the Cinematic Lighting Cheat Code

[@markbone]

backlight EVERYTHING.

[@DannyGevirtz]

Congrats on the 100k king!

[@Bharatmaximus]

Mark Bone is EXACTLY where I got Introduced to Backlighting and Danny helped me master the skill 🥺😻

[@chestervelosophotography6702]

@@DannyGevirtz Very educational. Thanks for the info.

[@Todsrisengfa]

This is the way

[@brianpark2564]

throw in some anamorphic too

[@Mike_AfterTen]

"Your audience is watching your videos on a 2 dimensional screen, so your job as a cinematographer is to create a 3 dimensional world that your audience can live in through a 2 dimensional forum... and we do that by creating depth in our frame" - Love it Danny

[@marparc2261]

while watching a movie normal people: is the main character gonna die? me : light, dark, light, dark, light, dark

[@tanthomps4468]

This has me rolling!!

[@yiwenren1388]

lol😂

[@mikemuponda1781]

This is the mantra I need lol

[@MonzonMedia]

Such a simple concept but highly misunderstood and hardly emphasized on the YT space. So valuable!

[@DannyGevirtz]

Thanks so much!

[@gravitymediapro]

Dude. Dude. Dude. I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate this. I’ve binge watched your videos today, and have learned more today versus the last ten years of my 25+ career. THANK YOU is an understatement. You’re remarkably talented and will become a household name.

[@DannyGevirtz]

Thank you so much!!! Glad to have helped out!

[@africaamaze]

This is great Danny. Most people have just reduced cinematic to blurry background. Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@DannyGevirtz]

Haha thanks man!

[@Mikey_Perth]

Also everything in 120 fps 🤦‍♂

[@africaamaze]

@@Mikey_Perth I absolutely agree man!

[@jonmauler]

The biggest thing you’ve taught me about lighting is motivation, motivation, motivation, motivation, motivation. I’ve picked up a lot of lighting “rules” over the years, but I wish I learned this sooner. All these scenes were lit based on what was already in the shot. I’ve never seen you add a light just for the sake of adding a light. I love the intentionality behind that.

[@tejassetlur806]

It’s funny because I’ve seen this in every movie every show but could never figure out why it was so “cinematic” thank you for this Danny!!

[@DannyGevirtz]

Haha you’ll never unsee it now. Thanks man!

[@timanderson6941]

Finally, someone who can explain lighting concepts in a way that I understand. Thank you, Danny!

[@MD-wk3gj]

As I’ve been learning more of these cinematic techniques I’ve applied this lighting technique to my lighting and background in Zoom meetings and I have to say my appearance at meetings tends to be the best in every group. It’s amazing what a few minor changes can do.

[@nathan_hitchcock]

that moment when you already know exactly what's going to be said but you click on the video anyways to hear it from Danny's voice.

[@DannyGevirtz]

Hahaha thanks dude

[@the5xdropout720]

Learned a lot in this video. Biggest takeaways that are new knowledge to me: > objective is to create a 3d world out of a 2d image > we want alternating patters of light and dark > backlighting helps achieve the above > set exposure for the sky and not your subject because we can't control brightness of the sky but we can control that for our subject Thank you so much for these tips!

[@lilshredda6117]

Litterally every video I've watched of yours so far the concepts just click. Something about how you explain it or help visualize it verbally helps sooo much. I feel like I've learned more about filmmaking in 11 mins than the past 11 weeks.

[@TomHawkComposer]

Less than 5 minutes into this video and I know this is gonna be one of the best videos on cinematic lighting. Looking forward to seeing the rest of it, thanks for the great content Danny!

[@DannyGevirtz]

Thanks brother!!

[@dannygariepy3123]

Man I appreciate you making content that shows the difference between videography and cinematography. You and The Wandering DP are my two favourite channels right now!

[@shalzone_]

it's the way he says that he loves us that keeps me going this channel gave me the energy to face my fears about filmmaking

[@filmNJones]

Of all the cinematography videos I've watched on KZbin, this is the first one that has mentioned the light/dark pattern situation. Very cool.

[@bbell3979]

wow! depth front to back, depth left to right. now when i dream instead of counting sheep it's gonna be - light, dark, light, dark, light, baa - thx so much Danny!

[@Spinfast]

You´ve got to be the person with the most soothing presentation technique on the whole intanetz! Love your stuff Danny.

