How to Tell Story With Lighting | Gaffer Breakdown with Harold Skinner

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He's worked with David Fincher, he's worked with Christopher Nolan, his name is Harold Skinner! He's the chief electrician on today's featured movies like Interstellar and The Social Network. Join us as he talks about how these masterful movies were lit as well as how indies can become better gaffers.
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Video Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:59 - Scene #1: The Social Network
4:26 - Scene #2: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
9:05 - Scene #3: Interstellar
11:57 - Gaffing Tips From A Master
12:39 - That's A Wrap
#Interstellar #BehindTheScenes #HaroldSkinner

[@joshmillerdp]

"Have the courage to let things go dark and not light" YESSSS! I have struggled with this for so long.

[@mitchellbrinkerdp]

in relation to this, don't fear the waveform. Its subjective. There is no proper exposure. Ive had people say my waveform was crushed to the left, but then when I asked them if they liked the image on monitor they would always say, "Yeah, I mean it looks great." Cool, shut up about the waveform. Embrace the dark.

[@THE.N1KO]

I had this problem in pre production of a short film. I wanted it to be darker but the director wasn't sure. Then while shooting I tried to cheat, making it a little darker than what they wanted and it ended up looking better imo. I still would have loved to go dark all the way in many shots. It feels more natural. I'm a strong believer that full light makes everything feel staged and false.

[@TJ-TJ]

Learning about lighting is more fun than cameras. Fact.

[@indymogul]

Sshhhh, don't let Ted hear this hehehe

[@Jappaa89]

Its the combination between painting the picture with the crew you have.

[@willmannering]

Spitting facts no cap.

[@ChisumRDR]

I mean depends on person but i agree :")) i realized i'm more fascinated into the lighting department than the others but maybe that's also because it plays one of the big parts in creating the visual of colour and depth into the scene.

[@edwardleefilms]

I feel like I should be paying for access to this video

[@indymogul]

That is the biggest form of flattery I've ever heard. Super thanks, Edward!

[@reneirtaylorfilms890]

Yes! I was thinking the same thing man... my respect level for crews are even higher now. To think the Indy Mogul crew has to be just as talented to recreate these scenarios. I feel so overwhelmed at times trying to grow in this art form. Thanks guys!

[@MeekAndBackFirE]

@@indymogulthank you! Please keep it free for us all who can't afford it. :(

[@Yawgmothx]

I’m not gonna lie, this is utterly fascinating.

[@indymogul]

aw, thanks man! Harold is amazing. - Ted

[@raghuyelimineti2303]

Indy mogul should not stop doing these ...EVER!!! I love it

[@indymogul]

we'll keep at it. :) -- Ted

[@_alfredjerry]

Really love the way you show the lighting gear used side by side. A big help for people who don't exactly know all industry-standard gear.

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

I agree, it is very helpful.

[@evanoldknow]

Love watching these interviews. So interesting and you learn something new every time!

[@bravo1224]

You know, there’s a lot of very skilled and knowledgable indie filmmakers out there that create some very clean and professional looking content out there that adhere to all the tenets of good filmmaking...but still, there’s always just something that kept it from reaching Hollywood level. I could never fully put my finger in it, but THIS here...this explains it. It’s absolutely shows it’s not a coincidence...the amount of detail and thought that goes into the lighting really makes the pros stand apart. Great stuff!

[@AllThingsFilm1]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Love these lighting breakdowns. There is so much to take away from these videos. I watch them and try to think of how to apply similar techniques on indie to low budget films. Great content.

[@indymogul]

thanks for tuning in, Todd! - Ted

[@cinema-q]

Getting to hear from a professional about these breakdowns is so crucial. Def a video I’ll be coming back to over and over as I learn. Great job guys 👏🏾👏🏾

[@TimmyLodhi]

That last line about having the courage to let things go dark resonates super hard with me. I spent so much time yesterday trying to light a scene, only to ditch all the lights and shoot with the natural window light.

[@thelemonjuicefilms2905]

This kind of videos are always great. Nothing better than learn from real movies we love.

[@aeropxs]

When a total pro shows the effort that goes into making the finished product look effortless.

[@indymogul]

Harold is a master!

[@meetthegaffer]

Love this, Ted! Thank you.

[@JakeLDS]

I love how simple the lighting is for a lot of these scenes. You don't need tons of equipment, you just need to know what you're doing.

[@indymogul]

Exactly!!

[@GroveTV]

So good to have our guy right next to industry OGs. thank you Indy Mogul!

[@DanielSRosehill]

Thanks so much for this brilliant interview and for the helpful on. screen graphics. lighting is fascinating!

[@miguelquezada1916]

Indy mogul content is always 10/10. Thanks Indy Mogul team. 🔥🔥🔥

[@JeremyRatzlaff]

Holy shit. This channel is too much value. Can't handle itttt

[@indymogul]

haha thanks for tuning in Jeremy -- Ted

[@billwinterscinematographer]

Killer video. I would have lost my mind if we had access to videos like this back in my film school days. All we had were extra audio tracks on the Laser Disc - which was cool. I am glad we have KZbin videos like this now. Keep up the great work!

