Direct lightingWhat is direct lighting: Direct lighting is when the subject and/ or the location is lit from only one light source. What are the uses of this source of lighting in photography or video: Shown below is an example of direct lighting with the film 'Prisoners', as the scene solely lit by one direct light source. The connotations of this lighting, reflect the sinister nature of the scene and what's unfolding, for example the fact that one of the men in the shot has a hammer, supposedly threatening the two men. The darkness of the surroundings as well as the darkness from below reflects the severity of the situation as well as the imminent spread of anger and violence within the shot, the rest of it is consumed with the dark, will these two men be consumed. Here is an example of direct lighting within a television show, featured in 'The Mandalorian'. The light source from this scene comes from the the engine exhaust of a seperate ship in outer space, with the reflection in the mandalorians armour and the light in the pod showing this with the colour blue. The blue itself not only reflects the colour of the exhaust but also sheds a light on the character of mandalorian himself, with the colour blue being associated with, goodness and order as well as reflecting the mood of the scene, with the character recently escaping from danger as a result of Mandalorians actions. Explain 3 point lighting, when and where is this lighting normally used: Three point lighting is when you use sources of light in a scene in three different positions as shown in the image below. Shown below is an example of 3 point lighting in film with this being 'Blade Runner' Ridley Scotts 1982 production. The light is being produced from three angles in front of the subject, the key light illuminates her face, the backlight, highlights her silhouettes and the fill light illuminates her left side making the curvature of her face more prominent. The connotations of the scene show a more eerie feel with the idea of an interrogation being the main theme of the scene. The use of light helps the connotations as well, for example with the positioning of the fill light to reflect and highlight her jawline as well as the curvature of her face, this could reflect the fact that the character is a robot and is very sharply built to be precise and collected. The cigarette in her left hand represents the time frame of the scene as she uses it to pass the time instead of smoking normally like a human. The smaller the cigarette gets the longer the scene has gone on. Indirect lightingWhat is indirect lighting: When the light source is balanced or diffused causing it to come from all sides. What are the uses of this source of lighting in TV, FILM or PHOTOGRAPHY: Shown below is the film 'Terminator Salvation' where a scene showing a major plot point of the film is being displayed with indirect lighting being the main feature of the scene. The connotations of the scene are meant to represent a tense mood with fear and hostility being the main themes of the section of the film. The fact that the two lights behind them are shining into the two main characters can be seen to have religious connotations, linking back to the idea of a saviour/leader who governs the scene as well as the mood of the entire film. How might you use this source of light creatively: The way in which you could use the source of light creatively is by, for example directing the light upwards to make the characters on screen seem more powerful and important. The idea of using the light to shine down on the characters as a more spiritual feel works, however the scene in which this is from in the film doesn't require such a passive approach. A figure who is powerful and in control fits the scene in a much more realistic way and so by directing light upwards and around the characters, you can create the image of levels of power. Find two examples of this type of lighting from a film or TV programme - explain the connotations of the indirect lighting in the shots: This scene is from the film 'Goodfellas' and shots the two main characters and their mob friends enjoying dinner joking around. The connotations of this scene are meant to be one of a relaxed atmosphere, yet a tense mood. The intimidation of the scene with the constant of red as a colour of blood and death highlights the potential violence within the scene that could be prevalent. How the indirect lighting comes into this effect is through the colour as well as the lighting up of both characters to use their effect to the maximum extent. The lighting shown in this scene is indirect lighting with the two main characters of the film dancing in a competition. The 360 degree lighting is meant to illuminate and emphasis the dancing of the two character, with the idea of not only the two characters dancing but also their shadows which there are four of. The shadows make it seem like there are more people, this links to dancing with people on a dance floor, to have a more friendly fun vibe. The connotations of this scene are more laid back and about enjoying yourself as well as not making any mistakes. The character on the right looks after the character on the left, as she is his boss's girl. Overall the mix of tension and relaxation in the scene shows that even in places where you can have fun, there is tension and danger. Television studio setup e.g. directing the viewers eye to detail, depth to locations: Studio rigs: The way in which a studio rig is used on a in a television setting is to enhance and improve the quality of the viewing for the viewers. The is done through lighting and setting and with a studio rig the two of these things come together. The front filler light combo allows for there to be more light on the setting of the studio, and because they are angled the lights can cancel out any shadow as a result of other lights. The backing lights counter