Any tips on making day for night look a little less lame? at DVinfo.net

Jon Palmer · May 26th, 2008, 05:28 AM

Hi everyone.

I have a scene or two in an upcoming project that needs to be set at night. We're using the redrock m2 35mm lens adaptor which, as you know, isn't the best as far as low light goes (like most lens adaptors).

After looking at all the possible options (renting bigger lights, finding faster lens' etc) it looks like day for night really is the only way we can make it work.

I know it's a cliche. I know it's tricky. I know it doesn't actually look like night.

but....

Anyone got any tips or advice? :)

Daniel Alexander · June 4th, 2008, 05:11 PM

try to shoot at 'magic hour' no direct sunlight casting hard shadows, try to avoid any light emmitting sources (car head lights, street lamps etc) unless you dont mind the extra work in rotoscoping. Also becareful of strong reflective surfaces in the shot as they can capture the sunlight in a way which can give you problems when attempting a convincing day for night. when it comes to the post production, check out http://www.videocopilot.net/tutorials.html?id=1

Hope this helps

Jon Palmer · June 7th, 2008, 09:05 PM

Great, thanks for the tips mate :)

May 26th, 2008, 05:28 AM	#1
Jon Palmer Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 36	Any tips on making day for night look a little less lame? Hi everyone. I have a scene or two in an upcoming project that needs to be set at night. We're using the redrock m2 35mm lens adaptor which, as you know, isn't the best as far as low light goes (like most lens adaptors). After looking at all the possible options (renting bigger lights, finding faster lens' etc) it looks like day for night really is the only way we can make it work. I know it's a cliche. I know it's tricky. I know it doesn't actually look like night. but.... Anyone got any tips or advice? :) __________________ I had a handle on life but it broke.

June 7th, 2008, 09:05 PM	#3
Jon Palmer Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 36	Great, thanks for the tips mate :) __________________ I had a handle on life but it broke.

June 4th, 2008, 05:11 PM	#2
Daniel Alexander Major Player Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: West Midlands, UK Posts: 320	try to shoot at 'magic hour' no direct sunlight casting hard shadows, try to avoid any light emmitting sources (car head lights, street lamps etc) unless you dont mind the extra work in rotoscoping. Also becareful of strong reflective surfaces in the shot as they can capture the sunlight in a way which can give you problems when attempting a convincing day for night. when it comes to the post production, check out http://www.videocopilot.net/tutorials.html?id=1 Hope this helps