Assignment 3: Shadows Prove the Light

[Filmmaking 101 overview]

Purpose: To learn to control light so your images say what you want them to say.

Basis: How a scene is lit changes everything. Harsh shadows plunging to black makes things ominous and intense. Soft glowing faces evoke feelings of joy and comfort. Uniformly lit backgrounds betrays a student production. Whenever possible, when working on a dramatic piece, use lighting to help tell your tale. But to be able to do that, we need to learn to control the light you have.

Directions: Print and construct the White Cube. Place it on a black surface (table, t-shirt, box) in a room that you can get really dark. Using what lights you have, try to get three sides of the cube three different brightnesses on camera: White, gray, and almost black.

Post your video link in the comments section so everyone can see your work.

Looking Forward: Light is powerful, but so is music. Time to learn to control that as well.

What to Watch: "Field of View: The Warehouse" This is an incredible example of how lighting changes your film.

Watch Samples:


Even more Assignment 3 Samples and Student Examples