FILM NOIR: How to get the Classic Black & White Style

Film Noir is one of the most fun styles to create! From The Maltese Falcon to Touch of Evil, it is easily one of the most recognized looks in cinematic history.
Today we talk about how you can easily match that classic style and how we pulled off our Secrete Sale ad without a green screen!
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Shower Curtain for diffusion - amzn.to/2q4G3O6
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Noir Films:
'M' - amzn.to/2peAuIR
Stranger on the Third Floor - amzn.to/2qFvo9x
The Maltese Falcon - amzn.to/2p2pvpY
Touch of Evil - amzn.to/2peA3OG
Se7en - amzn.to/2pLyl8D
L.A. Confidential - amzn.to/2pLzcWD
Sin City - amzn.to/2qFHDms
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*GEAR WE USE*
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CAMERAS:
C300 mkII: bit.ly/buyC300ii
A7s II: bit.ly/buya7sii
C100: bit.ly/buyc100
LENSES:
Rokinon: bit.ly/buyrokinon
AUDIO:
NTG3: bit.ly/buyntg3
H4n Zoom: bit.ly/buyh4nzoom
Zoom F8: bit.ly/buyzoomf8
TRIPOD:
BV-10: bit.ly/buybv10
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[@filmriot]

Do you think Noir is a Genre or a Style?

[@geckocheese]

style

[@palmafilms6450]

Film Riot Style

[@JohnCookProdutions]

Style

[@drew7920]

Yeah, style. I think a genre isn't as much how something looks buts more what the story is like.

[@nemo4555]

Film Riot genre all the way

[@DanielCutajarMedia]

Ryan literally explained a semesters worth of my film genre class into 2 minutes.....

[@patrickfales4770]

I feel like a perv for watching all the way to the end.

[@filmriot]

+Patrick Fales You dirty dawg!

[@eilonhay4812]

yeah me too...

[@SIAMRAIHAN]

dirty dawg it is

[@AndrewPRoberts]

The show's over.

[@AndrewPRoberts]

Go home.

[@uehal]

It began as a genre, but now it's a clear style.

[@bryan4sho28]

Those brick wood panels are pretty sick!

[@filmriot]

They are amazing. Tons of styles to choose from too.

[@StorybyDiego]

I thought the same. Buying some!

[@alexis2012fulvlogs]

I learn more here than what I learn on my film 101 class

[@filmriot]

+Alexis Sotelo Thanks man! So glad you dug if.

[@jacksonw453]

Good to know

[@RicoWarui]

Thoroughly enjoyed this episode. The 'sponsor time' intro had me chuckling 😂Kindly consider making a film noir short film. I know you guys would crush it. Do it! The World needs it!😊

[@iasliam]

This was amazing, one of the best visual explanations you guys have ever done! Not to mention the effect you guys created looked so damn amazing!

[@filmriot]

+Liam Moscrop Thanks man. Josh and Justin did an amazing job with the examples.

[@TheMajorNerd]

SO Refreshing to see the comedic sketches. "Ring ring, Triune Pizza, how can we help?" "Uhh, do you guys deliver (on promises?)" "HELL YES WE DO."

[@filmriot]

hahaha!

[@brucestirling8215]

back in the day, they had no after effects - it was all done with fine-grained film and lighting on set - no room for mistakes

[@watchvidz7162]

I think theres a lot to be learned from it

[@kamranfarooqui7619]

That Shot at 2:11 is simply amazing! I loved the lighting brushing on the shoulders and the chin & bottom lip nicely lite. Could you please explain the lighting placement and the diffuser angle to the subject? Thanks in advance.

[@samcoleman8275]

First off, you guys are off the chain!!! Film Noir is definitely a style. As a photographer I use the film noir style of shooting from time to time to dramatic effect. Anyway I enjoy your videos and I have learned a lot about lighting in the process. Thanks for what you do.

[@rahuljimmy1085]

now this is film riot, back to form

[@TheMajorNerd]

RAHUL JIMMY Ryan and I had a small chat on Twitter, and i mentioned bringing back those comedic sketches within tutorials. He said there will be plenty more soon. Today's episode reminded me why I love Film Riot in the first place.

