Motivated Lighting Examples by Roger Deakins - Cinematography Techniques Ep. 4

Roger Deakins walks us through his motivated lighting examples from 1917, No Country for Old Men, and Sicario.
What is Motivated Lighting in Film ►► bit.ly/mot-li
Special Thanks to the Team Deakins podcast ►► bit.ly/td-pc
Chapters:
00:00 - Deakins on Motivated Lighting
01:04 - The Falling Lamp
02:11 - Oil Lamps in 1917
03:21 - Overhead Lights in Sicario
04:02 - Table Lamps
In this episode of Cinematography Techniques, Roger Deakins continues his conversation on the value of practical lights and motivated lighting. Specifically, he addresses lighting challenges in films like 1917, Sicario, and No Country for Old Men.
Does the existing practical lighting in the set help tell the story? With film lighting, can we find a middle ground between artistic expression and narrative function? These are questions every cinematographer is confronted with at every location in every project. Let’s gather round and let Roger Deakins show us the light, literally, when it comes to using motivated lighting in film.
Deakins’ first example comes from a shootout scene in No Country for Old Men. In a motel room, the decision was made that a lamp should end up on the floor. This way, it would project light upwards on Anton Chigurh, casting him rather menacing, “noirish” light. This is a great example of blending practical lighting with motivated lighting with production design in a way that makes the clearly intentional choices seem organic and accidental.
In 1917, Roger Deakins explains how difficult it was to use motivated lighting in the bunker scene early in the film. The underground set is lit only with oil lamps, which would be historically accurate but would there be enough lighting with practicals alone? The solution was to fit two bulbs into the lamps - a rather simple but elegant fix to get cinematic lighting out of 100-year-old practical lights.
Finally, we have Roger Deakins on lighting the immigration detention scene in Sicario. Not a claustrophobic bunker as in 1917, now the challenge is lighting a massive area with dozens of extras. The existing sodium mercury lamps would not do so Deakins requested 50 conical lights to be fitted with 2K blondes. These were attached to the ceiling of the depot and gave enough illumination to the large set and multiple characters.
Sometimes, practical lighting and motivated lighting require a small adjustment to the existing lighting conditions. And other times, as in this Sicario example, it requires a complete redesign of the lighting. We may not have the budget or resources that Roger Deakins has on a given project but the lessons here are universal - motivated lighting can give a location personality, and give the scene authenticity.
#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking
─────────────────────
VIDEO EDITOR: BRANDON SCULLION
─────────────────────
Spotify Playlist ►► bit.ly/rd-ml
Songs Used:
War - Edwin Starr
Wallace - Blade Runner 2049 Soundtrack - Hans Zimmer & Benjamin Wallfisch
Faded - Red Licorice
Carter Burwell - Blood Trails (No Country for Old Men Soundtrack)
Lockhouse (1917 Soundtrack)
Jóhann Jóhannsson ‎- Sicario (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Audrey’s Dance (Twin Peaks Soundtrack)
Final Song by Devon Cole from “Roger Deakins On Cinematography”
Music by Artlist ► utm.io/umJx
Music by Artgrid ► utm.io/umJy
Music by Soundstripe ► bit.ly/2IXwomF
Music by Music Vine ► bit.ly/2IUE0pT
Music by MusicBed ► bit.ly/2Fnz9Zq
-
SUBSCRIBE to StudioBinder’s KZbin channel! ►► bit.ly/2hksYO0
Looking for a project management platform for your filmmaking? StudioBinder is an intuitive project management solution for video creatives; create shooting schedules, breakdowns, production calendars, shot lists, storyboards, call sheets and more.
Try StudioBinder for FREE today: studiobinder.com/pricing
- Join us on Social Media! -
Instagram ►► / studiobinder
Facebook ►► / studiobinderapp
Twitter ►► / studiobinder
#film-theory, #video-essay, #filmmaker

[@StudioBinder]

Chapters: 00:00​ - Deakins on Motivated Lighting 01:04​ - The Falling Lamp 02:11​ - Oil Lamps in 1917 03:21​ - Overhead Lights in Sicario 04:02​ - Table Lamps Special Thanks to the Deakins Podcast - bit.ly/3cyQrok

[@Appleboot]

Imagine being the guy tasked with lighting Roger Deakins for an interview. Talk about nerve wracking.

[@StudioBinder]

The pressure is real haha

[@Visethelegend]

There is an interview where Deakins is in a hotel room and is explaining how everyone does lighting with their own approach based on different experiences, so then mentions to the interviewer how he would have done his lighting different and I remember how i felt bad for the guy who lighted that, even if Sir Deakins wasn’t bad intended, it’s still a real pressure haha

[@michaelraycampos9246]

when in doubt bust out the oil lamp 😂

[@ShotReshot]

Haha! Brilliant comment! Laughed my ass off!

