Film Noir / classic horror look at DVinfo.net

Zac Stein · September 8th, 2002, 06:31 AM

Can anyone suggest a good book for lighting to achieve a film noir / classic horror look. I know they are not directly related, but i am talking about stark contrast, shadow usage and as little greys as possible, colour and black, deep deep black.

I am shooting on a xl-1s so maybe a video related book covering this subject may be useful.

I am in australia so finding books can be hard and amazon is not an option as it is hella expensive for me. Maybe i can use borders.

kermie

Ken Tanaka · September 8th, 2002, 11:29 AM

I don't know of any book that's topical to such a narrow genre of film and lighting. In general, if you learn to light you'll automatically learn to achieve such a dark, high-contrast look.

The book I highlighted in the thread below is very thorough and comprehensive. Spend some dedicated time reading it and experimenting with setups and you'll have no trouble accomplishing your look.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2342

Being a Focal Press (British) publication you should be able to find it down there.

Jay Gladwell · September 9th, 2002, 07:37 PM

Kermie, try the book "Painting With Light." The following is a quote from the web site at exposure.co.uk:

"The first book written about film lighting, 'Painting with Light' is a classic text which can still teach us a lot today especially if you are working in black and white (an artform of its own) or if you're trying to recreate film noir style lighting. OK, so it has dated a bit, and in parts become unintentionally funny - but it was written half a century ago (in a world where filming 'ladies', 'steamboats' and 'criminal faces' are vital for a film). If its recommended by Martin Scorcese its good enough for me!"

Visit: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN%3D0520089499/exposure00A/002-9787112-9924858

Hope this helps.

September 8th, 2002, 06:31 AM	#1
Zac Stein Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 730	Film Noir / classic horror look Can anyone suggest a good book for lighting to achieve a film noir / classic horror look. I know they are not directly related, but i am talking about stark contrast, shadow usage and as little greys as possible, colour and black, deep deep black. I am shooting on a xl-1s so maybe a video related book covering this subject may be useful. I am in australia so finding books can be hard and amazon is not an option as it is hella expensive for me. Maybe i can use borders. kermie

September 8th, 2002, 11:29 AM	#2
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	I don't know of any book that's topical to such a narrow genre of film and lighting. In general, if you learn to light you'll automatically learn to achieve such a dark, high-contrast look. The book I highlighted in the thread below is very thorough and comprehensive. Spend some dedicated time reading it and experimenting with setups and you'll have no trouble accomplishing your look. http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2342 Being a Focal Press (British) publication you should be able to find it down there. __________________ 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

September 9th, 2002, 07:37 PM	#3
Jay Gladwell Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,244	Kermie, try the book "Painting With Light." The following is a quote from the web site at exposure.co.uk: "The first book written about film lighting, 'Painting with Light' is a classic text which can still teach us a lot today especially if you are working in black and white (an artform of its own) or if you're trying to recreate film noir style lighting. OK, so it has dated a bit, and in parts become unintentionally funny - but it was written half a century ago (in a world where filming 'ladies', 'steamboats' and 'criminal faces' are vital for a film). If its recommended by Martin Scorcese its good enough for me!" Visit: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN%3D0520089499/exposure00A/002-9787112-9924858 Hope this helps.