[@michaelmintah169]

Wow. That's so much info given for free. Thanks guys 😊

[@giorgiomarangolo]

Daaaaamn. Always the best content!

[@bencorwin]

These episodes are awesome!

[@KaceyBakerFilms]

Social Network & Dragon Tattoo (and Fright Night) are still my go to references for all digital films all these years later. This man is a genius. Thanks Ted.

[@indymogul]

Such good references! Definitely made a point to tell Harold how influential his lighting is. - Ted

[@HollyHargreaves]

As an indie filmmaker, I found this super interesting . Thanks! 🙌

[@prithvichauhan1943]

Great video as usual! Keep them coming!! 🤩🔥

[@03a3.]

God, this is the best channel on youtube. Please keep this kind of stuff coming

[@MadGravityStudios]

I'm huge fan of Fincher and I love the way his stuff is lit. It was great to see how they pulled this stuff off. Thanks for the great content.

[@indymogul]

No problem!

[@mukundbhanot7144]

Really informative and fascinating content. Thank you for bringing actual professionals to your show. There are so many insights into what makes a scene look so good.

[@indymogul]

Glad you like it!

[@benpossehl]

LOVE this content. Please keep it up!

[@RoadtrippinwithTakacs]

I love this series! Please keep doing more. 👍💪

[@FilmQi]

Love it! thank you for sharing

[@CANNOTDIEFILMS]

Incredibly valuable, thank you!

[@productionssnowland]

Wow! There is so much useful information in there. Thank you for another great video!

[@mf1471a]

That shoutout to Danny Gervitz tho!

[@SNYEFILMS]

Thanks for the cameo!

[@davidjohnson.c]

great video as always!

[@alexanderashmore]

Top line film channel. Always giving me the best info

[@sk8mcbang]

Best channel in all of filmmaking history 🔥🔥

[@drkadrkadjon]

Great content! Thank you and please keep it up!

[@ebubedike2626]

We are all very Lucky to have to enjoy such Good content Great job Indie Mogul always a pleasure to watch your videos

[@justinsane7832]

I've learned more from this video than I have from all my "masterclass"'s I've purchased or watched for free. Thanks for answering questions most tap dance around

[@MasMashFilms]

I’ve never heard of this Interstellar film. Must be a small indie.

[@gwm-btdbattlesagar.ioandmo9988]

ikr apparently the director is nolan

[@MasMashFilms]

GWM-BTD Battles, Agar.Io and more! Hmmm. I’ll have to look him up on IMDb. Never heard of him.

[@gwm-btdbattlesagar.ioandmo9988]

@@MasMashFilms highly recommended 🤣😝

[@MasMashFilms]

GWM-BTD Battles, Agar.Io and more! 😉👍

[@indymogul]

I've heard it's similar to this 2001 Space Odyssey movie, by this Stanley guy?

[@offcenterconcepthaus]

Knocking it out of the park, Ted.

[@VernonBlack2]

Hey Harold! Brenda just sent me this! She has been keeping me up to date on your career! I'm so proud of man! Keep up the great work! Joe Schwarz!

[@firstmile]

This is an awesome video!!

[@BboyGraphicx]

Brilliant explanations and visuals

[@intrinsiccinema7374]

Great lesson on lighting thank you

[@Holtenstein]

Seriously good information here!

[@Jsfilmz]

i love how fincher's cinematographers light

[@asdfghjuyteqwe]

Oh god, this is gold!!!!

[@MrPfifeDawg]

Fan. Freaking. Tastic video my friends!! Well done!!

[@shreyasbhingarde6791]

So much informative. ❤️

[@jonathanrascol]

Bravo! Beautiful! Homages! 🎼🎼🎼 JAR

[@LePsychicSidekick]

I absolutely love this series. I enjoy watching films but this has given me a profound appreciation for production design. I'm really grateful for your channel! I'd be curious to know if you can offer some insight on the production design for NETFLIX'S OA. The sadly cancelled series holds a dear place in my heart and the way it was filmed was surreal.

[@indymogul]

Sure thing, we'll see if that designer is available. We're actually planning another episode with Guy (Inception, Steve Jobs) to talk about production design and directing soon. - Ted

[@zachminawi]

Man.... I love this type of content!

[@indymogul]

aw, thanks Zach! - Ted

[@zachminawi]

@@indymogul I love all your content, but this was great :D

[@Garytyronejohnson]

Awesome!

[@siliconcitypune]

Amazing. needs many more breakdowns...

[@chrisvalleqatsi]

I learn so much every time! (it helps to know absolutely nothing)

[@bornarang]

What great episode

[@hrisheekeshsathish7210]

This was awesome

[@BobCallejas]

12:20 Paying homage to a real one right there!!!

