Lighting in Pro DV Features at DVinfo.net

Dmitry Yun · September 26th, 2004, 05:56 PM

Hi, I have noticed alot of people saying that 28 days later looks the way it does because of it's excellent lighting techniques. I was just wondering if there are any diagrams or manual that explain on how to light a DV project to simulate that 28 days later look.

Thank you.

Wayne Orr · September 26th, 2004, 08:30 PM

If you look at a lot of the scenes, especially near the end, you can see the actual lighting instruments in the shot. Don't know that I would call that "excellent" lighting techniques, but it does make it easy to see what they are doing.

Ken Tanaka · September 26th, 2004, 10:54 PM

<<<-- Originally posted by Wayne Orr : If you look at a lot of the scenes, especially near the end, you can see the actual lighting instruments in the shot. Don't know that I would call that "excellent" lighting techniques, but it does make it easy to see what they are doing. -->>>

Well that gave me my chuckle for the day, Wayne! <g>

Dmitry, if you are specifically interested in "28 Days Later" we've had a very long thread on it running for over a year and a half here.

As with most features, this one likely received quite a bit of post-production color work. It certainly didn't come out of the camera looking that way.

There are many, many books on lighting. Browse through our "Read About It" section for some tips. In general, however, I would recommend just learning how to light a scene in general. Once you get a grip on some basic techniques and principles you'll soon be able to get more sophisticated. Unlike film, digital imaging doesn't require gigawatts of lighting power. So you really don't need to break the bank to begin your hands-on study.

Matt Irwin · October 22nd, 2004, 12:14 PM

American Cinematographer published an article about 28 Days Later in their July 2003 issue.

You can view the article online at http://www.theasc.com/magazine

Click on "Magazine Archives">"2003">"July 2003". Lot's of good info about their lighting techniques, shooting, and post-production.

Jacques Mersereau · October 31st, 2004, 06:38 PM

Buried somewhere on this site Charles P. has some great
video clips you can download that demonstrate/describe
his lighting techniques from one of his shoots. I would try to find it.

Maybe our Kennelmaster or Charles can post the link.

September 26th, 2004, 05:56 PM	#1
Dmitry Yun Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 170	Lighting in Pro DV Features Hi, I have noticed alot of people saying that 28 days later looks the way it does because of it's excellent lighting techniques. I was just wondering if there are any diagrams or manual that explain on how to light a DV project to simulate that 28 days later look. Thank you.

September 26th, 2004, 10:54 PM	#3
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	<<<-- Originally posted by Wayne Orr : If you look at a lot of the scenes, especially near the end, you can see the actual lighting instruments in the shot. Don't know that I would call that "excellent" lighting techniques, but it does make it easy to see what they are doing. -->>> Well that gave me my chuckle for the day, Wayne! <g> Dmitry, if you are specifically interested in "28 Days Later" we've had a very long thread on it running for over a year and a half here. As with most features, this one likely received quite a bit of post-production color work. It certainly didn't come out of the camera looking that way. There are many, many books on lighting. Browse through our "Read About It" section for some tips. In general, however, I would recommend just learning how to light a scene in general. Once you get a grip on some basic techniques and principles you'll soon be able to get more sophisticated. Unlike film, digital imaging doesn't require gigawatts of lighting power. So you really don't need to break the bank to begin your hands-on study. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

October 31st, 2004, 06:38 PM	#5
Jacques Mersereau Trustee Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 1,334	Buried somewhere on this site Charles P. has some great video clips you can download that demonstrate/describe his lighting techniques from one of his shoots. I would try to find it. Maybe our Kennelmaster or Charles can post the link. __________________ Jacques Mersereau University of Michigan-Video Studio Manager

September 26th, 2004, 08:30 PM	#2
Wayne Orr Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Northridge Ca Posts: 734	If you look at a lot of the scenes, especially near the end, you can see the actual lighting instruments in the shot. Don't know that I would call that "excellent" lighting techniques, but it does make it easy to see what they are doing.

October 22nd, 2004, 12:14 PM	#4
Matt Irwin Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 327	American Cinematographer published an article about 28 Days Later in their July 2003 issue. You can view the article online at http://www.theasc.com/magazine Click on "Magazine Archives">"2003">"July 2003". Lot's of good info about their lighting techniques, shooting, and post-production.