One Lighting Trick To Improve Your Shots DRASTICALLY | Cinematic Lighting

One element missing from a lot of lighting setups is ambient room tone. This video talks about what room tone is, why you need it, and how to get ambient lighting in an interior scene.
This is The Classroom.
Like, Share and Subscribe!
Music from Musicbed, sign up for free to listen for yourself!: fm.pxf.io/c/3071295/1347628/1...
Email Show and Tell to: [e-mail]
My Instagram: / bradybessette
My Gear List: (If you purchase using these links it gives me a little extra and helps me keep these videos coming to you but doesn't cost you any more!)
BMPCC4k: amzn.to/3j991V1
Canon EOS R: amzn.to/2JltVmT
Metabones 0.71x SB: amzn.to/3jaM7wa
Samsung T5 1TB SSD: amzn.to/36ecEp2
SmallRig Cage for BMPCC4k: amzn.to/2S4bPGX
Aputure 300x: amzn.to/3ql05PW
Aputure 120dii: amzn.to/3idkKAq
Aputure 300dii: amzn.to/3nmiCdP
Aputure 600d: bhpho.to/3vz2H05
Aputur f10 Fresnel: bhpho.to/30JyC2R
Aputure B7c Bulb: amzn.to/37fOsCf
Aputure Fresnel 2x: amzn.to/3pn01h2
Aputure MC: amzn.to/37ieYLo
Aputure MC (12 Light Kit): amzn.to/2ZENVp7
EasyRig Minimax: amzn.to/3bOGIKD
5 in 1 Reflector Disc: amzn.to/3m0YcVT
DJI Ronin S: amzn.to/3jqmms1
Sigma 18-35mm: amzn.to/2ED8ify
Atomos Ninja V: amzn.to/2G8vZwW
Rode NTG2 (My talking head mic): amzn.to/3mcwiqf
Zoom H4n Pro: (I run my NTG2 through this): amzn.to/37hH4ab
Tilta Nucleus Nano Follow Focus: amzn.to/2Srh3wM
Wooden Mattebox: bhpho.to/3m7LZBv
Tiffen IR Cut NATnd: bhpho.to/3vDqwDM
Tiffen ProMist 1/8: amzn.to/2ED8njm
Tiffen ProMist 1/4: amzn.to/344gqhN
Tiffen Variable ND Filter: amzn.to/350ISlc
FREE Diagram Elements I use thanks to Daniel Grindrod: gum.co/XvkLC
Daniel's Channel: / danielgrindrod

[@smepable]

Thanks for covering that topic. I often so Screenshots of your before/after Pics and Store them in a lighting Folder, and I cherish to have the top down light plans you often add to your videos. Thanks

[@aebonstudio7193]

Love the principles you implement in your videos. I hardly ever see KZbinrs talk about these things and have such a good result.

[@gabrielmachadobsb]

I know the moonlight look is popular because of color contrast, but I'd love to see a more sodium vapor inspired ambience, I think orange streets are often overlooked on interior night scenes

[@BradyBessette]

Sounds super fun I love it let’s do it

[@orcsong]

Hey Brady, love your content. Easy to understand and apply. I think there are probably many of us that would love to hear a bit more about the business side of things. I’m sure every videography channel gets these questions but the answers never get old. What kind of customers do you handle? How did you “get” them? Do you have a pay/fee structure? What advice would you give to the guys that have a mid level Canon and a couple of lenses, etc.? Either way, thanks a bunch for the information, it’s solid.

[@derrickleroy3976]

Thank you Brady for this Informative video, I'm a senior in Highschool working on a Film for school, and this gave me a lot more confidence in my upcoming shoot. For Video Ideas, Watching you light different scenes/scenarios step by step is something I'd like to see more of because I'm able to learn without spending hours doing it myself. Keep creating my friend!

