ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXLighting for Dance Film
9 years, 5 months ago - Moss Davis
Dear DoP's
Im looking for some advice when lighting a medium sized sports hall for a dance film.
Im wanting to maximise the light on the subject while making the background as dark as possible.
I will be doing some test setups but I've never lit anything like this before, any tips?
Example - https://vimeo.com/channels/staffpicks/137448934
I realise this will never me achievable without using a studio, but I want recreate the top lighting and maximum contrast between the dancer and the walls/background.
Thank you!
Moss
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9 years, 5 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
I'm not a cinematographer, but looking at that great clip, they seem to have a matt black set/backdrop/Marley, lit parallel to the ground from sides and above sides, and very little light at all from the front. This means there's practically no light hitting the back drape, no shadows created on it, not really any refection on the floor due to parallel side lighting, and the spirit angle lights may or may not be being used selectively.
I would talk to the lighting tech for a dance/ballet troupe - can't remember his name, but the guy from BRB would likely happily discuss it with you. Or try Andy Waddington who used to be the technical lead for Northern Ballet and is now working as a movie spark in Leeds, lovely bloke and for a very reasonable day rate you'll get expert knowledge. If you're in London, you could knock on the stage door at Saddlers Wells (for Rambert) or ROH and ask if their lighting tech can talk to you, I imagine they'll be similarly pleased to chat.
Response from 9 years, 5 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
9 years, 5 months ago - Moss Davis
Thanks so much for the reply! My main issue is having white walls and a reflective floor, so a bit of a challenge with the budget in hand.
Response from 9 years, 5 months ago - Moss Davis SHOW
9 years, 5 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
Alas, it looks like physics is against you then. At the very least, can you hire some black drapage to hang? Anything matt black will help. And same for floor?
If nothing else, you have to be the only light sources in the room, keep the action well away from the back wall, and know it's going to be a compromise.
Response from 9 years, 5 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
9 years, 5 months ago - Gareth Bowler
How many dancers?
Response from 9 years, 5 months ago - Gareth Bowler SHOW
9 years, 5 months ago - Moss Davis
Yeah I assumed it was asking allot! I will top light it and see how much light hits the walls, if its too much then I will have to find some black material.
Just the one dancer, doing aerial performance
Response from 9 years, 5 months ago - Moss Davis SHOW