Where to Light for Emotion (in the dark)

10/09/2024 ISO 1200 Magazine 0 Comments

Lighting is one of the most powerful tools in filmmaking, capable of evoking emotions, shaping character perception, and setting the overall tone of a scene. In the video "Where to Light for Emotion in the Dark", Rob Ellis explores how different lighting techniques, particularly around the face and eyes, can deeply impact the audience’s emotional engagement with a character.

The Importance of Catch Lights

Catch lights, the small reflections of light in a character’s eyes, play a subtle yet crucial role in making characters feel more alive and emotionally expressive. In the video, we observe that the absence of catch lights can make a character seem lifeless or cold.

By strategically placing a small light near the eyes, filmmakers can breathe life into the character's face. For instance, even a small catch light placed directly in the center of the eyes gives the character a direct and intense appearance. This can convey emotions like aggression, anger, or strong conviction.

Image and video via Rob Ellis