We are back at the breakdowns this week on the show as we dive deep into what looks like a very straightforward set up.
Day exterior work looks easy but it is not. You will never see a DP stress out more than on a day exterior scene that needs to filmed over the course of multiple hours/days. A lighting and continuity challenge to say the least.
In this episode we look at just such a tvc and how we dealt with the challenging conditions.
Enjoy the episode!
Patreon: The Imitation Game
On the Patreon Breakdown this week we look at The Imitation Game shot by Oscar Faura. This movie looks beautiful and everything from the production design, wardrobe, locations, and camerawork all play in to the making this a beautiful film.
Lots of things to take away from this breakdown so if you are a Patreon Supporter be sure to click the link below and check out this week's featured content.
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Location, Location, Location
Camera Gear:
The usual gear on this job. Shot Alexa Mini LF in OG mode mostly at 800 ISO. We paired the Alexa with the beautiful Signature Primes.
Lighting was all bounce and neg relying most heavily on the 12x12 Ultras and a 12x12 Hi Lite on the front lit shot.
The Spot - Location, Location, Location
Set Up #1 - The Starter
The Shot
Guy carrying baby wheels trash can down to his curb.
The Lighting
We used the 12x12 Ultra to return the backlight coming from the morning sun. Camera right is a 12x12 Neg that helps to shape the contrast locally.
The real lighting key here was the time of day and making sure we had a hint of sun to help with the bounce levels.
The Result
Set Up #2 - The Sort of Wide
The Shot
Hero Talent wheels bin to the curb.
The Lighting
Same as above but further back as shot size has increased.
If you look closely you can see how things close off as you are forced to move lighting elements further away from the talent.
The key here was making sure we had a back edge strong enough to give the Ultra Bounce the proper kick,
The Result
Shot #3 - The Close Up Reaction
The Shot
The single shot reaction for our hero talent.
The Lighting
Exact same set up as before but we can now bring everything closer and make it more nuanced with a bit more control.
We changed the angle on the talent relative to the camera so we could soften the highlights from the sun as well.
The Result
Alexa Mini LF - Full Frame
Set Up #4 - The Wide
The Shot
Camera slowly crabs right to left as the 3 characters spot each other on the street.
The Lighting
Sun just out of the frame in a back light position. Cross fingers and hope for the best.
The Result
Set Up #5 - The Last Single
The Shot
Same as before but now the company ambassador wipes past the frame in the foreground.
The Lighting
To balance the sun and the shade all we did here is add the 12x12 Ultra Bounce right next to camera frame right. That return gave just enough level to the foreground black elements to help pull them from complete darkness.
The Result
Shot #6 - The Walk
The Shot
Brand guy walks across the road and says hello.
The Lighting
Because we were tighter but on the move in this shot we used a 6x6 of ultra bounce to walk alongside the talent from frame left.
Depending on which way the talent was looking meant this was at times a little too fronty but there weren't many other options aside from a sandwich which is a no no.
The Result
Shot #7 - The Front Light
The Shot
Lady reacts to the other two guys bringing out their bins at the same time.
The Lighting
This was always going to be our front lit shot.
We used a 12x12 of Hilite to help control the levels then added a 12x12 net behind it to knock down the level further.
On the camera right side we used a 12x12 Neg to help create some shape in the foreground.
The Result