this by shining directly in the direction of the opposite fillers and the backlight does the same coming in at an angle making sure all sides of the studio are lit up. The background lights are a little different as they can adjust the mood of the scenes depending on the content for example harsh moments, harsh lighting, big moments for lighting like shoe entrances. Three point lighting: The purpose of three point lighting is to illuminate three main sides of the object or individuals body, creating a contrast between shadow and light on one's face or body. This is done to create contrast or convey certain meanings through imagery, depending on the context of the scene. In terms of a studio setup it would be used for interviews, close up shots of individuals and focusing on specific things. This also discussed in the previous tasks in task 2 giving Blade runner as its example. Fills: The purpose of a filler light to fill the rest of a scene or area with light and reduce the contrast of a scene hence the name filler, to fill with light. It can also be used to light scenes more effectively giving them more detail and enabling the viewer to focus more effectively. This light is used in all main production techniques today and can be seen in any scenes that have specific detail. Barn doors: Barn doors are typically used as hard light sources for photographers or studio crew who chose to use it. The purpose of it is to be able to direct light using the leaves on the sides. They enable your to direct any hard lighting and adjust it in any way suitable for the production. This gives the light variation enabling for many different results when put into practice as shown with many magazine front covers and posters. Film and theatre lighting rig e.g. par cans, Fresnels, light panels, on camera lights. Par cans: A par can is a piece of equipment that can directly isolate its light and create and isolate a beam of light. It is defined as a sealed beam lamp. The PAR stands for parabolic aluminized reflector and this light is commonly used in clubs bars on cars and for directly lighting and individual or object with a beam. This is not to be confused with a spot light which focuses on one setting whereas this beam can be changed in its diameter and perimeter. Fresnels: A fresnel light is much like a spotlight with its direct beam of light, however unlike the spotlight it able to control the angle of which the beam stays and because of this it can change its location within the beam of light, focusing on other areas instead of the whole direct peice of light. Screw mechanics or slides are used to adjust this. By being able to adjust this it gives you more control over the beam of light making it easier to direct at objects or individuals or anywhere. Light panels: The light panel is an a totally even layer of LED lights that allows for consistent lighting across all its panels. This can used as back lighting for scenes and is regularly used for creating colourful backgrounds in films and TV. It can be used to also illuminate scenes and can set the mood of a scene. On-camera lights On camera lighting is very simple, with its purpose being to light the scene in which its set and create the mood of the scene it is portraying. As shown above this scene is filled with lamps as the restaurant in which its set has these as their main light source, even though the set does not require them for lighting. The only two purposes of on camera lighting is setting and mood, on set lighting is used for the real illumination. Photography e.g. redheads, blanket lights, reflectors, soft boxes. Redheads: The purpose of a redhead is to be a general purpose light for a production with it being able to be a flood light in large areas because of its ability to adjust the beam. It can also be used as a fill light or a backlight. Its purpose can change depending on whatever task its used for and as well as this it leaves allow it to direct light like a spotlight giving it more range of use. Blanket lights: A blanket light is as its described, a blanket of light. This is used when a smaller focused light is not needed for example when creating the effect of a layer of light or natural light. Shown above is it in use as an example of natural light shining down on a motorcycle. It purpose in a production however mostly can be seen as a very large light and this is especially popular with photography. Reflectors: The purpose of a reflector is to reflect light from other sources onto an individual or object. This is seen mostly in photography as it is used to utilise natural light. This is shown above as tis allows for light to be directly directed at an individual's face or a subject. This is also used in studio lighting however predominantly in nature or outside a studio as there is a need to utilise natural light. Soft boxes: The purpose of a soft box is to control the shape and direction of light more than for example an umbrella, which is also shown above as it prevents light spilling from occurring. Also, because they are a box, they're able to create more natural looking light as it imitates the reflection of a window when light hits it. More soft boxes are used when there is more light and this can be seen in scenes inside buildings, or cars. 2.3 Creative use of lighting for effect Orientation and perspective: Directing the viewer's eye to detail: When a director wants to direct the viewer's eye to detail on screen, they usually create either very obvious hints towards the characters for example when their in focus and their background isn't or when the subject of the scene fills more of the scene or sticks out in the scene as shown above. As well as this, directors can also focus on specific parts of a scene using the camera as it allows for the audience to notice the slight differences between what they can see clearly and what they can't and by getting them involved with