On the show this week we are looking at a recent spot I shot and breaking down the approach, the lighting, and a whole lot more.

This was a fun one as the script called for multiple looks inside a very cramped location.  

Enjoy the behind the scenes look!

Advanced Cinematography: Location Lighting

The latest course is now live and the positive feeddback has been awesome.  

This course tackles lighting lon location and I break down my entire workflow for commercial productions working on location.

WE go over everything from the prep, to the location scout, the tech scout, drafting the schedule, and then of course the actual shoot day.

Leveraging modern technology you are able to step on to the virtual sets as we light and frame every shot along the way.  If you've ever wanted to come on set with me this is your chance.

If so than please check out the latest course from the Wandering DP:

Advanced Cinematography - Location Lighting

Patreon Podcast: The Mosquito Coast

This week on the Patreon Breakdown we are taking a look at The Mosquito Coast shot by our very own Wandering DP alumni Alex Disenhof.

Some beautiful work in the series and we go over all the choices, framing, lighting, and more.

You can find this week's Patreon content by clicking the link below:

The Wandering DP Patreon Group

If you are a fan of the podcast and want more video content the patreon group is the place to be.  Each and every week I release an exclusive podcast, video, or live stream just for the Patreon members.

Patreon members also get access to the Private Facebook community for the show.  The podcast couldn't exist without the Patreon support and I do my best to take care of the supporters.

Same Spot, Different Lighting - The Spot

Shot 1 - The Slide Intro

The Shot

The camera tracks from left to wipe to reveal a mom and son packing for a trip.

The Lighting

We used the 12k HMI pushed through a loosely hung 12x12 for the key and rolled it up to let the bottom go slightly hotter to give the window effect.

In the foreground we had another HMI from outside doing the slash on the wall and then out the back we had a smaller Joker 800w adding some punch to the bathroom curtain.

Inside was Neg wrapped all around camera right.

The Result

Storyboard

Set Up #2 - The Medium Reveal

The Shot

This is the extension of the previous shot.

The Lighting

The yard was quite small we were working in and access was limited.  This meant everything had to be from the ground.

We had a 8x8 Ultra Bounce in the air camera right with an M18 bouncing into it for a key light.  In the background we had a Litemat 4 in the neighbor's yard to add a backlight.  We used an Aputure 120d frame left to rake along the exterior wall.  

Finally there was a Helios above frame to carry the practical that was in the tent a little bit further.

The Result

The Storyboard

Set Up #3 - The Tilt Up

The Shot

This shot cut in from Shot #2 as the camera tilts up to reveal the next location.

The Lighting

Same as above but closer.

The Result

Set Up #4 - The Kitchen

The Shot

There was  a series of looks we needed in this kitchen.  It was all of these three talent cooking some sort of meal.

The Lighting

We knew we had to get a bunch of different looks in a very small window so we pre-rigged for all the looks and then turned things on or off based on our goals.

We had the Arri 1k HMI out the window for the daylight key.  Overhead was a Litemat 4 for a top light.  Inside the room frame right was another Litemat 4 to help wrap the key around.  

For the Background we had a few Helios to either backlight the talent or add some accents to the BG.

The Result

The Storyboard

Set Up #5 - The Kitchen #2

The Shot

See Shot #4.

The Lighting

See shot #4.

The Result

Shot #6 - The Kitchen #3

The Shot

See Shot #4.

The Lighting

See Shot #4.

The Result

Shot #7 - The Kitchen #4

The Shot

See Shot #4.

The Lighting

See Shot #4.

The Result

Shot #8 - The Kitchen #5

The Shot

See Shot #4.

The Lighting

See Shot #4.

The Result

Shot #9 - The Look In

The Shot

In this shot the talent grabs the ticket out of her pocket and places it above the oven for safe keeping.

The Lighting

We bumped everything out and used a Titan tube to create the wash of light on the outside of the window.

Inside we used the Litemat 4 to help push the key in combination with an M18 through Full Grid for the rest of the room.

We hung some Neg up camera right and let the flour hanging in the air sort out the room tone.

The Result

About The Author

Cinematographer and host of The Wandering DP Podcast. You can see select examples of work at my personal site or follow me on instagram.

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