[@TheeGirlabouttown]

I love you too, Danny! Your tutorials are hands down the best and the easiest to follow on KZbin. I'm new to the world of cinematography and you're like top 5 professors on KZbin university. Just binge watched a bunch of videos on your page and subscribed! I'm so excited about your movie, I Think I'm Sick, coming out soon!!!! Can't wait to see where life's journey takes you next!

[@dathofilms]

I cant wait for all the CINEMATIC Coffee brolls to start looking nice

[@konradnoises]

I've tried to explain this to a bunch of people and they never seem to understand. But your explanation totally does it. As always, congrats!

[@DannyGevirtz]

Thanks so much!!

[@PeterKae]

Nice example how backlight really makes your image looks better. Never thought about it actually but I can clearly spot the difference! Nice explanation danny!!

[@thomas.dauteuil3424]

The Wandering DP be like: That's mah boi ☺️

[@deansherwood]

Framework, framework, framework

[@BlackopsSOG1]

bruh i knew exactly what danny was gonna say bc of him😂😂 like watch him say shoot short

[@leofavour7098]

Exactly!!

[@noahlebel-turcotte4662]

*Salt and paper, *L of the room

[@deongedeon]

💯😄

[@averagejoefilmsofficial]

This is stuff I’ve known for years. But NEVER have I heard it explained in such a simple and easy to understand way. I’m going to use this as a resource for some of my film students.

[@andreasremy760]

I learn so much from you Danny! Another 10/10 video. For a guy like me that has had video as a hobby for years and never attended film school I can't emphasise enough how valuable content like this is to me. I feel like I'm literally attending film school with all the great content on KZbin, and you sir are definately one of the coolest professors on campus!

[@phucmapvlog]

Great breakdown

[@AbhinavanandSingh]

Beautiful work man, love the blend of simplicity and information!

[@AndrewMurphyFilms]

Legit a cheat code!! Since learning this method my whole style of shooting has changed and my content looks so much nicer!!!

What I found the most from your movies Danny is to be both better filmmaker and better human being. Thank you

[@ruandelange9185]

This is crazy. Thanks danny. Been bingeing your videos for 2 days

[@OfTwoLands]

Wandering DP vibes haha !! Great video mate. I always try to apply this when on a shoot when possible :) Love the movie selection too, that scene in Jurassic Park is just 😍

[@Arcvde]

Lighting is the hardest thing for me still. This was awesome, Danny. Thank you greatly!

[@DannyGevirtz]

Thanks Michael!!

[@faderhead]

The Framework in the house!

[@WillBowers]

Going to try to put this into practice asap. Thanks g youre the man

[@DannyGevirtz]

Thanks dude!

[@ReimannPembroke]

This is such a great lighting video! I love that you used multiple examples to drive it home

[@Daishi90]

One of the best on KZbin man, keep doing what you do!

[@DannyGevirtz]

Thanks Joe!!

[@blessingplant]

This is the single greatest and simplest tip I’ve learned about lighting. So so so grateful for this✨

[@thearmeddiyer9343]

Thank you for putting all of the camera specs for the different environments. Some people just talk about f-stops or ISO and leave the rest to best guess.

[@LukeHarrisVids]

super insightful as always. the whole concept of alternating light pattern in a scene was new to me. you're the best, danny.

[@WhySteve]

Nice. I always put a backlight/hair light on the opposite side of my key but this reminds me to keep it simple. Just because I can, doesn't mean I always have to. And it's probably one of my biggest issues killing my talking head shots sometimes.

[@andrewthompson4113]

Super grateful that I heard you on Eric’s Rally Caps podcast. Your videos have been helping me out a ton!

[@ElBoyoElectronico]

Thank you for helping people with your knowledge. I like when concepts are broken down in a way, that you can apply them to your own work.

[@DannyGevirtz]

Thanks so much!!

[@filmedbyjez]

I’ve learned about this many of times but this is by far the best explained I’ve come across! Well done, keep it up🖤

[@DannyGevirtz]

Thanks man!

[@AntoineValleeStudio]

I had basics covered...well I think but this video was explained in the most simple way which makes the value your giving us crazy good. Just seems too simple which is why you call it a cheat code I guess :p Great Job Danny and Thanks for the great value and the videos you share on KZbin.

[@dantracyoriginals]

My dude has been watching Cinematography Breakdown by The Wandering DP. Really great video as always Danny, been watching since late 2019. Soo good to see smart guys doing well.

[@TwoOneSe7en]

I’m glad I found this channel through Matti. Thank you for taking the time to teach this stuff Danny.

