Actor Blocking with Lighting Emotion
Lighting is far more than just making actors visible. In fact, lighting emotion is a powerful narrative tool that can convey the character’s internal world. In this excerpt from “Actor Blocking with Practical Lighting” – the fourth installment of our On Set Series: Cinematic Light Sources – cinematographer Shane Hurlbut, ASC, demonstrates how to masterfully weave lighting into the fabric of a scene to reflect complex internal states.
Using the film Fathers & Daughters as a case study, we’ll delve into a pivotal sequence in Cameron’s apartment. Following a dramatic confrontation, the lighting design becomes crucial in exploring the emotional distance between Cameron (Aaron Paul) and Katie (Amanda Seyfried), and their tentative steps towards reconnection. Discover how practicals, deliberate color temperature choices, and nuanced contrast visually articulate their evolving dynamic, with a key standing lamp playing a central role in the blocking and lighting scheme.
WATCH LESSON EXCERPT
To explore the full collection, which offers an immersive look into various lighting techniques and challenges, visit On Set Series: Cinematic Light Sources.
EMOTIONAL DISTANCE & CONNECTION: LIGHTING CAMERON’S APARTMENT
Following the dramatic confrontation at the bar, a scene in Cameron’s apartment explores the emotional distance this event has created between him and Katie, and their subsequent attempt to reconnect. The lighting design for this sequence masterfully uses practicals, color temperature, and contrast to reflect these internal states and their evolving relationship. The primary blocking revolves around a large barrel shade standing lamp.
INITIAL SEPARATION: DISTINCT COLOR WORLDS
When Katie is first seen in Cameron’s bedroom, she is physically distant from him and emotionally uncertain. Shane describes her character’s foundation as being “on sand,” while Cameron’s is “brick and mortar.” To visually represent this, they lit Katie with a very unique and cool color tone. Meanwhile, they lit Cameron in a warmer environment.
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KATIE’S COOL TONE (METAL HALIDE)
A 250-watt Metal Halide fixture (a true fixture purchased from Home Depot, not a cinema-specific light) was placed on a 60-foot Condor outside Cameron’s bedroom window.
They directed the light towards Katie. Its color temperature was set around 4700 Kelvin with a significant green spike.
ROLLER SHADE DIFFUSION (SOFT TOPPER)
A key pro tip involved using the existing roller shades on the windows. Production design/set decoration provided these. They pulled the shade down to a specific point, typically cutting across Katie’s chin.
The Metal Halide light filtering through this roller shade (acting like a bleached muslin) created a soft, diffused light on her face and a distinct eye light. The hard, direct Metal Halide light was allowed to hit her body below the shade line. This “soft topper” technique creates a beautiful gradation.
PRO TIP: If roller shades aren’t available, you can achieve a similar effect by rigging a piece of light diffusion like Half Grid Cloth or Rosco 129 to diffuse the top portion of the light. This lets the harder light sneak underneath. |
CAMERON’S WARM TONE
Aaron Paul was primarily illuminated by the warm light of the large barrel shade standing lamp in the room.
EMULATING METAL HALIDE WITH LEDS
While they used a true Metal Halide fixture, Shane also discusses modern LED alternatives. To replicate the hard shadows of a Metal Halide, a focusable LED fixture like a Fiilex Q5 or Q10 would be preferable to a panel light (like a SkyPanel S30 or Vortex4, which would create softer light but could match the XY color coordinates).
The RGBW Amber (or similar) capabilities of modern LEDs allow precise matching of the Metal Halide’s unique color signature (e.g., 4700K with significant green) by dialing in the specific XY coordinates.
They also used a Kino Flo Celeb 200 with its green channel boosted to emulate Metal Halide light coming through another window in a back room (hallway/kitchen area).
KATIE MOVES CLOSER: A JOURNEY THROUGH LIGHT AND SHADOW
As Katie walks from the bedroom towards Cameron, her lighting transitions…
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Initially, she is dimly lit, picking up motivation from the barrel shade lamp that is primarily lighting Cameron.
The Metal Halide from the window can be seen edging a non-illuminated practical and items on the windowsill. They created a tea-stained, cyan-toned backlit effect with the roller shades.
A 212 photoflood bulb (tungsten balanced at 3200K) was inside the main barrel shade lamp. They dimmed it down to appear warmer (around 2900K). It contrasts with the camera’s white balance of 3700K and the cooler 4700K Metal Halide, creating rich color contrast.
LIGHTING WITH INTENT:
As demonstrated in this look at Cameron’s apartment scene, every lighting choice can be imbued with narrative purpose. From establishing distinct color worlds with Metal Halide and warm practicals to create initial separation, to the subtle “soft topper” technique using roller shades for nuanced facial lighting, each element worked in concert to reflect Katie and Cameron’s emotional journey. The careful consideration of color temperature contrasts, the motivation of light from practical sources, and the dynamic interplay of light and shadow as characters move through the space, all highlight how cinematography can profoundly deepen an audience’s understanding of character and story.
These lighting techniques offer a glimpse into the detailed instruction. All of which found in the full “Actor Blocking with Practical Lighting” lesson.
Ready to master these techniques and elevate your own cinematic storytelling?
Dive deeper into the art and science of lighting with the complete “On Set Series: Cinematic Light Sources.” Join Shane Hurlbut, ASC to gain invaluable insights into practical lighting, mood creation, and professional problem-solving.
Watch the full series now at Filmmakers Academy and transform your approach to lighting!
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