How to Light Better Call Saul | Cinematography Breakdown ft. Marshall Adams, ASC

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a cinematographer for high-caliber movies and shows?
For today’s episode of Lit by Aputure, we’re proud to welcome seasoned director of photography, Marshall Adams into the studio. Adams has built an impressive resume over his career with projects like CSI:NY, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, and the smash hit, Better Call Saul. Throughout the interview, Marshall looks back on his humble beginnings when he was first introduced to the filmmaking bug at a young age, and how he started in the industry as a Gaffer for shows like Felicity before waking his way up to join the union as a cinematographer. Listen closely as Adams gives insight on the look of a show like Better Call Saul, and why his style complements the story; by breaking down some of his favorite scenes and lighting setups used on the show, we gain access to never-before-seen knowledge and technique behind the craft of an active director of photography.
For someone like Adams, it’s a pleasure to see his willingness to adapt and embrace the new wave of filmmaking technology. It’s clear that he’s a big believer in efficiency on set, and LED lighting technology is just one of the tools he uses to get the look that he and his creative partners are after. There’s a lot to unpack with this extensive one-on-one - so sit back, and get ready to learn!
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:23 - Beginnings
1:29 - Better Call Saul
2:28 - LED Technology
2:53 - Getting to Use Aputure
3:20 - Eye Lighting
4:00 - Breaking Down Saul
4:10 - Lighting an RV
5:15 - Matching with Breaking Bad
7:05 - Breaking and Entering Scene
9:00 - Working with the Environment
9:48 - Gene’s Apartment Scene
11:46 - Prison Transport Bus Scene
13:47 - Working on Better Call Saul
14:15 - Advice and Outro
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Summary:
Aputure's KZbin channel provides free high quality cinematography, lighting, and filmmaking educational content to help you take your film projects to the next level.

[@davidschwarz7101]

Thank you so much for this! This is absolutely stunning. I Loved the show and Mr. Adams seems to be such a great human being. I really wanna see more of that stuff. And isn't it beautiful that Aputure haas become such a big one in cinematography? 🖤Well done Aputure, well done!

[@aputurelighting]

Thank you for your kind words :)

[@j.oakley9588]

Hurlbut comes off as arrogant to you? I have always viewed his presentation as a really passionate dad explaining his job to his kids and engaging them.

[@InitialAA]

@@j.oakley9588 wrong comment bud

[@j.oakley9588]

@@InitialAA yeah, you’re right pal. Not sure how I commented on this comment. Thanks bud

[@hussey1990]

Better call saul not winning any award of cinematography is a damn crime.

[@AxiA]

The cinematography of better call Saul is truly a masterpiece. It’s not as flashy in terms of lighting as other big shows , but the vibes and especially the compositions are second to none.

[@laurikvo]

I second this. It was so enjoyable to watch and the unique framing together with carefully thought out camera moves combined with lighting that was well thought out was just brilliant. All that cinematography felt fitting with the style of the show which is rarely so well done.

[@Skrenja]

To each their own. I wasn't wild about BCS's cinematography.

[@delgat000]

@@Skrenja Watch some compilations of BCS’s best shots. It really highlights just how gorgeous this show really is visually.

[@GuiorPhotography]

It's impressive how much work can go into such a quick shot

[@MisterWealth]

Some DP's have such an arrogance about them like Shane Hurlbut.. This guy seems so down to Earth and incredible. What a cool guy for sharing this info with us

[@thewishfulfilmmakerhsu]

I love how like everyone behind the entire BB saga are humble geniuses

[@JoeMwangi]

Lol. What did Shane Hurlbut do? I'm curious. I've never liked his stuff, since he never explains how his approaches apply to the artistry of the medium he's shooting (film, etc).

[@karanjoshifilms7625]

He really is very kind.. few months back I had messaged him on insta and he was really kind enough to answer all the queries I had.

[@Glen.Danielsen]

Mister, not sure how you mean. He has arrogance but he’s a cool guy?

[@AnimeZone247]

wait where did you get arrogance from?

[@tombuck]

The cinematography in BCS is some of my all time favorite so this is a total de-light 😬 I loved the tidbits about small leds as distant city lights. Brilliant.

[@iTyp3z7]

Yeah, when he explained that I was mind blown, you can tell that he has mastery in his way of life

They are so important yet most of the time forgotten. Amazing job.

[@fanbamgreat]

Thank so much for this interview. The cinematography in both breaking bad and better call Saul has been talked about so much in how intricate they are.

[@rodrigo.alexis.r]

In these moments where you feel that things are not working for you, these guys appear like Mr. Adams who gives you back the inspiration and continue to insist on this with his last words. Thanks Aputure I think they did it, I follow them from the Amaran H672 panels and more than being at the top of products for cinematographic lighting they also transmit passion and motivation, that really is priceless.

[@mattiagri2447]

It's a golden era for indie cinematography; thinking about what kink of instruments and their price levels of 10 or 15 years ago makes me smile. The same happened to the learning opportunities and this is a perfect example; thanks Aputure and Marshall Adams for your work!

