the atmosphere may seem more relaxed. The filmmaker can use lighting to draw our attention to, or hide, a person or object.” – Neil Brand

Natural/Ambient Light Using ambient light, nothing artificial Enhances realism

Candlelight Lighting Uses light from candles as sole lighting source Hyper-realistic depiction of life before electricity Hard to keep camera in focus with such low light and the lens required to film it Barry Lyndon (1975) by Stanley Kubrick – 18 th century setting – shot mostly using natural light and candlelight

Candlelight Lighting – Barry Lyndon (1975) by Stanley Kubrick

Artificial Light - Three Point Lighting Key, Fill, Back lights – Key: Directly on subject Strength of light determines overall lighting design – Fill: On subject from a side angle (affects shadow) Softer than key Can also be done with a reflector – Hair/Back: On subject from behind, often from one side

Three Point Lighting Tutorial

High Key Lighting Low contrast Often used in comedies/sitcoms Light is homogenous, free of shadows Advantage: lighting doesn’t need to be adjusted for each scene; makes filming faster

Low Key Lighting Uses only one key light Needed for Chiaroscuro lighting Accentuates contours of an object Heightens sense of alienation of the viewer Common in film noir and horror genres

Chiaroscuro (High Contrast) Lighting literally, the combination of the two Italian words for "clear/bright" and "dark“ refers to a notable, contrasting use of light and shade in scenes often achieved by using a spotlight this lighting technique had its roots in German Expressionistic cinematography Commonly used in Film Noir genre

Chiaroscuro Lighting – Double Indemnity (1944)

Backlighting When the lighting for the shot is directed at the camera from behind the subject Causes the figure in the foreground to appear in semi-darkness or as silhouettes, or highlighted Subject becomes separated from the background

Backlighting - Psycho

Backlighting The Natural (1984)

Motivated Lighting When the light sources imitate existing sources, such as lamps or windows

Motivated Lighting – Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Unmotivated Lighting Lighting necessary to illuminate the scene properly but does not have an apparent source in the film Usually comes from large lights off camera

Unmotivated Lighting Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)

Directing the Eye Using light and dark lighting and frame composition to emphasize what is important

Citizen Kane (1941)

Review! Match the TERM with the DEFINITION 1.Motivated Lighting 2.Natural Light 3.High Key Lighting 4.Chiaroscuro Lighting 5.Directing the Eye A.Low contrast lighting free of shadows B.Light source that imitates real life sources C.Using light and dark lighting emphasize what is important D.refers to a notable, contrasting use of light and shade in scenes E.Using ambient light, nothing artificial

Review! Match the TERM with the DEFINITION 1.Motivated Lighting 2.Natural Light 3.High Key Lighting 4.Chiaroscuro Lighting 5.Directing the Eye A.Low contrast lighting free of shadows B.Light source that imitates real life sources C.Using light and dark lighting emphasize what is important D.refers to a notable, contrasting use of light and shade in scenes E.Using ambient light, nothing artificial