[@Matthew13tube]

Hey Brady, I'm a big fan of your channel and look forward to your videos each week! I'd be interested in seeing a scene lit (maybe with something on the more narrative side) with two people in it, where there is some movement in the shot. Meaning there is some amount of blocking for the actors. I love how you often say "we light spaces and not faces" and would love an example of how the space is lit so both people look good, a mood is set, and they move a little in the frame. So, just a little proof that I stayed till the end of the video, and something I would be interested in learning more about. If it's too complicated of a setup, maybe just a couple of simpler videos leaning in that direction would be great too. If not, I'm still a big fan, and look forward to learning more about whatever you do decide to do next. Keep up the great work!

[@MatthewEncina]

What a great tutorial. Thanks!

[@suradechprapairat8332]

I watch your lessons every day. Because I wish I could do it your way. Thank you so much for making me better.

[@BradyBessette]

And thank you so much for the support

[@JuanKharlox17]

I would love to see a series where you recreate Hollywood movie looks

[@dillonbrown1454]

Love it see setting up a room for interviews.

[@LonePictures]

Thank you so much for sharing your hard leaned experience over the years. Now I understood what was lacking in my lighting as well.

[@BradyBessette]

Thank you for the support!!

[@Chandler_Goodrich]

3:22 this tip was so helpful for me. Really helped me put the pieces together. Steve Yedlin ASC said that sensor noise is actually a lack of information in your image. Today I was experimenting and just adding some room tone cleaned up my shadows dramatically. Thanks!

[@sam.oates_]

I’ve been waiting for a great video on room tone and you have definitely delivered, thank you! Keep exploring room tone in different scenarios please! I love this though!

[@BradyBessette]

That means a ton thank you so much, glad I can help

[@euricoleichsenring]

I have been learning a lot with your videos!! thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@BradyBessette]

Thank YOU for the support

[@binaryinfections]

Impressed ! I pressed the little red button and the bell

[@abhi0820]

Excellent video Brady! Thank a lot for this! I definitely learnt something new today. Wanted to know how would you light up a basement or a small space (with low ceiling height) using one key light and maybe two other smaller style lights like an Aputure MC or something along those lines.

[@graphicdesignar]

Thanks you for this, you are great ❤ , I love your content 😊

[@ojokbob333]

Thanks Brady. This was eye opening

[@miguelv3524]

A little different from a traditional video request, but maybe a video on how to approach the creation of a scene when a director says "I want x,y,z"? What does that process look like as a cinematographer/gaffer from start to finish for you? Also, any tips on reassuring that you're confident enough and prepared enough to handle a shoot/project would be much appreciated! Love the videos Brady, you're such an amazing help!

[@ONETAKEvisuals.]

Dude this is freaking sick... I want to learn lightning so bad and your tutorials are the way to go! Keep up the good work!!

[@BradyBessette]

Thank you so so much, Practice is definitely the best thing to do

[@radu0015]

Ok, i am going to try this. Thanks for sharing.

[@1minuteshortfilms]

Please make a playlist titled "how to light a scene" using all your videos explaining how to light different types of scenes. It would be very helpful. Thx :-)

[@boldi6818]

Really detailed explanation! Also love your kindness

[@Elie.Khoury]

You always motivates us to shoot and try new things

[@BradyBessette]

That means a ton thank you!

[@abdulghanyjuma9650]

thank u and I'm a big fun of u. and about ur question I prefer ur lighting tutorials

[@aizhanvideo]

Thank you! great lesson😍

[@M2BzombieBait]

I literally just learned this lesson earlier this month. Great video!

[@DanielKhuu]

Room tone… brilliant! Similar to adding room tone in sound design. Definitely watch this one all the way through!

[@BradyBessette]

Daniel!! Hello sir! Thanks so much hope you’re doing great

[@Maros_Mari]

Thanks man, I enjoyed this video - relaxed vibe, no posing no shilling, appreciate the honesty and the vibe. Keep it up. Btw. I would love to see a video on lighting youtube videos at home - on limited budget. I think many people wanna start making their own videos and share and do not have all the great aputure lights, only perhaps two light sources. Would be nice to see what are some tips tricks and ways to make it work on tight budget. Thanks alot.

[@youssefsafoury4157]

Thank you Brady!

