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Noir Lighting

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charles827

Hey guys, I have a music video shoot tomorrow and I'm part of the lighting crew. We're gonna go for noir-inspired lighting. Can you guys summarize what noir lighting is through a couple of words or something? Any suggestions?
 
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Noir uses hard light, small powerful sources, focused beams like fresnels and narrow pars.

Also use cookies to make shadow shapes. With focused hard light and cookies you can do wonders. Can desaturate to black and white.
 
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Dreadylocks said:
A couple words?

Black and white.

:P
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Not all B&Ws are noirs, and noirs can be color. Blood Simple. Body Heat. Sure the classic noirs are black and white, but it has more to do with the lighting/shadows, sinister characters, and dark theme.
 
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Your on a lighting team trying to emulate noir lighting TOMORROW and your asking us for help? :hmm:

Oh well: Throw shadows all over your set, use dramatic hard light on the backdrop and again on the talent, use an eye light.
 
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NathanH said:
Your on a lighting team trying to emulate noir lighting TOMORROW and your asking us for help? :hmm:

Oh well: Throw shadows all over your set, use dramatic hard light on the backdrop and again on the talent, use an eye light.
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Well he didn't say he was the DP, he's probably an electric and most times you find out on set so he is ahead of the game.
 
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The funny thing about noir is that your production design team needs to relax and go for empty space. While film makers are generally taught NOT to shoot in front of white walls, lighting a white wall with a streak of light or even a venetian blind shadow is exactly what they want for noir. It means less stress when dressing the set, but more work for the lighting crew. But it pays off...
 
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