[@KSE370]

Beautiful content. Amazing guest. When was the last time that we shot 100 takes for one single scene?

[@joellouisfire]

I wonder if there could be a longer version as a podcast on Spotify or something. Would love to be a fly in the wall during the whole conversation!

[@fmfm7722]

Wow I think I wanna work in lighting this awesome.

[@Johnny_frost]

More stuff like this!!!

[@macstrong1284]

As an FX goon, I appreciate the repeated mention of atmosphere to soften light and create depth. MORE SMOKE

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Great episode. Very cool that he shared that ninja story :p

[@eljavierj]

Great content. Thank you. I just would like to hear about the use of this "Soft/Muslin ceilings top light" that are very common in Fincher's set.

[@indymogul]

That's a great idea!

[@CineMilledUSA]

great episode !

[@indymogul]

ay! thanks Pedro -- Ted

[@asdfghjuyteqwe]

Please make a part 2 askibg about fight club aswell! The texture of that film is unreal

[@Monk.9]

Thx just THX !!!

[@closeoutentertainment]

Great video! Still hoping you can do some on sound.

[@felipe5horas]

I feel like I should be paying you for this kind of content. Seriously.

[@aussernllc]

Video is excellent. Could use another hour or so on Interstellar. Shooting darker for a more organic look? Which is it? More light or more organic?

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

It would also be interesting for someone like Mr. Skinner take the time to point out how to do the lighting "wrong" . A list of "don't do this even if tempted" and why. tHanks for a great video

[@martenaun]

Could you also do a video about lighting the scenes for total beginners? Like where you teach the very basics such as "How to choose the right color temp for scenes" and "What to keep in mind (about lighting) while preparing to shoot something" etc. I hope you get what I mean :))

[@indymogul]

You got it!

[@indymogul]

Thank you for sharing your ideas! We'll consider making these :)

[@calebhyatt5090]

When movie/tv sets us led light strips, what led light strips are they typically using?

[@theOfficialOludare]

you know it's lit when you pause to save it 15secs into the video...

[@AsiatiqueMedia]

Lately I've been trying to learn more about lighting, so this video comes in handy. Can you read my mind Indy Mogul?!

[@indymogul]

....We have our ways O_O

[@BoyBlessing]

Please get Brendan Uegama on and have him breakdown scenes from ‘The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ 🔥🔥 the lighting in that show is dope

[@LILKIZIGUWAZ]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@kolecava]

Supplementing what's already there.

[@surrealistalusca1079]

Cool.

[@Ootini4]

It would be amazing if you could get Hoyte on the show!

[@indymogul]

Life goals.

[@frankhu8692]

hi, are there any professional course I can learn or pay for about lightning?

[@bhargavsunkara4103]

I can't find the podcast with Harold on itunes. Is it not up yet?

[@indymogul]

Hey there! Sorry for the wait, the podcast should be live now.

[@FilmJams]

Guys if you’re going to steal our footage at least link to our channel.

[@sanilalkuttimon1755]

😍😍😍

[@cbplibra1012]

Can you get the lighting person from the Starz show PVALLEY?????

[@BeefMasterSupremeZz]

why did he use tungsten lights instead of hmi in the girl with the dragon tattoo? makes no sense to me tbh butvif someone can explain i appreciate it.

[@petewilterson]

How do I make contact with Harold Skinner

[@JayneNicoletti]

I love your videos. You may ask some of these people what their biggest mistakes/lessons were? Maybe feature more women please? 😁 Even makeup artists / costume designers?

[@indymogul]

Great idea! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@reskus]

does anyone know what he meant my putting newspaper/alumnium foil to cover up the windows? i don't really understand this

[@indymogul]

No problem! The windows are partially (or sometimes fully) covered by windows and foil to diffuse and shape the light. It's kind of an indie way of diffusing light, and since it's not a clean sheet of fabric, it's covered with ink of text and pictures, randomizing the diffusion of light.

[@reskus]

​@@indymogul thanks for your reply! So the newspaper is put on the outside of the window, and isn't seen from the inside because it's covered by blinds or curtains? And then hit it with a ton of light from outside and then from the inside it will look a lot more like real daylight spilling in from outside?

[@markrobinson8254]

the lighting director the Movie Director's best friend nice guy too

[@FreeFormFemi]

You're not gonna believe it but me and you said 'Intersteller' the second time, at the same time and in the same way

[@MapleTrailer]

Maybe its just me but, most of these videos show how they did it. But could we get an episode of why they do it? Great video though!

[@indymogul]

Thanks! We'll try to incorporate the "why" better next time.

[@MapleTrailer]

@@indymogul Cant wait for more 😁

[@JeffreyMooreOfficial]

8 minutes in before I realized I have that same canvas in the background 😅

[@DgkYogi]

Oh shit I’m early

[@josefacundo6140]

Back to the video..BAM! ads...