[@calebkarrenbrock9815]

Would love to see more breakdowns like this.

[@jankyoscar]

EVERY time I talk about the show I mainly talk about how its filmed, the shots they get, the lighting, the angles, I always felt there was something special about the way it's viewed. Is what makes it for me.

[@aputurelighting]

Totally agree!

[@flochfitness]

This was really awesome. Seeing breakdowns from the pro’s is really beneficial to my understanding of lighting. More of these please!!!!

[@aputurelighting]

Totally agree! More to come in the future

[@IanSPeterson]

THANK YOU FOR THIS!! I LOVE Marshall's work!!

[@kpo42641]

This style of commentary from an established DP, giving detailed info on how scenes were lit, is awesome. I'm a film student, trying to learn lighting and work my way up to a DP someday. Thank you for sharing this info.

[@VictorLaforteza]

One of my favourite shows! Thank you for having Marshall on the channel! More please :)

[@ukjoncollins]

This is absolutely fantastic content. The show is an absolute masterpiece for creative storytelling through camerawork and Mr Adam’s comes across as so humble but also knowledgable. So fascinating to hear how these fixtures can be used to their full potential.

[@DaveSy]

Can't even describe how inspiring this video is! Amazing guest with a cool origin story and techniques to share.

[@zyzzyvacation]

I love this tech talk but it'd be even better if glossary pop-up panels were included to explain: Nova 300, full grid 250, scissor crane, duvetyne teaser, 60' condor, etc 😏

[@stevie8271]

yeah, i'm just a big fan who wants to learn a bit more as to how this show was made, so i'm a little bit lost when it's just terms when i have no real connection to them, prolly rly good for ppl in-the-know tho

[@flaviopresutti]

Wow!!! An honor watch this interview!!! I'm a fan of Better Calls Saul and BB! Watching one of the Gaffer and DP it's really amazing!! Thanks!!!

[@jennifermeyer704]

Thanks so much for this fascinating breakdown of Better Call Saul's iconic cinematography by DP Marshall Adams. What a great guy, and incredible DP. I also loved every time he was on the BCS Insider Podcast.

[@storylitfilms]

Marshall Adams and Paul Donache did a masterful job with the lighting and composition of this show. I'm a huge fan of both of them! Thank you for this incredible breakdown!

[@ardobkin]

So incredible to be able to learn from this!

[@GatesRick]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Marshall Adams is the best!

[@L3RNA3AN]

Better Call Saul really went all out with low light cinematography and it's a love letter to noir.

[@lightvalve]

Amazing! Thank you so much for doing this.

[@MichaelChiklisCares]

Thanks for your work, the light really did the work in.

[@christinagildo21]

I love this content! Please do more of this

[@MariyaMarinova]

Amazing content. Favorite show ever 🙌🏼

[@AurusNefertum]

Damn, this is the best ever chapter I see!!! Thanls Aputure!!!! more in love with you than ever! I don't miss any chapter about your lightning chapters 🥰🤩

[@thenightartiste]

Great guy. Fantastic interview.

[@justinoff1]

Such a great breakdown

[@35effie]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I always said that the cinematography of Better Call Saul is for a masterclass. Thank you for giving us this knowledge !!!

[@aputurelighting]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tuckerkanderson]

Great episode, thanks for the insight! Did he mention specifically what type of fixture he likes to use for the eyelight? I didn't hear him say the name of the fixture.

[@jtmvideo-jurgenooms340]

You are my light hero!

[@titopp]

Thank you guys, very educative video. Great content as always

[@aputurelighting]

Glad you found it informative!

[@eduardusarma]

oh legend. anw the editing style in this video is superb!

[@aputurelighting]

Thanks for your kind words :)

[@Naumachia]

Thanks Aputure! Great video and amazing work from Marshall Adams! The lighting in BCS is something I've wanted to see how it was done for a long time. Just wished there was a masterclass on that show or something! 😅 Now I just need to switch all my Godox to Aputure lights... 😂

[@romankuhler]

What an amazing episode👍 thx guys.🤩

[@aputurelighting]

Thanks for watching!

[@freeshipping9643]

Love how the commercial KZbin videos are being made. Very impressive resume 👍 thank you

[@TudorBaba]

Better Call Saul ... one of the best tv shows. I love it!

[@PitiPua]

Learning a lot!

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

awesome!

[@Vibhor_Yadav]

More of these please!

[@ignaciobera_]

Thank you so much, this was really useful and fun. Greetings from Argentina!

[@hotpawke_t]

Also a film student here. Thank you for this insight! look forward to more content. California native here, NM transplant. Love ABQ

[@AllThingsFilm1]

Further proof that Aputure makes professional lights. So glad I discovered Aputure three years ago.

[@joelpeters750]

A Master Class in less than 15 minutes. Well done. Very inspirational indeed

[@aputurelighting]

Thank you! Let us know what you would like to see next.