[@rahuljimmy1085]

that's right

[@Aaron-md2eo]

NiftYeee so true

[@BeReelPictures]

Do one for Spaghetti Westerns.

[@filmriot]

+BeReelPictures That's a good one.

[@AVPfan360pro]

Film Riot Omg yes I expect some Sergio Leone refrences. I look forward to that one and throughly enjoyed this one.

[@krisinsaigon]

Film Riot yeah I'm hoping to do a spaghetti western myself next, ha ha

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

YES!!

[@Yzyenthusiast]

done

[@LifeAnyoneMedia]

Haha awesome guys! This would be a really fun Monday challenge!

[@chrisw443]

funniest episode in a while, nice

[@filmriot]

+chrisw443 Thanks dude!

[@Curryfishballa]

These are some great beginners tips towards achieving a noir film!! Thank you so much!

[@briantorsell]

"Sponsor time..." Lol

[@filmriot]

+Brian Torsell :)

[@MikeMusto]

I was waiting for this after reading your comment. Was NOT disappointed. 😂

[@nathanthesubzeromangold4615]

I think black and white is a perfect way to watch movies changes continuities where characters come off the page It is one great perfect way to watch a live action movie to experience the book world just like you never seen it before it is a perfect way to watch movies I grew up watching black-and-white then since the Three Stooges came out as a TV series From modern-day Nomar from classic Noir I like watching movies to both ways in color in classic black and white. You can tell the difference between a book world It is very cool

[@SilasWilloughby]

Awesome video! It's always nice to learn more styles. I was half excepting a noir challenge though....

[@WeegieMovies]

Great video, especially the explanatory introduction to Noir. Thanks for this :)

[@palmtrees89]

Great episode guys. I'm liking the simplicity of the noir style. .and animatics [if you ever cover this one] and the silent film look [with over cranked camera]. Thanks for sharing guys. It's inspiring. I want to make all of these mentioned.

[@WilliamStoneman]

Your tutorials really hit home - great job!

[@MichaelCollinsFilms]

Finishing up a comedy noir short film myself! Glad to see Film Riot appreciates such an amazing genre!

[@StorybyDiego]

You guys are so creative and inspirational. You all make me go and DO !! Thanks guys!

[@theinvestigator7989]

Film Noir is my favourite genre and thank you for showing me how to make one.

[@alexmcdonnell9041]

The second I finished this video, I opened Fade In, and started writing a noir, oh my god it's so stylized, ur tips are awesome, and will help a lot with he noir I will attempt to create

[@filmriot]

+AlexMcD6 That's awesome!

[@NihilQuest]

You nailed the style, I love it. I had goosebumps when I saw the scene with the gun. So badass.

[@minggnim]

Touch Of Evil is so beautiful, it's almost as if it IS in color.

[@sampope9137]

This video was great I used the blinds lighting effect in my noir and it looks amazing

[@VerticalGamer]

Awesome vid! Loved the history behind this one

[@JimineyBob]

I seriously appreciate the set design for the sponsor time skit.

[@aidendejong]

I loved the history lesson! You should do that more!

[@JermaineGrant]

great episode!

[@srikandulacollegecatalogue]

Okay. No joke I JUST finished uploading my noir film and I went on this channel yesterday to see if they made a video like this but knowing my luck they planned it so I couldn't use this knowledge. for real tho great video guys

[@mr.z8188]

noir style is a class. it's not a easy sector to choose. must've some knowledge! well done film riot!

[@uehal]

You are so awesome guys, thank You!!!

[@lisaamaro]

Ugh!!! This video is awesome!!!!! Thank you. Noir is a style. Love it.

[@filmriot]

+Lisa Amaro Thanks Lisa!

[@marcomarkproductions]

+Lisa Amaro thanks

[@MiKole86]

You guys weren't sorry hahaha. I'm glad you put out this video. I was seriously curious as to how to make this genre of film (I think it there is a style to it as well. Australia is a country and a continent, ya know?). Keep it up guys!

[@jacksonstern2717]

Great Vid! This gave me a lot of ideas. Thanks!!!