the film meaning is created as their viewer is then invested in the outcome of the scene or film. Depth to locations: Depth to locations is also an important factor when dealing with the origination and perspective of a scene as it can control the separation between the medium, how the scene normally looks and then the object or individual that sticks out in the scene. By making the location contrast heavily with what your filming you create separation between the subject and its surroundings showing the depth of the location and singling out the detail in a scene. This can be seen in Life of Pie with the contrast between the ocean and its boat and the man floating on a raft instead. Mood and aesthetics: Use of shadows and highlights: The use of lighting and shadows in film to create meaning is highly important as not only can they establish the scene but they can also control the mood and aesthetic. Shown below is 'A clockwork Orange' by Stanley Kubrick and what this picture is meant to represent is the dark turn of events in the film and the contrast between light and darkness literally and figuratively. The way in which this is conveyed through the light and shadows is through using a backlight to illuminate the silhouette of the characters holding their weapons and walking sinisterly and breathing in the cold air. Their shadows are forced forward showing the contrast between light and darkness one of the key themes of the film as well as the position of the man on the street, lying down and blocking their path, with his figure already being in darkness. This all creates meaning in the scene as not only does the posture of the actors, the darkness and blinding light behind them, convey attitude and violence but it doesn't require words or actions to give context to the scene. This means that the viewer has to work it out for themselves the scene however here it's quite clear. It also gives the audience a heads up whenever the mood or aesthetic of the scene may change depending on the story. Establishing excitement: The way in which excitement is established in this scene is through the use of contrast and posture. The contrast in the scene between the light and the darkness makes the viewer question the intention of the scene, intern creating excitement as they are invested in the outcome of the sequence. Furthermore the posture of the characters is highly important as it gives the viewer an understanding of potentially where the scene could go and how the characters could act. Fear: The way in which fear is used to create meaning for the audience is by shocking them into either enjoying the film, laughing at the brief scary scenes or by showing long scary scenes that make the viewer connect more with the characters as they become emotionally involved. The aesthetic of a scene could convey this, for example with a creepy house like the series 'Stranger Things'. This could be seem making the viewers worry about the characters. This enables more meaning to be created between the viewers and the characters as the viewer has had more of an emotional response than one of enjoyment. Passion: They way in which passion conveys meaning to the audience through mood and aesthetic is for example by matching the scene and its objects/props to either the actors or the intensity of the scene, for example Gary Oldman as Drexl Spivey in the film in True Romance where the costume of the character reflected the aesthetics of the scene as it was a reflection of himself. Any changes in his performance become reflected on the scene as they are the same thing, creating meaning for the audience as that character himself reflects his environment. Generic conventions: Chiaroscuro and film noir: Some of the generic conventions of creative lighting fall under film noir and chiaroscuro which is the contrast between light and shadows. Because of the effectiveness of conveying emotion and mood through lighting, many films use the same techniques to acquire the same results as other highly successful and critically acclaimed films. Film noir is the most common as there are so many examples of it in the industry today, making it easier to copy or use previous iterations of lighting in new productions. Shown below is one of an old critically acclaimed films that utilise film noir called, 'The Third Man'. As shown below, the scene creates meaning for the audience through using a direct spotlight at the end of a long tunnel. This in itself already reflects the context of the scene as the character is about to be shot and killed. The light at the end of the tunnel could convey the meeting between life and death or the running out of time as the light itself is somewhat running down the tunnel towards the character, trying to grab him. This creates meaning for the audience as through its simplistic imagery the context of the scene is able to be conveyed without sound or words. This is the purpose of film noir, allowing the audience to make their own assumptions as a result of the lighting and imagery of the scene and creating a contrasting and gripping effect. Lighting design: The lighting setup of a scene is highly important for a director as its the basis of the lighting rigs and setups. It also controls the lighting within the scene, which is the most important. Above is shown 'The Third Man' the lighting setup for this scene is very specific with only two lights being used in the process both on opposite sides of the camera, one behind illuminating only the actor and the other illuminating the tunnel. By doing this the two main aspects of the scene can be highlighted clearly and still effectively convey mood of the scene. This creates meaning for the audience as it shows the authenticity, grippingness and intensity that makes the scene so memorable and without the use of music and words, only diagetic sound.
0 Comments
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |