Looking at some lighting set ups - Cinematography Breakdown

[@mostlyharmless88]

pro tip from a compositor: Green on an ipad screen replacement creates more problems than nothing at all. There's no reason to key since you're putting stuff on top and can lumakey. Ideally a 50% grey with tracking markers is best -- screen off lets you comp the natural reflections but if you NEED the practical glow in a dark shot, 50% grey is the way to go.

[@lewispotts]

Thanks! Noted

[@mcgreevs24]

The mumbled "damnit" at the beginning had me laughing so hard. Just such a great little touch. Not only are these educational powerhouses, but the creativity, joy, and humor you weave into them is unrivaled. I think you've crafted a whole new category of cinematography youtube. Always excited when you post. Too bad about the grass. Sorry for your loss :-)

[@lewispotts]

😂

[@tondann]

Jeez, I wish I learned backlighting, contrast, level, use of bounce and negative fill much much earlier - Because of your awesome contet I know understand why my imagery lacks visual appeal and depth. Keep up the awesome work!

[@tuckerkanderson]

Lewis, these videos are so valuable, thank you! Would love to see a video where your dive into your preproduction process. How you think about things when on the scout, how you come up with a gear list/what kind of extra bits do you throw in "just in case". How you communicate/work with your gaffer/key grip etc. Maybe thats like 3 different videos, but would love to see them all! Keep up the good work.

[@codylarosa]

Quickly becoming my favorite channel. I love how you show the process of problem solving on set.

[@mandalayfilmclub]

I feel like I become a better filmmaker with each video of yours I watch. Keep it up Lewis!

[@BoyBlessing]

same bro.. I learn the most from Lewis's channel

[@JustinnLamar]

Deadass.

[@DiegoGarciaPhoto]

This is one of the best cinematography channels I've ever found. Keep up the excellent work. Very, very useful.

[@QerjijNabil]

Man ! You are so generous by giving up all this informations ! Thank you so much and Please please don't stop sharing. Love from Morocco

[@Elassyahmed]

Mr Lewis Potts, you are on a roll. Absolutely love your videos, the way you creatively think of new ways to do sponsorship ads, and the way you squeezed in Deakins' photography book, Byways. Love it

[@nicolasmartinez1843]

Thank you so much for all the tips. Very generous of you. Please do not stop!

[@MattSpaugh]

Super helpful. I keep telling my clients, this is not about shooting video, this about solving problems. Seeing your solutions in various situations is extremely helpful. Keep up the great work!

[@lewispotts]

Thanks Matt, good to hear🙂

[@peturthor5140]

Fantastic stuff man. Love how simple your approach to the lighting is. High end results!!!

[@whatsonmytable]

Your videos and your rate of speech are just wow....i learnt so much in the last two days!! No bullshizz,, just awesome stuff youve gotten here!

[@paradoximages9622]

Excellent info here, thanks a bunch! Someone else already chimed in about the green tablet shot and being able to despill. As a compositor I'd give you another tip. If there isn't much movement from the actor I'd even just go with a white screen on the tablet. The finger there is a quick easy roto that would be just as simple as despilling the screen and masking out your light. As long as there isn't much going over the screen I personally like having a white screen to work with.

[@lewispotts]

Yeah nice, heard this a couple of times now, I'll keep it in mind next time, thanks for the tip!

[@lukelikeslakes]

I've watched this video a handful full of times since it came out and I'm only now noticing that you were flipping through Deakin's "Byways" in the ad break. Love it

[@georgengugi6433]

You are an inspiration. I love how you simplify your work

[@AsiatiqueMedia]

the last one with the little Aputure light was genius!

[@TylerGraf]

I love these so much. I’ve always known my lighting setups to be inferior, but I’ve never know why. These help me know that it takes trial and error to figure it out as well as some great techniques for solving those problems.

[@joseelement7695]

Wow. That was so great. Can't believe I'm just finding your channel now. Also; at 4:44 .....I see what you did there. Excellent.

[@lewispotts]

Haha thanks! 😎

[@EdmundElijah]

It's always a great morning when I can enjoy a new Lewis Potts video with my coffee.

[@andobarks]

Maybe the Godox fl150. Input not as bright, but budget friendly. Actually haven't tried. Actually don't know if any good. Don't even know if available in Australia. Just thought it would be rude not recommending something. How much for your falcon eyes? I have a pack of old granny smiths, throw in a left hand handshake. Sweet. Thanks for the learnings.

[@darrenchoy]

dudeee the mc in the middle of the greenscreen was genius, always learning from your no-frills breakdowns, thank you lewis! looking forward to more!

[@SteakFromJakeFarm777]

i could binge watch these all day. quality stuff my man.

[@IanBFootage]

At 2:45 you were asking about a recommendation for a light similar to the Falconeyes, and the Amaran F22x/F22c are awesome! Very bright and versatile!

[@BradyBessette]

Thank you for being such a good resource!

[@lewispotts]

Thanks legend! 🙌

[@derekjcooper]

All I want for Christmas is... well... obviously a Lewis Potts video!

[@jermaingarcia9678]

I'm just here to say Thank you so much for all your teachings

[@dna8269]

The best channel on youtube. Lewis, how are you powering the panel light outside at 2:49? Do you use generators or v-mounts ever? Or just run extension cables somewhere to an outlet?

[@lewispotts]

Just running off vlock batteries

[@fabiogemaque]

Amazing content Lewis! Thanks so much for sharing

[@dillonbrown1454]

Learning so much from you. Please keep them coming. Always want them to be longer.

[@Solveiga555]

Your ad breaks are so cool I don't even want to skip them :)

[@scottbunn768]

Awesome! Thank you for share all of this stuff Lewis! Amazing work.

[@PeterKae]

Super dope tips. Gonna implement some of those set ups in my next short film for sure!! good stuff here

[@georgedoyle8795]

Great information as always Lewis, one of the best lighting channels on You Tube.

[@reckerproduction9468]

Wow , the last shot was soo simple but soo effective

[@Omriki_triki]

Beside that the video is great, the big thing for me is that this is the squarespace ad was so on point, its really the first time i was considering it seriusly. Thanks for the awesome content mate :)

[@ashley.caldwelldp]

I get more excited than a kid on Christmas morning when I see a new video from Lewis Potts in my feed. Also, the only person on KZbin who I don't skip past the sponsored message for. You're a wizard mate.

[@lewispotts]

Haha thanks Ashley

[@kimkrohnberle]

I like your videos! Subbed. My solution for the Ipad would be to find the preferred color (photoshop, etc + markers) and adjust the brightness to a level you're happy with/exposing her face. Then in post you do a luma key instead of a color key. If you want the flicker-illusion of a video playback, there are many available on youtube. They are going to track the screen in post anyway. Green on screen is usually more trouble than help for post.prod. And the green spill can be troublesome; bad skintones, weird catch light and most importantly you will reduce the amount of potentially usable original reflection from the screen.

[@shaneharrison4172]

i got that same falconeyes light open box from Dodd here in Ohio... got it for $300 and it has been excellent. I would say a great upgrade is the Intellytech 2x2 LED bicolor or RGB which is essentially the same light with a better ballast and more accessories.

[@benpossehl]

This is the type of content I follow you for. Great work!!! Keep em coming.

[@scottgoding3115]

You teach me something new every time! Thank you Lewis

[@kjeet007]

Such a warm talk, really enjoyed it 😊

[@andreathode3782]

Thanks for your outstanding videos that you keep posting here for us to watch and learn! Very much appreciated 🙏❤️

[@NOOOOOOOOOOOO00OOOOOOOOOOOOOO0]

Hey Lewis, is there any chance you could show us the other montage shots at the area of 8:09 and explain how they work and what lighting they used? That would be cool as that bedroom shot was interesting especially with the led light in the middle of the screen! If you could that would be amazing, as it looks like a cool commercial!

[@lewispotts]

Yeah possibly in another video I can add them

[@NOOOOOOOOOOOO00OOOOOOOOOOOOOO0]

@@lewispotts cool thanks, they look amazing!

[@bro_liv]

Those videos are so valuable, thank you mate, much appreciated.

[@brittacurkovic]

Curious about your regular use of the 2x2 panel instead of a 2ft tube. Do you prefer the 2x2 panel, or you just don’t happen to have tubes? Trying to build my lighting kit right now, appreciate your advice, thank you!

[@lewispotts]

The tubes are great but they're not as soft as a panel type light, I find myself putting diffusion in front of tube lights if I use them on faces alot of the time

[@brittacurkovic]

@@lewispotts Thank you Lewis, I really appreciate it! I have a 2x2 that I have not been using, as I've been using COB's with diffusion mostly, but am trying to get more lightweight. Will test it today!

[@worlddomination9893]

You’re channel is my favorite!

[@MateoToro]

that deakins book! which falcon eyes do you use? I have a cheaper brand version of it but want to upgrade to a falcon eye

[@jakeleuzzi4853]

I always get so excited when you post man:) so much free value and knowledge! Wish I could repay you somehow brother✌️

[@lewispotts]

Thanks Jake, all good man!

[@innatemusic]

Always love these vids!

[@BngLrd]

This channel is amazing...thanks a lot for sharing!

[@channelh442]

Get a Litemat! It’s definitely the next step up and is the industry standard for light, soft, big sources here in LA. The Litemat 4 is very common because it’s size is just big enough to not need a frame/fabric to make it softer. They also have built in Lumen radio which is great for DMX. If you want RGB control, make sure to get the “spectrum” version. They are pretty pricey though to be honest.

[@lewispotts]

Yeah more expensive but much better build quality for sure!

[@mhardingphoto]

@@lewispotts Lightmat's are A+, but very pricy in Aus compared to the US. Have you seen Aladdin lights?Apparently they are the industry standard in South Korea and have a good rep.

[@Kadehr]

HUGE thank you for those tasty BTS man!

[@Levistut]

Bro i am soooo inspired by your videos! Thanks so much for sharing. You got a big new fan here from germany!

[@lewispotts]

Thanks man!

[@cmsaikia]

Watching this after a long day of shoot, always inspiring. Thanks for the motivation to wake up early again tommorow.

[@yannickmuller2707]

I often find myself in the same situation, figuring out on how to use the greenscreen properly. But in case of surfaces of digital devices, it's actually much easier to set the iPad screen to pure white (because then you won't have a green spill) and then use a luma mask (and masking it only for that certain area) in f.e. premiere. Keying became so much easy and using an ultra-key on a green surface just isn't always the best method anymore. There are tons of work arounds to avoid green spill.

[@lewispotts]

Yeah that's a much better work around, I'll remember that next time!

[@yannickmuller2707]

@@lewispotts Was just talking that we overestimate the power of the green screen in general. :)) Really loving your videos - finally very insightful, sophisticated dop advices, pls keep going on forever ;)

[@lewispotts]

@@yannickmuller2707 yeah, I'm no vfx person but I totally agree about green screen

[@CarloTimothy]

when i share your channel to my friends, i say "this freaking guy is so good. straight to the point, no BS. well-shot sponsor ads too haha"

[@saysomestuff]

Random tip for flickering. Often, false colour on the monitor can show up flickering way clearer than you'd be able to see with the naked eye.

[@EHBRod13]

I love these vids so much. Thank you for sharing your knowledge! Keep them coming!

[@ectoproductions]

These are some insanely simple set ups yet they look sooooo fantastic! Nice work! Truly inspiring for budget filmmakers

[@daytrip_films]

Ah man, all of this is gold. Are all DPs this clever/resourceful? I feel like they can't be lol. Pretty sure I learn more about lighting from your videos than almost any other youtube channel out there

[@julianwuerzler]

great breakdown! did you add any grain on her closeup scene in 4:09 in post? looks beautiful!

[@marcin_piechocki]

Hey Lewis! Great stuff as usual. May I know what's this "highlight material" that you speak of at around 4:00 ? Seems very handy but I can't find any mention of it online. I'd really appreciate a hint.

[@edwinkhudadian5022]

You're the best, Lewis. Thank you for the videos!

[@larskaiser2196]

Thx for the video. Really nice to watch.

[@btt8410]

Love it. You deliver all these knowledge in suvch a smooth way👌🏼

[@dpjohnjones432]

As always loved your videos. I got to start employing these techniques more often. I like the fact that you guys make sure the subject is not being poisoned by extraneous frontal light. I got to be more aware of ratios so my work looks less boring lol. I'm such a noob haha. Intellytech lights are pretty awesome I hear. Maybe check those out? Btw your remarks about the lawn at the beginning were hilarious 🤣

[@tristenmoles7933]

We use the lite mat 4!!!! Really good LED

[@WetheDepressed]

You spoiled us with the breakdown of your Squared Space ad in the previous video. I was really hoping that would be an ongoing thing. The salt and peppering you were able to create along with the reflections of the practicals in the magazine with the cowboy push-in shot is gorgeous work. Well done!

[@alvarojimenez1948]

I learn so much with you!! You are great, keep doing this kind of videos please

[@SanczykLucas]

Love this 👏. Thank you very much Lewis. Keep them coming.

[@rossmetcalf1753]

Yeah so agree that falcon eyes is a winner! I found i was using it every shoot as well (Usually on a boom arm)

[@davidp158]

Thanks so much for these lighting videos. Seeing your solutions and techniques to various situations is so valuable and informative. Great stuff, and great results. Thanks again!

[@ianblackburn2645]

Nice to see so many of these setups are similar to my own makes me feel like I do know what I'm doing somewhat

[@migsflicks]

Every video is a gem. Keep it up indeed!

[@melaninxhalide1165]

Loved this breakdown! More of these in 2022! 🙏🏾

[@derekjcooper]

Terrific job once again Lewis - really loving the insight and the sharing. Thank you.

[@robertallen1739]

Ha ha! The cowboy reading Byways! Priceless!

[@mhardingphoto]

The light on the ipad was such a good idea dude!🤌🏻

[@FreeLancerdu29]

Thanks again for sharing your real-DP-life tricks and the details around them.

[@FTMuisikTV]

You're a lighting Genius Lewis! Great content

[@saratharya8363]

Thank you for sharing your ideas ❤❤

[@jackdelulio]

Genius using the MC on the ipad shot!

[@anatolii1094]

Thanks for such a great video!

[@verifiedMPA]

Love the Byways cameo, and everything else for sure.

[@seanlefloch]

My favorite DP is back!!!!

[@РусланАбасалиев]

Amazing! Thanks for this.

[@joenicklo]

Do you have a preferred ND gel?

[@parkercreative_au]

Amazing work man! What template do you use on Squarespace for your site?

[@TimmyLodhi]

Very amazing tips here. You're truly a talented DP.

[@brittacurkovic]

One more question... do you ever use half soft frost for outdoor shoots? Or do you use Hilite only because it's quieter?

[@JackAdamCarter]

Brilliant video! @lewispotts - The highlight material on the single shot of the woman with the paper in the exterior shot (4:02) - Where do I find that Highlight material/flag for a C-Stand? It looks like its some kind of plastic rather than a diffuser silk? I cant sem to find it anywhere. Hope you can help! Cheers! :)

[@lewispotts]

Thanks it's called hiLite diffusion

[@AllieSakwa]

Aladdin has a few bi-colour flex/fabric lights. I absolutely LOVE their 3x3 350w, but it can sometimes be a bit big. I wish they had a 2x2, but it's pretty easy to connect the 1x2 panels together.

[@lewispotts]

Yeah they look great

[@themediagoats3341]

Bro These Are Always Great. Thank You.

[@shahgc7480]

just wooww Thank you so much liked & Subscribed

[@therealdarrylomar]

You're a beast, very informative video. Thank you for the gems.

[@rodrigolev1]

hey Lewis, I am gonna get my forst spotlight for the 300d, would you recommend any lens? I know that every one has it different need but I wonder which one would be more versatile ? keep up with t he great work.

[@tristanmarch800]

Love your work! Thanks!

[@AxTechs]

That interview with fincher and eric on shotdeck is one of the most technical he's done in a while - really interesting

[@LCAStudios]

What's the link to the video with Fincher talking about the set lighting?