Post 11: Advanced Production Skills Workshop 1

Lighting is used to shed light on characters on screen. Recently in class, we looked at the different types of lighting and how it can be used during film scenes to create different effects and illusions. We were introduced to Film Noir ‘Black Film’ which was a 1946 film produced by Nino Frank who was a French Film Critic. 'Film Noir' became known as a style that can be used to create mood, tone and to show point of view. 


There are many different definitions and opinions that people have on 'Film Noir'. It became popular within film making as it was important to develop conventions that where associated with this style.

Below are the following three links that support 'Film Noir':

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_noir

• http://www.filmnoirstudies.com/

• http://www.filmsite.org/filmnoir.html

Many characteristics were associated with ‘Film Noir' such as examples of Dark, Downbeat and ‘black’ looks. Also it showed that the themes were evident. 


It was discovered that most films display the insecurities of the time period as well as counter balancing Hollywood’s musicals and comedies.


The story showed a hard hitting male character who encounters a beautiful “female fatale.” The women would manipulate him which often lead to a murder.

During class, we watched a clip of the 'Film Noir' Double Indemnity, of which we studied the story line during those times.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn-RWYZYbsY


After watching this short clip, we then looked more closely at the lighting that has been used and the different positions of the lights. It is used as a way of highlighting and creating shadows that can be used to influence a scene. A shadow is a region of darkness where light is blocked.

These are the following existing shadows:

• Cast Shadows - "These are when objects block the light source and shed a shadow."
  
• Attached Shadows - "These are when the lighting fails to illuminate parts of the object due to its shape and size."

This Image on the right, is an example of an attached shadow as it consists of two important characters of whom  are surrounded with minor characters that are used to set the scene in the background.


If you look carefully, you can see that the face of the man positioned on the left in the image has an attached shadow on the right hand side of his face which is created by his material figure creating it. 


This image below is an example of a cast shadow as it is created due to the fact that the blind appears to be blocking the direct light source from the sunlight from outside.

Therefore a Cast Shadow is formed onto the man's man's jacket and tie standing directly opposite.

After learning about the affects that both cast and attached shadows have, we then as a class looked into the affect that both lighting and shadows have on the shape and texture of objects. 


We found and watched a short video that demonstrates perfectly the manipulation light can have on objects.


The video is centred around a lemon of which light is directed from different angles which affects the lighting on the texture and shape of the lemon. 

However at some points during the video, if you look carefully, you will understand that it can be difficult for the viewer to understand what is actually being filmed as the differences that are created are due to the shadows.

Below is the video Lemon - Hollis Frampton:





Link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-nBjFze-J4


We then were given the task to duplicate the video of the lemon using our own object  given to us which was a shell. 


Below are the following Equipment that we used:

• Torch
• Black Sugar Paper 
• Camera

Our task was to create 'illuminative shadows' that would look highly effective from the lighting  shown and would ultimately look effective.

Below is the Shell Video that we done for our task:

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpupIdPBqjc&feature=youtu.be

This task has made me realise that when it comes to the lighting of my film there is a lot to take into consideration.


Below are the following to be considered:

• Natural Lighting
• Artificial Lighting 
• Coloured Gels
• Strength of Gels
• Shadows
• Types of Shadows

This task has however made me realise about these, however to ensure that I am fully aware of everything  when its comes to filming  I may need to research it further.