[@kjeet007]

Read it somewhere if Deakin lecture whole day we still can enjoy his way speaking whole day 😁 Indeed

[@StudioBinder]

We agree 😁

[@feras2158]

"Cinematography is telling stories with pictures" what a wonderful description. Thank u SB❤️

[@StudioBinder]

Couldn't have said it better 👌

[@shivamsinghrajput4558]

So informative...i am trying to apply your fiction films concepts on my documentaries and it's helping me a lot..thanks studiobinder for all of the knowledge you guys are providing us for free

[@shivamsinghrajput4558]

@@celebrosmm2944 thanks

[@StudioBinder]

That's awesome! Happy filming 👍

[@tturnquest1]

Great essay. Roger Deakins is the man.

[@StudioBinder]

He is definitely is the man!

[@vikasraj2797]

*No words to describe his work the man made for epic moments in cinematic universe Mr.R.Deakins sir hats off sir* 🙏🏻

[@StudioBinder]

that's one good word to describe it - epic!

[@arunlalrajagopal3005]

This channel is too good Hats off to the world best online film institution

[@StudioBinder]

Class in session!

[@kiranxl995]

Thankyou for your consistent work 🤗

[@StudioBinder]

Thank you for watching!

[@hanshine1540]

Thank you very much for sharing your professional film knowledge for free.I love film and I will keep learning, I always recommend you to my friends.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for sharing!

[@zencinematography]

really great video. also it's about sir Roger the GOAT Deakins

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you like it!

[@Deevan_Raj]

I Learned lot of Things for film making. I watched shot list all episodes. And I'm gain more knowledge. Thank you studio binder. No other Channel is there to teach like you. ❤️ I'm Subscriber from india.❤️

[@StudioBinder]

Happy to help!

[@Praveen-cj2iz]

Roger Deakins " Guru" of cinematography

[@StudioBinder]

Guru and master 👌

[@akhilm4877]

Make a series in which you show... How to make a scene intense and riveting while directing... like a thriller, romantic, happy, emotional😘

[@StudioBinder]

Our video on how to build suspense with shot composition kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnSUXpxnha5rgtk

[@akhilm4877]

@@StudioBinder oh ok😅

[@Calebhohfilms]

@@StudioBinder What about directing the actor? How different directors do rehearsals, takes & improv completely differently!

[@RoweFilms]

The legend. Thank you Roger!

[@StudioBinder]

The man, the myth 👌

[@juliansuarez6673]

Thank you for the subtitles. Gretinggs from Colombia :)

[@StudioBinder]

Greetings from Cali :)

[@_nebulousthoughts]

It's always awesome hearing an artist discuss technique.

[@StudioBinder]

Especially when the artist is Deakins 😊

[@bogidrau676]

Love these videos. Keep em coming! Do you plan to breakdown other cinematographers or other filmmakers process similar to these videos?

[@redrick7735]

Amazing. Deakins knows his craft.

[@francescocitro3704]

This channel has to be used as movie teaching method .it s amazing, brilliant smart and interesting.i watched the first video and after 30 secs I subscribed.

[@StudioBinder]

Welcome to the club!

[@sapienxiris1890]

We are thankful for your efforts!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for noticing :)

[@fujienthusiast8238]

He always seems to create the most beautiful lighting from simple ideas.

[@chiefwitz7547]

I gotta start investing in some lamps and bulbs 😁.

[@StudioBinder]

We showed Deakins advice on that in this video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWraaXyVjqllb6c

[@bakaruk]

I'm really looking forward to the subtitles, thanks for the video!

[@StudioBinder]

They're available if you press the CC button!

[@bakaruk]

@@StudioBinder big thank you

[@assylkhanmeldebek5040]

Thanks for video 👍👍👍

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@wowburke12]

Great video 👍

[@christianek.963]

So good!

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@bollywoodfightactionreacti9189]

Superb video

[@StudioBinder]

Superb feedback 😂

[@chapablo]

I’d love to see you guys do an exercise where you shoot the same scene multiple times, and only change the lighting between takes. How does that affect the shot?

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@hyperaitools]

LOVE FROM PHILIPPINES!!!!!

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers from California!

[@modelsport2858]

Thank you.

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome :)

[@StudioBinder]

Great to hear :)

[@fatumsfaber8809]

Lighting is just as art than anything else, it conveys a story without the need of language.

[@alexispapageorgiou72]

Pause the video on the 1917 bunker when McKay turns and the inside of his hat lights up. So accidental, which means so perfectly planned.

[@StudioBinder]

Yup, lighting is its own art even within the art of cinematography

[@sabadragon698]

i love this channel

[@StudioBinder]

We love our viewers!

[@saltsyn]

editor definitely had fun syncing music to intro cut scene in this video:)

[@moraltvyoutubechannel9776]

I love Roger deakins cinematographey i want next Roger deakins cinematography rules of third composition plz make video

[@heerkumarraja2841]

You are the best 👌

[@StudioBinder]

Trying our best!

[@BJENKY2012]

What a beauty

[@StudioBinder]

Great lighting is a thing of beauty

[@neimanbar2701]

Please do a video essay about Woody Allen, please

[@StudioBinder]

Like a Directing Styles video?