[@heather2087]

What a beautiful soul you have. ❤️. 🥰🇨🇦. Thanks for shining your light on all of us.

[@Glen.Danielsen]

This is the delight of light! Thanks deeply much, Danny!

[@whoisjaffe]

DANNY THIS IS SO HELPFUL YOU DONT UNDERSTAND

[@DBaconBoy]

Clicked this as soon as it came up but forgot I was at work so I’m currently hiding in the bathroom to watch some of it 😂

[@AndreiRestrepo]

so simple yet SO GAME CHANGING. You broke that down so simple, thanks for this Danny! Fricken great video.

[@DannyGevirtz]

Thanks man!!

[@AronBagel]

I remember you mentioning WanderingDP in an off-hand comment about podcasts you listened to in a video from like last year, and I'm so glad you did. Being sent down that rabbit hole, and learning about the Framework and upstage lighting drastically improved my video skills, basically overnight. Hopefully this will do the same for many other people!

[@NYCsantiagoMusic]

I cannot even begin to explain how much I genuinely enjoy watching you... and I’m learning how to better my craft. Danny you are the best. How do you not have over a million followers? It doesn’t matter. Quality over quantity anytime.

[@DannyGevirtz]

Hahaha man that means the world! Thank you!!

[@NYCsantiagoMusic]

@@DannyGevirtz Danny Gevirtz responded to my post. Can this day get any better?

[@MrTerryRay1]

This is an awesome video Danny. I like how you explain the lighting depth you are looking for. A lot of people say you want depth in a scene and don't explain or show what it is. One thing that I had to really think about is at 5:45 when you say the scene is ugly. I understood that you were saying the scene didn't have depth (the light, dark, light, dark) pattern. But the images in this video are beautiful; the exposure, the colors, the skin tones, shadow details. This makes me want to get a Canon camera, and of course I need to gain the skills to produce such beautiful images. Anyway this is a great lesson in lighting.

[@apatheticfilmmaker1431]

Wrapping the light vs fill was a good tip for me. I catch myself trying to fill the light, but putting the reflector to the side of their face when really it should be wrapping it from the front.

[@rina8208]

I swear u the only who can say I luv u at the end of a vid and it doesn’t feel weird 🖤

[@naeemashaari]

always love your lighting setup. it's simple yet cinematic and most importantly, no neon light 😬

[@DannyGevirtz]

Haha thanks man!

[@christiancocuzzo]

When watching these informative videos from Danny I genuinely feel bad for the people who might not find them.

[@jessicaauermusic]

I am supposed to film a music video this weekend and this information was very helpful for a beginner. Thank You

[@hugeitsu271]

Thanks Danny! Will put this to use on projects this weekend. Appreciate you!

[@teodequina6051]

Amazing video man! So much information and great visuals, love the color grading as always 🔥

[@On_thedownload]

Wow, so well put. Actually made sense in such a simple yet effective explanation. Definitely going to try apply this to my first wedding film

[@douglennymo1099]

this is honestly so useful, simple and straight to the point thanks Danny

[@kingmuhu]

Awesome bro! Allways nice to have a talented person share his/her vision and aproach on technical stuff! Eyeopener on creating depth. Super super nice. Cheers!

[@stilltuned2782]

Your videos are great for creative, so informative. We still struggle with lighting and find these type of videos so helpful. Thanks Danny keep up the great work!

[@DannyGevirtz]

Thanks so much!

[@2412nino]

Your "i love you" has some magic. Idk why but it sounds cinematic to me lol

[@natalita222]

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO!! 💛💛💛 I learn so much from watching your content!

[@matthewfoote12]

this has literally changed the way i think of everything thank you so much

[@TannerGwaltney]

Somebody's been watching the wandering DP. I really like this format. Danny hitting it out of the park as usual.

[@GriffinConway]

Super good Danny! Love the simple explanation and practical real world examples!

[@DannyGevirtz]

As always thank you brother!

[@mohicferguson_]

I’m a simple man.. when Danny gives us free cheat codes I get my notebook and take them down

[@xtianrogelio20]

this is the simplest tutorial i've ever seen about how you can make your lighting look professional

[@andrewkigen]

Thanks for articulating this the way you did.

[@kurtgilbertson]

You're so right, I see it everywhere now. literally everywhere.

[@keenanlam_]

We got the WanderingDG here! Ahaha, absolutely loved this video man - such a great genuine lesson on backlighting! I’m gonna have to try and recreate a similar setup that you had in the bedroom shot, looked so good 😍

[@mistermauby3506]

Loving this microcosm that's developing...

[@TimeBreakPictures]

Great content. Very well explained and super helpful, thanks!

[@dapp24fps]

THANKS FOR SUCH GREAT INFO,THIS WAS THE ONLY THING I NEEDED TO KNOW CAUSE EVERY LIGHTING HAS A REASON AND THIS CLEARED EVERYTHING🔥AFTER WATCHING THIS I'M READY TO NAIL MY PORTFOLIO!

[@DannyGevirtz]

Glad to hear it man! Thank you!

[@RyanGreen]

Super helpful tip on wrapping the light, rather than just bouncing directly into the shadows. Thanks man!

[@DannyGevirtz]

Thanks Ryan!!

[@MotoWrenchers]

Awesome video! Thank you so much. Exactly what I needed. Keep up the good work. I really enjoy your content

[@lukeparkour3712]

Hey Danny! I don't know if you remember me but I'm back! I was busy preparing for my university portfolio. 😅 Today was my first day of uni and of course I major in videography and photography!! Thank you for the great videos! I'll go back and watch every video that I missed!! Anyway, I hope you had a great Easter and have a great day!

[@rpace]

Excellent breakdown, keep making videos like this!

[@mrmohantyexperiments]

Duuuuude. This is gold. Amazing tutorial.

[@trippij8]

i lOVE YOU DANNY G!

[@mosesfigueroa]

I really enjoy how you still tried to give us your tutorial from outside even though you didn’t have the best lighting conditions haha. Not every situation is going be as planned. Love the content you give us! 🙏🏻 PS: I’m planning my first documentary and I’m super excited about it because it’s very personal and means a lot to me. I will most likely be referring to a lot of your videos about documentary filmmaking.

[@DannyGevirtz]

Hahaha I debated cutting it out but I was like eh shooting outside is always a crap shoot

[@mosesfigueroa]

@@DannyGevirtz Haha true, outside lighting conditions are always so unpredictable. I feel like sharing moments like that let us know you’re human just like everyone else and gives us a taste of the true reality of filmmaking. Haha sorry that was kinda deep 😂

[@martinmoll4725]

Great video 🧡 is there a reason to use ND filters at ISO 800 instead of going down with the ISO and not using ND?

[@BobHarrisLikMyStocking]

Was wondering this too, just posted the question in comments and saw yours.

[@gnosjo]

Depending on camera and (log) settings, ISO 800 might give you the greatest dynamic range.

[@austin.filmphoto]

Your channel is incredible. I am so grateful to be able to learn so much from it. Good stuff!

[@DannyGevirtz]

Thanks so much man!

[@malluvibes3956]

i love the idea and I guessed it at the start but something you need to know, is not everybody has a cinema camera with that dynamic range. when i try it, my shadows get crushed when I expose for highlights in the sun.

[@malluvibes3956]

hey never mind. I paused the video to right this comment, but when I resumed it, you talked about it.😂 What a coincidence. Keep up the good work mahn.✨🙌

[@katotaichii]

I learn from your videos a lot. Always thank you! Love from Japan

[@DannyGevirtz]

Thank you man!

[@IgorShevchenkoUSA]

Oh, thank you so much! ⭐️ I will definitely incorporate this tip in my videos!

[@DannyGevirtz]

Awesome man. Thank you!

[@c.h.imaging]

Annnnnd bookmark, just so I can watch it as many times as it takes for my brain to just remember this info when I'm actually out shooting. Because I rush too much. Thanks Danny!

[@DannyGevirtz]

Haha thanks brother!

[@thetonyleon]

Love it! This cheat code just unlocked so much for me. Thank you so much

[@Bonsees]

the "I'm not wearing any pants" shot at 7:05 caught me off guard 😂 great tips, thanks!

[@DannyGevirtz]

Hahahaha

[@Bonsees]

@@DannyGevirtz 😂

[@ConceptNewEra]

Been looking for new lighting schemes for my videos, and this came in so clutch! Thanks for sharing bro! Love hearing you’re thoughts! And this one is overpowered! 💯✔️🔥

[@DannyGevirtz]

Thanks man!!

[@slevyin]

The "I love you, bye" :') :') 😭😭😭💙

[@thomas.schubert]

great. and nice move to pull in the monitor for priming the cut :-)

[@yesin-g3741]

Which is more important for highli and shadow roll off: dynamic range or color depth?

[@betweenthebanter]

Fantastic as always Danny.

[@angrybadgerminis3077]

Great video, can you do one for the camera you use indoors?