Cinematography Tips: Breaking Up & Diffusing Light!

[@chefkendranguyen]

Lighting correctly is not easy at all, thanks Ryan this is very helpful.

[@thebrandonkm]

One of the best episodes in a while! Great one!

[@Fightingbadgers]

My DP made me buy a haze/fog machine for our production, he said it would increase dynamic range, and the look in sample shots from other movies he showed me is really great. We're not talking about rooms full of smoke here, but a subtle thin haze across the room. If you don't want to spend money on a machine, a couple of incense sticks will do as well, it just takes longer :p

[@DaveDugdaleColorado]

I've been meaning to try Shane's bookend light. I gotta do that. Thanks for sharing.

[@davidbrooksiv]

Dave you're just everywhere. haha.

[@N8VENTURES]

Hey Dave! Why not collab with Film Riot?

[@Cwookie_]

***** GIVE THIS MAN A COOKIE!! A real one... the eatable kind.. This collab should really happen

[@NihilQuest]

Diffusion was nice and easy for this close shot of Josh but it would be a whole new level of difficulty for a scene, where all shots would need to match it. I'd love to see an episode about keeping consistent with lighting. The noir part was great, very funny and good looking too.

[@AwesomeTyme]

I learn more from this than my ACTUAL cinematography class

[@ReaperzProductions]

I love episodes like this. It's clear you've put more effort into it and it pays off. Good job Ry-guy!

[@andycandyandy]

Loving Film Riot when I use to watch it out for bit extra information.Now I'm studying film, these guys have really helped me go that extra mile. THANKS GUYS!

[@CartoonCorey]

Definitely one of the best episodes you guys have made. A simple technique, but one that is not necessarily only aimed at beginners. Great job guys. This actually lines up perfectly with a shoot I'm planning. Wonderful!

[@CornOffTheCobb]

You guys always upload episodess that are insanely relevant to what I'm currently looking into. Thanks for reading my mind!

[@DaleBerry]

I.... frickin..... love you.

[@tgphotovideoproduction2909]

Dale Berry ,m,

[@MichaelWarbux]

Great episode! I busted up laughing at the 80's music video lighting.

[@jmanners]

I do love me some tips on breaking up

[@Madosheet]

This has to be my favourite episode in ages! Very insightful and finally I've found the solution to something I've been looking for for awhile! Thanks Ry Guy!

[@MrRiotGrrrl]

Okay, this is probably the best tutorial on lighting I've seen so far!

[@rossilucas]

I keep coming back to watch the sponsor's sketch. Best one so far.

[@samgostnell9472]

Thank you! I love episodes like these, especially the cinematography ones.

[@chocloditelensman]

adding the extra diffuser sheet only will give a scrim effect and make the camera operator open up the lens more or increase the iso…it will only slightly (if any) diffuse the light any more. The only real effect you may get is a wrap around effect since the second diffuser is moved closer to the subject. Still a good video.

[@LeoStriker17]

Awesome as always, Film Riot.

[@MrMiniboy1234]

I learn more from this than my film subject at school, thanks Ryan for your awesome show.

[@jmc5885]

Great episode guys! I missed a good tip/information episode on more common things like this (if you can call light just "common"). Instead of specific information about a product, or project, etc.. They're great, not complaining about that, just think it has been a bit too much without more "useful"episodes that just make me wanna pick up my camera and shoot some epicness. Hope it helps. The sound one was very good as well.

[@ghostpictures]

Wow nice Tipps with this Cookie thing! Loved it

[@ChaconIncProductions]

diffused lighting is one of the best tricks to make your film look cinematic in my opinion.

[@MatthewGarver]

One of the best how to videos you guys have done. Thank You!

[@tallguytrav]

Although I love all the video knowledge that are packed into these episodes, my favorite parts are always the last 10-20 seconds

[@paulanthonysayer]

Film cookies. That's genius, I've never heard of that technique before. Awesome video guys!

[@AlanWillsSEF]

that "cookie" thing is an awesome effect! you guys crack me up. I spend less money watching ur tips and tricks, I don't need to go to film school. Keep up the awesome work guys... cool beard on Josh. Makes him look like an adult now. lol The close ups make him look like an action star...

[@Perdidonoslivros]

How do you guys get that image look? i mean, its beautiful! Is some kind of filter or is it the lens?

[@JsquareProductions]

+Perdido Nos Livros Yeah same question!! I think its magic bullet looks colour grading gradient

[@claudiaftprivacy6478]

+Eduardo Cilto Well, use the tips FilmRiot gives you, and play with it. Move lights from front to back, up and down, bounce it, diffuse it, use some color filters and play with it. But it is also wise to learn the basics from color, what are opposite colors, and what does it do when you color correct one or the other. Keep in mind with light the angle of 45 degree, and use the rule of thirds in all dimensions. Watch movies with the pause button next to you, exam every frame to see how color and light is used with what meaning. Film making is not easy, it is a feeling that you need to learn to express a mood or a emotion. It is a true profession where you need to study for :-) One of the best books to start with is an oldie, it is called "Grammar of the film language" from Daniel Arijon. Once you have read that one it is a lot easier to understand where to use what for. But not only read it, think and visualize it to.

[@claudiaftprivacy6478]

+JASH JA!N read my reply to Cilto for the same answer ;-)

[@JsquareProductions]

ty

[@TodessternNews]

its what the Episode is about

[@danmcmahon11]

Really great episode! I feel like I took so much away from it. Reminded me of the camera movement video a while back. Keep stuff like this coming!

[@chadwin]

Super cool. Really appreciated this one.

[@CZsWorld]

Tip: Don't make your cooks out of foam. They will smoke. He also forgot to mention that the further away the cook from the light, the harder the edge.

[@Bad-Nick]

The "book light" and "double diffusion" techniques are great for creating a large, soft source in a compact space, but they also severely stop down your light. Use them wisely.

[@filmriot]

Pretty much all modification will decrease the power of your light. If you need to boost it, add a second light to the bounce.

[@SuperStars2292]

The black and white commercial break was hilarious! 😂

[@JsquareProductions]

Hey Ryan how did you get that 80s music video coloured light effect???

[@EnTaoOnline]

powerful Film Riot! thank you so much guys!

[@BLOODPANIC]

Cookie was amazing thanks for the tips Ryan !!! (:

[@Anzho]

It seems that the link for Shane's book light is not working. Is there any other way to get to this page? I'd love to read more in depth.

[@DubSte11]

This was a fantastic episode lads. Thanks.

[@AVALONexperience]

Thank you Ryan. You made my day.

[@NagendraBabutoecrusher]

RYN! you are always my inspiration!!!!!

[@ETCDfilms]

Quick tip! DIY book light use work lights (I think its what they are called) to bounce the light off the board as an alternative to the weaker can light, or more pricey lights that some people can't afford.

[@Gaslamp-Films]

On one no-budget shoot I was DoPing for. I created cookaloris by taping leaves from fake ivy to chicken wire. The light created by it matched that of the location. Random Note: Most Key Grips I know will call a branch used to break up light a branchaloris. (Know your lingo.)

[@cyberdex]

Very new to all of it and this was very helpful! Thanks guys!

[@itsTheCarlChannel]

Thanks Ryan! this episode was amazing once again :D

[@IheartKirk]

I was the 25th View!! these things are always at 100s if not 1000s of views when I see them I feel awesome now!

[@jeffreycollins4190]

I like soft cookies too. BTW the 80's video part was brilliant. Love how you even added extra color to the video.

[@itentproductions]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I would like to know more about the software you use in post, color grading in particular, you do a fantastic job.

[@abelthomas6848]

+iTent Productions DaVinci Resolve/Magic Bullet Looks for Color Grading, and Premiere Pro and After Effects for editing and compositing

[@4rjohny5]

Josh at 2:05 & 2:39 with the light like that, u look a bit like Griffin Hammond. Anyone see the change happen too?

[@nikoladamjanovic8968]

Very informative video, thanks for sharing. I wonder when you set up a light like that indoors how bright does it have to be in lumens, so you get a descent shot without cranking up the ISO to much?

[@aerospacenews]

Another entertaining voyage into the surreal world of Ryan and Josh :) I know you were not making a 90 min feature (ie, time limited) but interesting to hear your thoughts on on-light diffusion like soft boxes, etc. What do you think of the proliferation of ring lights on the lens? Seems to be everywhere (though I kinda like the look).

[@MESub]

Haha nice video bro. Keep it up. Btw, at 8:38 are they using color grading or they put gel on the light though ?

[@samuelrossi4482]

You guys are my favorites. Don't tell Bloom.

[@zachariahahmad]

I have always been wondering how Emmanuel Lubezki set up the lights in Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

[@spamsfilms]

Noir was amazing! The music sold it!

[@MrConsument]

Looking forward to part 2

[@JamesBbrody]

Hey Ryan! I was wondering if you could do an episode on outside locations, like a camping scene at night. How would you go about certain lighting and/or audio, especially in open spaces like maybe a field or in the middle a clearing in the bush? Thanks! :D

[@JohnJehl]

Ryan! How did you do the rainbow 80s lights?

[@KeemIbarra]

Ryan where do you find all those amazing old school film clips lol

[@Wisdom2thMusic]

Thanks man, these are awesome techniques to know

[@NatesFilmTutorials]

Josh: "Soft cookies are my favorite" lol

[@GrahamWardMedia]

Great video! Gives me a bunch of ideas.

[@wnemn]

Ey Ryan, is it only my pc, or is there a mistake in cutting at 7:32. When u say "use"?

[@siewjiayi5159]

Thanks for the amazing tips, Ry

[@filmriot]

Glad you liked them!

[@lifeformrec]

nice one lighting is always important

[@PrimordialSeries]

Just gotta get me some lights now...

[@rebekahjohnstone1165]

Hello rayon cony I was wondering if you could show me how to do an effect when you shoot a light bulb love you

[@Mcsees]

you guys from fim riot are just crazy !... I luv it. :3

[@Pangchristian]

How did you the 7:37,8:37 and what music does he use?

[@24fps78]

Great Episode! Btw is Outsiders actually still being made? I didn´t get if it´s fully cancelled or just being done at another time... thx in advance!

[@leunamfilmsla]

This video was pretty awesome. Epic. and we will use it, and of course refer to you when we do!

[@writestuffla]

Informative, yet hysterical.

[@NatKellyFilms]

Ahh this episode was fantastic! Thank you Ryan, you smart cookie ;D

[@Tabris177]

Maybe I missed it but is there an episode that discusses lighting equipment? Essential gear, great values, cheap DIY alternatives?

[@Sameir8055]

Your creativity is extreme..!!

[@JacksonWelch]

I love Joshes comments.

[@HeadIndProductions]

Thanks guys, really helpful! :D

[@DRAMADDESTROYER]

Question… What's the best way to make a video appear as though it's being played on a television? The television is a video and not a picture… I use Premiere as well as Final Cut X

[@murillocoringao]

Film Riot can you go over what kind of light stands you use?

[@roki92]

MORE ON THIS PLEASE!

[@RMACMEDIAPRODUCTIONS]

" you're old. " dont worry I felt that one too Ryan haha. Great video fellas, definitely learning lighting right now and this had some great tips. Any tips on diffusing led lights? I have several R300 led lights but even with the milk diffusion filters they sell the lights are still very harsh. I'll try some of the techniques out but if there's anything else you could add that would be awesome!

[@JustThatGuyDan]

Nice video and when filming with a DSLR, what sort of lenses do you use?

[@RaulMkryan]

"Soft cookies are my favorite" that made me laugh real hard.

[@MrNotThatFamous]

We are all pirates sailing looking for booty Ryan, XD

[@lemourafilms]

EXCELLENT TUTORIAL!!!

[@ExplodingWindow]

Always the best guys!

[@ColonelChutney]

Hey Ryan, not sure if you've covered this or not, as I'm fairly new to the Film Riot community, but what are the disadvantages of smoothing shots with software, say CC Warp Stabilizer within After Effects. Is there really any difference in shelling out the money for a Steadicam or other shot stabilizer?

[@devonhowe6477]

Hey Ryan any tips on filming a scene with by yourself n your your own crew do you think it will take away from a scene

[@kdydk]

so creative, thank you

[@milartmedia1184]

YO RYAN! Could you go in to Magic bullet looks more? how to work with it, get that one perfect look! THANKS! ^^

[@MattAbraxas]

That was a pleasant video for me to watch.

[@wolfstar675]

Great episode.

[@plotcoalition]

Haha the cookie, I almost died!

[@1Brock_Lee]

question what is better battery powered light or cordeded lights thanks!

[@ThatBritishGuy7]

What type of light did you guys use? How many watts? Because I'm looking into investing in a light for my cinematography.

[@EhItsDave]

Thanks for the lighting tips, I really gotta try using a cookie.

[@SharpDesign]

7:23 makes me think of scene of Anakin in Yoda's apartment

[@clementeen]

what camera do you use to film the tutorial?

[@jeffs6232]

Just curious but did you guys build the set in Cinema 4d?

[@PeglegMediaX]

what lens did you use to film the shots of josh? I cant get a depth of field like that with my gh3 so I'm upgrading to a canon 6d and looking for lenses, starting cheap then moving up.

[@BensonGrainger]

grab a 50mm bro there are tons on ebay cheap in mft mount for your gh3

[@krejn]

This was as educational and helpful as it was hilarious. Also, I would like to see some True Detective inspired episodes. :)