[@neimanbar2701]

@@StudioBinder Yes

[@dango_3016]

I can't explain this... but Roger Deakins is the Brian May of cinematography

[@StudioBinder]

haha interesting comparison

[@moraltvyoutubechannel9776]

Roger is best cinematography of the World

[@StudioBinder]

One of the best for sure!

[@moraltvyoutubechannel9776]

Yes i am sure

[@Tvoine]

Nice

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@sudha4241]

Hey guys love ur videos Can u make a video on David Lynch or edagr wright

[@patoperalta3466]

The GOAT

[@daniellatteo_thefilmmaker]

Question- What happened to the Anamorphic Lenses video?? It was on for 2 or 3 hours, then it disappeared from the channel.

[@StudioBinder]

We decided to keep it down to address copyright claims

[@daniellatteo_thefilmmaker]

@@StudioBinder Thank you for answering!!... However tuned down, I'm really looking forward to it.

[@lakshanvk1501]

Its possible to make 1000 videos on roger deakins cinematography, as it has no end on the other side.

[@StudioBinder]

Seems like that's where we're headed 😂

[@joshuawango]

DId you just reply to 116 comments? Amazing!

[@StudioBinder]

We love engaging with our audience :)

[@jennypengel2498]

How to understand the word blocking properly? I heard it quite often. Is there a proper definition applying to different contexts

[@theliabilityfilmmaker7389]

the song war could not have been timed better

[@StudioBinder]

🙌😉

[@artpool4954]

❤️

[@StudioBinder]

💖

[@ilyaskhan2291]

Hey studiobinder will make a video on 'How to analyse any movie ? ' pls

[@StudioBinder]

All our videos help better analyze a movie!

[@ilyaskhan2291]

@@StudioBinder ok one request will you pls make a video on every director's top 10 movies pls

[@ST7GOLDTRIDENT]

👍

[@StudioBinder]

👍👍👍

[@sanilalkuttimon1755]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@StudioBinder]

💕

[@ilyaskhan2291]

Hey studiobinder I don't want to disturb you but I have question that keep on pinches me that which is the best director David Fincher or Christopher Nolan .... And I know if we ask any individual person they would answer Christopher Nolan but my favorite is David Fincher but I want this answer from you because you know more about these stuff than anyone plss reply quickly 😃

[@dhtothebones]

whats the tune 1.00 min?

[@StudioBinder]

Song names are in the description!

[@zahramohammadi9219]

Excuse me, can you answer my question? That fluorescent light in the bathroom, why is it said that it is a cool lamp ?? I think its color is warm! No?

[@jagdeeshpm9323]

My mind blew away, after my finish of watching "BLADE RUNNER 2049", the lighting was dope and sick. It elevates each scene. Sir Roger Deakins, SALUTE!!!! @StudioBinder

[@StudioBinder]

Eye-candy for all of us ❤

[@johnydeep1568]

Waiting for stephen chow style

[@nizaruddin2322]

StudioBinder is a filmschool

[@StudioBinder]

Class every Monday ;)

[@deepankernandy7268]

Hey, why don't you guys make a video on Zack Snyder

[@StudioBinder]

We have a video on his color palette! kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6a3qoushMaGpJI

[@deepankernandy7268]

@@StudioBinder It would be great if we would have got a video about all the styles and techniques he uses!!

[@Siddharth2551]

Why English Subtitles are not added? Please add subtitles.

[@StudioBinder]

Subtitles are added! They'll show up if you press the CC button

[@Siddharth2551]

@@StudioBinder Yes, now they are visible. Thank you so much.

[@CharlesDCochran]

why did you remove the video on anamorphic lenses?

[@LycanVisuals]

Inject more into my veins.

[@StudioBinder]

more on the way 👍

[@NewerSing]

Had to take off monitor headphones, the voice recording is littered with bass, all rumbling and mumbling, all while the rest of sound is crisp as mountain ice

[@StudioBinder]

Appreciate the feedback!

[@vishalsilveri817]

Why you guys are so obsessed with Roger deakens ??? Make a video on Emanuel lubezki or hoyte van hoytema

[@carlospadinmartinez]

Why?? I mean it's quite obvious why... he is Roger F... Deakins: Blade Runner 2049, Prisoners, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, No Country for Old Men (2008, nominated twice in the same year.)... and the list goes on and on

[@bluebirdman8185]

*Hoyte van Hoytema

[@vishalsilveri817]

@@carlospadinmartinez they literally made 5 videos on him , isn't that enough? I want to see different cinematographers work analysis

[@StudioBinder]

Deakins has a podcast that regularly gives out great info so there's just more material to work with. But we love all the great cinematographers!

[@Akshaykumar-zb1qu]

This backgroud voice i dont enjoy.

[@StudioBinder]

You mean Roger Deakins' voice? 😅

[@Akshaykumar-zb1qu]

@@StudioBinder i really dont know its sir Deakins voice but i really enjoy the regular voice artist of studio binder

[@mimicrybypravesh]

He's overrated.

[@StudioBinder]

Why do you think so?

[@mimicrybypravesh]

@@StudioBinder I don't like his movies other than Revolutionary Road