How To Light Cinematic Small Spaces | Filmmaking Tutorial

In the second installment of our "How To Light" series, we discuss how to create compelling images when filming in small spaces. It's important to understand the limitations of the spaces we're in and how we can use techniques and tools to overcome them. Creating visual contrast in our frames, utilizing the 180° rule, and leaning just as heavily on negative fill as we do on light sources all work together to build wonderfully lit scenes.

Watch Episode 1:    • How To Light A Cinematic Bar Scene | ...  

This video is not about the gear but the concepts used to create the overall look. You can produce this look with tons of different light and camera configurations. That said, if you're interested in what gear I use, here are the links.

// GEAR IN THE BAR SCENE //
Gemini 1x1 Soft https://bhpho.to/35cWHgy
3' Lantern https://bhpho.to/3AUxXaD
2x3 Solid Flag https://bhpho.to/3BRXHFs
C-Stand https://bhpho.to/2WZYipo
RED Komodo https://bhpho.to/3f4RgHe
WC Komodo Accessory Kit (Pro) https://bhpho.to/2OUwgYM
SmallHD Monitor (current gen) https://bhpho.to/3n6xzCO
Teradek Wireless (current gen) https://bhpho.to/3n8DyXK
WC Mattebox https://bhpho.to/3zVUnZr
Anton Bauer V-Mount https://bhpho.to/3jT6Uav
Duvetyne Roll https://bhpho.to/3jQSY0I

// GEAR I USE TO MAKE YT VIDEOS //
Panasonic GH5S https://bhpho.to/2NGupTI
Panasonic G85 https://bhpho.to/3dJJsal
Canon EF 16-24mm f/2.8 L II https://bhpho.to/2UfCXU0
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II https://bhpho.to/37scgB3
Metabones Speed Booster XL https://bhpho.to/2GqiWU8
PolarPro 82mm Vari ND Filter https://bhpho.to/38qltdd


//TABLE OF CONTENTS //
0:00 Hotel Room Scene
0:42 Intro
0:59 The Approach
4:02 Light 1: Key Light
4:59 Light 2: Negative Fill (not a light)
6:43 Light 3: Background Light
7:25 Light 4: Practical Light
8:37 Light Bright

// THINGS TO KNOW //
Follow me on TikTok –   / garrett.sammons  
Let's connect on IG –   / garrettsammons  
The music I use https://fm.pxf.io/garrett

// #howto #light #filmmaking //

*This video is not sponsored and all opinions are my own. Some of the links listed above are affiliate link. It costs nothing extra to use and helps me create new videos.

My name is Garrett. I am a full-time commercial producer, part-time film professor, and avid whiskey enthusiast living in Metro Detroit. I began on YouTube to help bridge the technical and financial gap filmmakers face by giving away the same content I talk about in my classrooms. Learn tricks of the trade, discover new gear, stay up with filmmaking trends, dive into how I pull off cinematic looks, and so much more.