[@PEPPERBOX83]

Lovely

[@koff_mm]

Нереально круто!! We need more of these

[@rolobotoman]

man.. I'd love to gaff for this guy, I know we'dd rock.

[@AaronArtOKC]

Love the Aputure stuff, really trying to get them on my FX show for next season, Aputure let’s talk

[@qwertyboy5000]

What a legend.

[@Lakshhhh_]

The show should have gotten soooo many Emmys, cinematography being one of them. I have to say this, the show did not just live upto the expectations but also got in the debate that this may have been even better than BB. Which is pretty convincing tbh. My favourite TV show till date and considering this didn't win even 1 Emmy, probably the most underrated show too. I remember watching the last season and I could tell how some shots were references to earlier seasons or episodes. This show was just tooo good.

[@SebaBertoni]

Thank you so much for this!!!

[@aputurelighting]

No problem!

[@EPMTUNES]

Even though this was basically an advertisement it stayed relevant and to the point!

[@663]

great stuff!

[@jorisverleg7683]

Thank uu very very much! big big one

[@j.oakley9588]

More of this stuff, por favor.

[@KR47798]

respect

[@BlueSageFilms]

Thank you for this! He’s such a talented dude and seems like such a genuine dude. What light did he use for the twinkle in the eye? I think he mentioned it

[@WahidFayumzadah]

Some small panel with a 30 degree grid to keep it super narrow.

[@sceneworkshops5399]

Regarding the 12 inch LED Panels with the 30 degree grids - how far does he Marshall place the light from the subject? And dimmed down to what brightness? I don't have a 12 inch LED Panel in front of me to test with, so I was curious if anyone knows?

[@JoshTrachtman]

Great Cinematographer and great video! Which small circular LED panel with a grid does he use as a catch light?

[@JoshTrachtman]

Never mind found the answer in an interview.

[@DavidJonesImages]

More like this, please

[@aputurelighting]

Absolutely! Thanks for the feedback

[@SamEmilio2]

This is a fantastic look and insight into what went into making BCS. But WHY the thumbnail clickbait?? I kept waiting for the prison scene breakdown, one of the most important shots of the whole series and it’s just not here?

[@tomdamage9321]

Can someone clarify please which model of aputure light he is referring to when talking about eye light?

[@kwiky5643]

Remember guys, this is the greatest show ever created

[@redbarradio]

This is wonderful - but please fix the Sidus link app! I feel like it’s been completely ignored. I currently have 22 fixtures in our studio connected with sidus link and not a day goes by where it doesn’t hit my with a dozen different errors. Fixtures disconnect constantly, and the app itself seems to only work when it’s in the mood. Very little support, and no information on why most errors occur or how to fix them. Please re-invest in the app so that we can use our fixtures as promised!

[@vishnupadinjakkara]

Thank you so much for this! Very needful for film enthusiasts...., and can you guys please replay what's the light source he used to generate the little ping of light in the eye. , can you guys replay the details of that light source, here he says 12 inch led panel with 30 degree grids or something, I searched in google but really don't know if I'm looking at the right one....

[@DEATH_3000.]

முகப்பு ங்

[@angelostzouanakis7828]

Really great stuff, thanks a lot! Which led light is he talking about for eyelights?

[@joaquinperalba1624]

No one got an answer? I’m curious too….

[@CaseyMcBeath1]

An Astera 1x1’ led panel with a tight light control grid.

[@parkercreative_au]

@@CaseyMcBeath1 you mean the litepanel astra?

[@orlandoasson]

What light is he referring to for the eye light?

[@milind1051]

genius

[@WetheDepressed]

Which 12-inch LED panels with the 30 degree grids is he referencing here?

[@kevCarrico]

❤

[@saifulhoque57]

Suggest me some great series I should watch like this ? Any genre will be okay

[@the180degreerule3]

First sentence 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@aputurelighting]

Same 😂

[@pematamang9268]

Where do I buy Aputure MC pro video light here in Australia????

[@aputurelighting]

The MC Pro is not yet available!

[@pematamang9268]

@@aputurelighting Any estimate times for available in Australia or usa?

[@andrewmcallister8401]

Does anyone know which light he mentions for the eye light? Is it an aputure?

[@parkercreative_au]

What’s the eye light he is talking about?

[@aputurelighting]

He refers to small 12in LED panels that he likes to stick on top of the camera to get that little white dot in the character's eyes.

[@parkercreative_au]

@@aputurelighting legends! Thank you.

[@mickygraeter]

@@aputurelighting basicly a MC with a grid? :)

[@AlphaMaleVisuals]

@@aputurelighting does aputure have something like this? which fixture specifically was he referring to?

[@TheStringBreaker]

Hey look -> *Old Aaron Paul!*

[@joshhammond3033]

Where’s the fucking final scene lighting set up then?

[@pharmula1lab789]

0:58 aint that niko from corridor crew

[@CaptainReynolds-flyinspace]

5:35 and color not match at all))))

[@creativeclubstudio5311]

Well Expert and Very very experience person but this video interview lighting is very bad.....