[@henrynicholson5010]

BEST EPISODE EVER!

[@nickfitz3118]

well impressed with this video. any new short films on the horizon for us? I've been binge watching the last few hours, and nothing but respect for you guys.

[@QuincyKane]

Great episode! I'm gonna try to use more of these techniques in my movies!

[@krisinsaigon]

Very handy for me, I'm trying to make a little noir short myself just now, thanks!

[@SwaitzerJoses]

Been waiting for a noir episode from you guys a long time. 2:09 is just so cool. Thank You Film Riot. #inspiring

[@KittyGetaJob]

Great stuff as usual guys! thanks for being awesome for so long! What Smallhd monitor was that?

[@WeelyFilms]

Making a Noir film for my Final Major Project at the moment, will definitely use some of these tips, thanks!!

[@uliverse7227]

It still looks super cool in color.

[@svyatozar7692]

I like neo-noir. Striking example is Batman: Begins and The Crow

[@thepingouinfou]

This was awesome (as always) Please do more videos about history of film

[@tonyshazam6271]

This is legit , just what I needed. Thank you so much :)

[@nukliozz]

In John Alton's "painting with light" lies the secret to Film Noir! Awesome book!

[@mdturnerinoz]

Awesome! Thanks for the BTS! Er, and the ads/vids too, I think, er, well, um, maybe ... :0)

[@neekafat]

Been trying to make my own neo-noir stuff lately, thanks for the tips!

[@JesseDillMusic]

I'm sad that you didn't go through the process of adding the moon to the background. I'm mostly curious if you composited it in After Effects or just did it in Photoshop. You got a nice, natural shine hitting the top of those buildings and the water in your final shot. In the image you chose for the cityscape, there is a lot of light from the buildings that's hitting the water (unlike your final shot that has a much softer reflection). The moon is that extra soft aspect that really sells the shot. Like you said, it's all the aspects of a shot (lighting, wardrobe, angles, etc.) that really sells the final product. That's why I'm a little sad that you didn't cover that small detail. All that to say, I did really enjoy this episode! Great work as always. :)

[@SimonAndersonphotography]

Love your free flow fun presentation style, awesome video

[@soundfxr]

LOL Love the ending. Love your videos.

[@FilmotronCity]

Noir is a stylistic genre in my opinion, a genre which comes with it's own unique style.

[@hadesundkwesi]

Thx! Your video was very helpful on my latest project!!!

[@joibenjamin2223]

Omg this is amazing! So informative. I want to do a film noir style video and this a is perfect teaching tool thanks! New subscriber!! 🎬

[@croquette3520]

This is great!

[@MaxAurnhammer]

BEST SPONSOR TIME EVER!!!!!!

[@MaxAurnhammer]

That ending was great as well!

[@thornwivans]

Good T shirt Ryan!...and great video!

[@MightyEFX]

im actually watching this for the lighting and set aspect... i got ideas for practical effects (blood explosion, blood, and gun shots) and i got a film photo camera and film noir 400 ISO.. im going to take pictures great creative video and nice insight into set design!

[@PoweredByNewGenn]

Well needed tutorial!! Thank you Film Riot!

[@CaserioMediaGroup]

That was the best sponsor time AD I ever seen form you guys 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣🕵🏽💃🏽

[@maxmuller2478]

Nah... close 2nd. The one a few years ago, when Josh (without the beard!) said the whole Domain dot com text in a super seductive voice, and his bro replied "no homo... but that was hot" was the best. Still trying to find that episode again, by the way.

[@AaronGRandall]

I love The Maltese Falcon! Great video! Thank you for sharing the tips and information. 🎥 It is totally a style that can be used in many genres; like Blade Runner is scifi noir or even the Harry Potter movies...

[@filmriot]

+Aaron G. Randall LOVE The Maltese Falcon.

[@AaronGRandall]

I think if I were stuck on an island with only that movie to watch, I would be just fine. For a while at least. lol

[@EricMakingWaves]

This is amazing. Thanks for all the tips.

[@DannyBlack]

this is a great trick!