[@BradyBessette]

Thank YOU

[@JosephFutsum]

I would love to see more of how you light ambient and regular non moody sequences inside kitchen and bedrooms... that would be awesome

[@samuelguce]

oooh depth with the diff colours in your talking head shot - jeez man so good

[@YOUAREMYKIN]

Nice one! ✨To answer your question, a video about quality of light modifying: haze, mirrors, foliage, flags, would be great.

[@BradyBessette]

Sounding like masterclass material with all that info

[@jagifilms]

Hey man, fellow filmmakers here ✌️ Really appreciate the video of you recreating a movie scene. Would be happy to see more of those dude!! Wish you all the best 🙏

[@thewildokinawan]

Nice work. Would love to see how you would approach this same setting but with a scene that involves a lot of movement (like an action or fight scene).

[@PeaLoop]

Likewise, took me some time to figure out the importance of room tone. Still working on it of course! Cool stuff.

[@BradyBessette]

We are alllll still working. Thank you!!

[@ImagemSonora]

Nice One!! Thanks Mann!

[@AronBagel]

Room tone can be so tricky to get right. I've noticed that softness is definitely key though, if you hit the ceiling with something sourcy like a regular open face lamp it'll rarely sell the look. That slight backlight you had here was so nice though, definitely want to try that out myself sometime soon!

[@BradyBessette]

It is tough to get for sure, hard shadows are a dead giveaway like you said

[@kolecava]

indeed room tone is absolutely perfect in this!

[@raildude270]

It probably would helped to back the lights up outside the window and increase the intensity, if possible. That way the fall off isn’t so drastic.

[@LamondoHillII]

You do a great job of explaining and showing things to noobs like me lol thanks for this.

[@JBoscacci398]

hi mate, thanks a lot for the time and passion you put on the video. Grazie sei generoso. ;)

[@BradyBessette]

And thank you so much for the support!

[@WataruHayashiOfficial]

So informative and beneficial! I love your contents from Japan! What i would like to see is how to properly light the outdoor daylight seen with the least amount of gear. The biggest challenge that I have when I travel to shoot is to minimize what I take with me and get as better shots as possible.

[@MattBoxProductions]

Get some reflectors/bounces/diffusers! The big circle things usually swivel into a smaller package for light-weight and easy travel. Be careful getting cheap ones, the foil can crumble off very easily.

[@WataruHayashiOfficial]

@@MattBoxProductions Thanks for the advice!

[@jeffmungai4494]

Yeoooo we have the same brand of camera I have the pocket 6K Pro and I’m trying to get the image to pop like yours! Omg I though you had a red so I was like uhhh 🙄 another one of “these guys” but your like meeeeeeeeee😁😁😁😁😁😁😁 IM SOOOOOO HAPPY!!!!!! Thank YOU! Now I can finally get it to look as CINEMATIV!

[@eliaslimapro]

Very good, I was happy to learn more from you, I would like to ask you to do a tutorial on light blockers and their and the power of light direction

[@Elassyahmed]

Awesome video, Brady. Would it be possible to take us through your gear? What you prefer to own vs what you typically rent? Maybe why you prefer the bmpcc 4k and other cameras you prefer or recommend?

[@mluckphoto]

Outstanding!

[@BradyBessette]

Thank you tons!!

[@DavidRuizVisuals]

Awesome video as always, Brady! One question, would a lantern softbox work the same as the nova bouncing against the ceiling? Sometimes, I have very high ceilings and it gets tricky when it comes to nail the room tone. Keep up the amazing work 💪

[@TTLSTUDIO2024]

Thanks for teaching bro

[@reversekeypro]

Another excellent video Brady! Always learning from you. Could you do a tutorial how you would light a group of people in a dinner scene? Maybe one high key style and one moody/ultra cinematic? That would be cool! Either way appreciate your knowledge! You and Sara do great work:)

[@BradyBessette]

Thank you so much!! Love the dinner scene idea :)

[@AT-dj3dc]

Hi, Thanks for this great video! Learned a lot! To prove that I stayed till the end, I have a suggestion please 😂 Would you please consider making a video on how to "professionally" light your video conferencing calls? I've always been fascinated with learning about filmmaking, and only a few days ago have I learned the significance of lighting and I am just blown away! I started to try some new lighting methods on Zoom calls and it was incredible compared to the usual LED lamp-in-your-face way. But, I wish I could find a video that would teach me, and those like me, how to light it up perfectly. Thanks again!

