Differences, subtle AND significant
Scale: Large vs. Intimate
Mistakes emphasized in close-ups
Cinema: caters to a less forgiving "eye"
The Eye vs. Image Media
Eye:
Very wide sensitivity range, 30-50 f-stops Starlight to desert sunlight
Fraction of- to 10 million candlepower
Great "latitude", ability to see into diferently lit areas simultaneously.
Automatic and simultaneous color balancing.
"Cinema"; Film, CCD, etc.:
Fairly narrow range, about 5 f-stops
"White set" must be set (can be automatic)
More sensitive to intensity difference, Balance
More sensitive to color differences
BUT, Response is controllable Dim light can look bright; Bright can look dim
Number of Luminares:
Theatre: many instruments for a given scene, a plot must support whole
show Longer setup in advance, then more static during performance.
Cimena: fewer instruments per shot, but each shot a new setup Instruments
set then struck each scene, more dynamic
Theatre: uses color and dimmers more heavily to achieve effect.
Cinema: uses balance and QUALITY of light for effect; intensity controlled
with "color neutral" methods (scrims, screens, ND filters).
EQUIPMENT:
Cinema Luminaires:
Instruments specialized for close-in rather than long-range use.
Key Lights:
Fresnels: workhorse of key lights.
Prime fixtures: variable focus open face units. Lighter, brighter,
less controlable than fresnels.
Broads: very short range, intense, wide throw. Often used for background lighting.
Fill Lights:
Softlights: large reflective matte pan indirectly illuminating scene.
Scoops: Longer range softlight effect, esp. in banks.
Bounce lighting: key type lighting reflected from non-specular panels
as fill. Show cards, foam core, white beadfoam, umbrellas
Diffusion kits: large transluscent panels lit from behind.
Diffusion media
Silk screens
Chimera boxes
Home-made boxes
Keno-flos Banks of color corrected florescent tubes.
Walls-o'-Light BIG banks of florescent tubes.
Grip equipment
C-stands
Dollies
TECHNQUES:
General Approach:
Establish the Key Sets exposure for scene.
Set the fill. Set relative to key.
Add in enhansements Kickers, eye lights, backlight, etc.
Light the environment