It’s a classic, high-stakes problem. You’re on set, trying to light a large interior. The director wants to see the bright, beautiful exterior through the windows, but the room itself is falling into shadow. You know you need a massive amount of power to balance that interior exposure with the sun. You call for the […]
Tag Archive for: Cinematic Lighting
“I don’t have 18Ks. I don’t have M40s. How can I create cinematic lighting?” It’s one of the most common challenges filmmakers face. The great news is that powerful storytelling isn’t always about having the biggest lights. It’s about creatively shaping the light you already have. In this exclusive lesson excerpt, we provide a detailed […]
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 […]
Practical lights — those lamps, fixtures, and light sources visible within your frame — are the unsung heroes of cinematic realism. From table lights and barrel shades to goosenecks and bare bulbs, these elements, often provided by the Set Decoration department, are crucial for grounding your scene in reality and establishing mood. However, as any […]
Welcome to this in-depth exploration of batten lights, a surprisingly versatile and often underutilized tool in the cinematographer’s arsenal. I’m Shane Hurlbut, ASC, and throughout my career, I’ve learned that mastering cinematic lighting isn’t just about knowing what lights to use, but how to use them to shape mood, enhance the story, and create a […]
In the world of cinematography, lighting is more than just illumination. It’s an art form that shapes perception, evokes emotion, and guides the viewer’s eye. Mastering different lighting techniques is essential for any filmmaker looking to elevate their storytelling. In this Filmmakers Academy lesson, cinematographer Shane Hurlbut, ASC, explores the nuances of “key on key” […]
As a cinematographer, I’m always on the lookout for lighting tools that can help me bring my creative vision to life. When I embarked on the journey of shooting Música, an Amazon Prime Original film, I knew I needed lighting that could not only deliver exceptional performance but also adapt to the unique challenges of […]
Changing the depth of field is a subtle yet powerful way to portray a character’s emotion in a scene. Shane Hurlbut, ASC recently used the “Cinefade VariND” on the movie Tall Girl 2. When Jodi (Ava Michelle) hears her inner voice of self-doubt, Shane uses the Cinefade to subtly enhance the moment. Watch the CINEFADE […]
Hurlbut Academy Writer Chris Haigh & Editor Ross Papitto comprehensively break down the Cinematography and Look of the Golden Globe Winning Film, 1917.
Lighting techniques and camera composition is the focus of this course tailored to open your mind in new ways. I have designed this experience to be immersive, interactive and intimate using simple techniques to build confidence with any budget.