[@kingzelveron8278]

love your works I just premiered my Short over at the VCTC film festival and was wondering if you guys may be capable of critiquing it since I was inspired by you guys

[@noahsimpson9255]

So so good. So so good.

[@leinadplay7724]

do you think those shots you showed would also work if you don't make it black white rather take out much of the color so you have a nice nearly Black white style

[@madalinasiserman2166]

Cool! Keep up the good work guys!

[@subhadip.flixcanvas]

1000th Like! :-) That ending!

[@Sameir8055]

Great stuff. Post credits are awesome.

[@jessisanchez8150]

I like using UV lights for film noir and b&w scenes in general. If ur scene has white fabric, especially on ur talent, once u apply the b&w filter in post u get really crisp black to white contrast.

[@filmriot]

+Kompa Jessi Sounds cool. I need to test that.

[@misterfister6096]

The tee is gold

[@War4cyber]

ryan you really direct noir well

[@openmindpictures7084]

I think it's a style. It's a form of color-grading which can be aplied to many genres. I gess you could even make a romance in noir. Would it be a genre, the overall experience of the story should be the same for every noir movie, right?

[@theownmages]

LOVE THE SESCRET ENDINGS.

[@ChickenHiccups]

Hey Film Riot, what do you recommend for clothing under the trench coats and fedoras?

[@charleseleggat8836]

I love Ryan's T-shirt.

[@BloodyMunchkin]

Wow! I'm early! Nice vid too!

[@filmriot]

Thanks. :)

[@lebachi4318]

I look at noir films at styles, though they're so wide one could still consider them as genres, the good think in movie making is that, well it doesn't minds...what minds is what you have in mind!

[@GhastlyDerp]

Hey Ryan! Summer is coming. Do you think Intercept is also coming?

[@angel132100]

I feel film noir is more of a style then a genre because it can be applied to any genre, without any of the traditional tropes.

[@hawksoob]

If you really want to emulate that look, I'd forget the 2.35 crop (or even 16:9). Most of those films - like The Maltese Falcon, The Big Sleep, Key Largo, Touch of Evil, The Third Man, Double indemnity, Sunset Blvd, etc. - were shot well before widescreen was as thing, and were in the 1.37:1 Academy ratio. ("M" was actually 1.2:1.) The widescreen crop bars take a little away from that original look.

[@samwell_6977]

I personally think it's a bit of both, also, do you have any preffered, free editing software for a first time filmmaker with no budget? Because I have to make a 007 film for a school project, and plan to use a black and white filter as a nod to the old noir Bond films.

[@khefvin]

😂😂😂😂 the end bit... 👌👌

It would be pretty nice if you could add a label on the shots with info about lens size. Specially useful when we see the "set" we can better appreciate the camera position and distance to the subject + lens size and the result image :D

[@yamoma11]

Ill use this some day, thanks!

[@mrglowtm]

Hey Ryan, just a question,what are you going to do another tutorial video? I really been wanting to see one recently.

[@EllybuzNY]

We have two black magic cameras, if we want to achieve that film noir look, should we shoot in black and white or that is used in post production? Thanks

[@rupal_hs]

Love the ending 🤣🤣

[@douglasmayfield6411]

Ryan. Thanks for the excellent presentation. I didn't read the comments so perhaps someone has asked this question earlier but just in case. You gave modern examples of noir (whether genre or style), including LA Confidential, SeVen, etc. (I would add Dark City to the list.) These are in color. Would you say that now days it's mandatory to shoot in color with noir elements of or would you consider a B/W film? TIA

[@filmriot]

+Douglas Mayfield Dark City is definitely a great modernized example. And I think it can be color or black and white.

[@meetgohil]

you make nice videos

[@filmriot]

+Meet GOHIL thanks!

[@cburrowz]

Great tips! Just shot a contest film in the noir style. Could have taken advantage of several. ;-P

[@TheGeekLab]

Ryan? What did you use for the cigarette and electric one or is just a prop?

[@ThePlaceForThings]

INCREDIBLE

[@sahitanand]

Triune LUTs are pretty much the most underrated LUTs in the world.