Factually Correct or Reasonable Opinion?

[ussinners]

First the picture: A triangle of omni's illuminate a bed.

As the character redirects the lights he says the following: Lights. Most film makers don’t use shadow enough. The three point system is much easier but not nearly as effective. I’m going to use three point. But I believe shadow can create such mood. It really darkens the emotion. Makes you feel suspense in the pit of your stomach. So, I’m going to start with three, and work backwards. I have them each plugged into a dimmer. It’s cool.You know who utilizes shadows to the max? David Lynch. Love his work.

As film makers would you consider this factually correct, or at least how some may (could) feel about lighting?

 

[PositiveFuture]

I was thinking about shadows this morning... In a lot of the vids I watch in the screening room there's no lighting design, as has been pointed out 100s of times. Even if you've got a 5D, you're still going to get a cheap look ignoring this important aspect... Why don't people take 20 minutes to set up some basic textured light?

Unless the new DSLR generation figure out how to use Gobos etc, I think a lot of them will be stuck in the minor leagues.

*

I have no idea if that's fact, but it's what I think. Sorry, I don't know if I answered your question.

 

[PositiveFuture]

Thread killed.

Dropped in one shot... Bang.

 

[Cracker Funk]

Thread killed.

Dropped in one shot... Bang.

You didn't kill it, brother. It was D.O.A.

Sinner, that quote seems fine. Keep it in your script. Of course, I'm reading it out of context. Depending on the situation, and who the character is talking to, this line coule either make perfect sense, or be perfectly ridiculous. But, seeing it as is, I personally don't see any problem with it.

 

[wheatgrinder]

If I was talking to another filmmaker and he said that.. why Id first take away his riding crop, knock of his English driving cap, pee on his jodhpurs and strangle him with his own ascot.

Just kidding, sound pretty cool, if a bit melodramatic or maybe drunk.

 

[wheatgrinder]

I killed it... a second time..

 

[ussinners]

Ok, I'm just keeping it in. But, if some reviewer writes, this screenwriter doesn't have a clue about setting up lights, I know who to blame.

 

[PositiveFuture]

Even if the character gets it wrong, it's the character's mistake... not yours, so no problem.

 

[ussinners]

Even if the character gets it wrong, it's the character's mistake... not yours, so no problem.

But, he's extremely arrogant about his movie-making. So, it should be correct. I'm pretty sure I read somewhere the most basic way of lighting a scene is the 3-point method. I just can't remember where I read it.

 

[JohnNetzlof]

But, he's extremely arrogant about his movie-making. So, it should be correct.

Most people I've encountered who are very arrogant, are rarely correct, just full of themselves.

 

[VPTurner]

Most people I've encountered who are very arrogant, are rarely correct, just full of themselves.

Yep. Big difference between arrogance and confidence.

Some reference material:

http://www.bluesky-web.com/broadcastvideoexamples3point.html

 

[ussinners]

That reference is PERFECT because it starts with "Pick up any book on lighting for film and television and you'll see the all too familiar paradigm of three-point lighting."

That's the kind of arrogant asshole he is. He knows just enough to get by, and thinks his awful screenplay is going to be a huge hit.

Here's a bit of his script dialogue being rehearsed by room mates Nancy and Shari.

SHARI
Why?

NANCY
Because I need to. I’ll never accomplish my goal if I stay. I love you, but I have to go.

Nancy rises.

SHARI
My heart’s breaking.

Nancy kneels before Shari and lifts her chin.

NANCY
I’m all grown up momma. I’m all grown up.

How awful is that? His delusions of success have grave consequences for all concerned.

But, that was perfect, thanks.