8 Steps to Cinematic Lighting | Tomorrow's Filmmakers

Summary

In this video, Justice from TomorrowsFilmmakers.com shares essential tips for achieving cinematic lighting, a critical yet often overlooked aspect of filmmaking. He emphasizes the impact of lighting on production value and provides eight steps to enhance any project's visual appeal, even with basic equipment. Key points include shooting on the shadow side, proper lighting direction for depth, using color to create separation, and employing motivated lighting for realism. The video demonstrates how these techniques can transform a simple shot into a cinematic masterpiece, all with affordable lighting solutions.

Takeaways

• 🎥 Lighting is crucial for enhancing production value and can significantly improve the quality of film projects.
• 💡 The most overlooked aspect of filmmaking is lighting, which can make a substantial difference even with basic equipment.
• 📹 High-end cameras without proper lighting can produce inferior footage compared to well-lit footage shot with simpler cameras.
• 👨‍🏫 An in-depth lighting course is available, taught by Josh Osley, covering various scenarios and lighting equipment.
• 💰 A special offer is presented for a comprehensive film course at a significantly reduced price of $97, down from $800.
• 📸 The 'shoot shadow side' technique positions the camera opposite the light source to add depth and drama to a shot.
• 🕴️ 'Rembrandt lighting' at a 45-degree angle creates a natural look by illuminating one side of the face while casting shadows on the other.
• 🌈 Using color contrast, like warm and cool tones, can help separate the subject from the background and add cinematic depth.
• 🏡 'Motivated lighting' ensures that all light sources in a scene have a logical and visible origin, enhancing realism.
• 🌆 Background lighting is essential to avoid a stage-like appearance and to create a natural environment for the subject.
• 🌅 'Golden hour' lighting, during the first and last hours of sunlight, provides the most flattering and cinematic lighting for shooting.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video by Justice and TomorrowsFilmmakers.com?

The main focus of the video is to discuss cinematic lighting, which is considered the most overlooked yet crucial aspect of filmmaking that can significantly enhance production value.

Why is lighting considered the most overlooked aspect of filmmaking according to the video?

Lighting is considered the most overlooked aspect because many filmmakers prioritize expensive cameras over proper lighting, which can result in footage that looks worse than that shot with a less expensive camera but good lighting.

What is the significance of shooting on the 'shadow side' as mentioned in the video?

Shooting on the 'shadow side' refers to positioning the camera on the opposite side of the light source relative to the subject. This technique adds depth and a three-dimensional quality to the subject's face, which is a common practice in cinematic shots.

What is the 'Rembrandt lighting' technique discussed in the video, and why is it effective?

Rembrandt lighting is a technique where the light is placed at a 45-degree angle to the subject's face, creating an upside-down triangle of light on the shadowed cheek. It is effective because it adds natural-looking shadows and depth to the subject's face while also illuminating the eye and cheek, which is aesthetically pleasing.

How does the video suggest creating depth in a shot through lighting?

The video suggests creating depth by separating the subject from the background using color contrast, such as the popular 'orange and teal' look, or by ensuring the subject is brighter than the background to make them stand out.

What is 'motivated lighting' and why is it important in filmmaking?

Motivated lighting is when the light in a scene has a clear and logical source, such as a lamp or a window, which makes the lighting appear natural and believable to the audience. It is important because it helps maintain the realism and immersion of the scene.

Why should filmmakers pay attention to background lighting according to the video?

Filmmakers should pay attention to background lighting to avoid a stage-like appearance and to ensure the scene looks natural. Proper background lighting can add depth and realism to the setting.

What is the 'golden hour' in filmmaking, and why is it recommended for shooting?

The 'golden hour' refers to the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset when the sunlight is soft and warm, casting fewer harsh shadows. It is recommended for shooting because it naturally enhances the look of the footage with its appealing light quality.

How does a 'catch light' or 'eye light' contribute to the subject's appearance in a film?

A 'catch light' or 'eye light' is the reflection of the light source in the subject's eyes, which gives them a sense of life and makes them appear more alive and engaging to the audience.

What role does the use of fog or haze play in enhancing cinematic lighting?

Fog or haze can soften the overall look of an image and add texture, which can make a scene look more cinematic and professionally shot, even with cheaper lighting equipment.

What is the special offer mentioned in the video for TomorrowsFilmmakers.com's film course?

The special offer mentioned is a significant discount on their award-winning film course, which is usually priced at $800 but is available for only $97 for a limited time.