Every filmmaker loves “Magic Hour.” That fleeting window just after sunset provides the most flattering, ethereal light known to cinema. But when you are shooting on film, this time of day is terrifying. As the sun dips below the horizon, your light levels plummet by the second. On a digital camera, you might just crank […]
In the digital age, we have become accustomed to fixing exposure problems in the color grading suite. If a sky is too bright, we simply draw a Power Window, track it, and bring down the highlights. But when you are shooting on film — or even pushing a digital sensor to its limits in a […]
When shooting on film, you don’t have the luxury of a high-resolution monitor or waveform to check your exposure. You have your meter, your eye, and your knowledge of the craft. One of the most beautiful yet challenging lighting scenarios is the classic backlit sun shot. It creates separation, a stunning hair light, and a […]
In an age dominated by digital “fixes,” false color overlays, and the ability to change ISO with the scroll of a wheel, the true, hands-on craft of exposing celluloid has become a rare and vital skill. We see the “film look” imitated everywhere. Grain overlays, halation plugins, and LUTs designed to mimic Kodak Vision3. But […]
For over a decade, one light has been the gold standard on my sets for punching through windows or bouncing into massive frames: the ARRI M90. This HMI has been a powerful workhorse, a tool that expanded my creativity and could beautifully replicate the sun. It was an oldie, but a goodie. But as filmmakers, […]
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 […]
Cinematography Tip: Fix Sony Burano Magenta Color Shift The world of filmmaking has transformed dramatically over the years. Cameras have evolved from bulky, cumbersome devices to sleek, powerful machines capable of capturing breathtaking imagery. We’ve come a long way from the days of film, where color correction was a laborious process relegated to post-production. Today, […]
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 […]
Greetings, film fanatics and gearheads! Shane Hurlbut, ASC, here. Buckle up, because I’m taking you behind the wheel of one of the most exhilarating car stunts I’ve ever captured on film. We’re diving deep into the world of high-octane action in Scott Waugh’s adrenaline-pumping film, Need for Speed. Remember that heart-stopping sequence where Little Pete […]
DaVinci Resolve revolutionized our post-production workflow for the Disney+ film Safety. Owned and developed by Blackmagic Design, DaVinci Resolve is a non-linear editing application that also specializes in color correction. But, its features and abilities go far beyond that. It puts everyone on the same track. One of DaVinci’s more impressive features is its ability […]
RED Digital Cinema hit the market in 2005 and ever since the world of filmmaking has never been the same. RED was a major factor in revolutionizing the industry by making digital cinematography the standard for motion capture. And, trust me, I know a little something about that major turning point in the industry. As […]
There are a million different factors that go into making a film. And if one of those factors goes wrong, like say your battery gives out during a crucial moment, it could prove to be the difference between a successful shoot or spending a treasure trove of money on reshoots. That’s where Blueshape comes in. […]
One cannot simply stress the significance of color and what it means for the emotional experience of a film. This is especially the case for Disney and its vast vault of memorable films that transcend both time and space. That’s why I realized early on in pre-production for the newly released movie Safety (available now […]
The future is officially upon us with Insta360 and location scouting will never be the same. As we move forward into the COVID era, ensuring the safety of our industry professionals is our primary concern. The people who are on the ground grinding day in and day out are the glue that’s holding everything together. […]
The magic of cinema evokes emotion through feeling visceral moments that put you in the headspace of the protagonist.