[@buulam]

Great video! My video suggestion (I watched till the end!) would be for lighting cars... stationary, indoors. Some shots may include someone around the car. Some shots would be close up detail and some further back. Thanks for all your helpful videos! They are broken down and explained so well!

[@BradyBessette]

Car stuff is always fun, never too much of it! Thank you so much, I’ve got a couple sprinkled throughout my channel but I’ll get creative for another soon enough

[@AndrewMurphyFilms]

The unlimited coffee hack! Good to show not lighting "dark" or underexposed, just light normally then bring it down in camera or post.

[@BradyBessette]

Hey!!! All things aside I’d love real life unlimited coffee lol. But yes exactly what I did! Hope you’re killing it over there A 💪🏼

[@charming_and_granite]

Nice video. Your videos have come along way since ELM recommended you to me. I’d love to see a video describing how to light scene where someone moves from one room to another to another. I am currently struggling with this. Would love to see how you do it. Thanks!

[@BradyBessette]

I’ve been wanting to do this for a while, but trying to find the right location to do so! Thank you for this and glad to have you here!

[@howiepfilm9368]

Brady - my guy ❤

[@BradyBessette]

Hello 🥺

[@CarlaTovar]

I like this video!!!

[@BradyBessette]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@hxy7167]

Like your videos !

[@cire30a]

could you do some recreating of old films doing so in black and white and color. like roman holiday and its a wonderful life. love the mix of hard and soft lighting and it would be neat to see how you translate it to color

[@YannickFilms]

Great lighting!💯

[@BradyBessette]

Thank you!!

[@Curlyfries2002]

Awesome video yet again! I’d like to see how you’d light a big space with multiple subjects

[@BradyBessette]

I gotta find multiple subjects first

[@stevenkralovec]

Please do more lighting recreations from movies. I was blown away by your replication of the scene from The Social Network.

[@BradyBessette]

I really gotta do more don’t I, let me get back on it!

[@DanielKuberek]

Thanks for your videos Brady! Still use many of your tips and tricks in my own shoots. I'm curious how you'd light an exterior tracking shot (someone on a bike or scooter) in both day and night time. Even bouncing light is tricky in those situations.

[@BradyBessette]

This sounds super fun to try Daniel thank you! I am glad my videos help!

[@mayukhbanerjee5002]

Your content is next level💯

[@BradyBessette]

Thank you!!!

[@Delta_foxtrot01]

Great video as always!! Maybe for a future video… how do you efficiently and quickly light entire scenes with a run and gun type setup with limited time?

[@BradyBessette]

Thank you!! I know I’ve done it once but I can do more!

[@mkfreelancefilm]

These videos are just so helpful, would love to know your process for colour grading/luts when you are editing in DaVinchi. I've a pocket 6k and for a long time just have struggled with grading/exposure etc.

[@BradyBessette]

Literally Mondays video. Stay tuned! Thank you so much!

[@AlexanLupen]

Some kitchen scene illumination will be welcome, preparing a YT project about cook.

[@BradyBessette]

enjoy it and have fun!

[@tubeman1983]

Great vid! Can you make a video on how to use gels, nets, flags, bounce boards, etc? Advantages and disadvantages over a bicolour light? keep up the good work! Cheers :)

[@englishforsrilanka2535]

Prof Brady!!!! How art thou? Been a fan from day one and I want you to know that I loved the video as usual! Great work Prof, I hope you win the lottery!

[@BradyBessette]

I appreciate you so much!!! That is so kind of ya

[@amrelfaham]

Hey Brady, awesome video, what is the color temperature that was set on the camera.

[@blainemarcano]

Hey man. Great work. My suggestion… just keep lighting stuff. I love it. And honestly, I reference these videos as tutorials for my own lighting. Maybe start with how to light a face when someone’s reading with a candle.

[@schifen4870]

Thank you very much from Germany🙏🏾💪🏿

[@BradyBessette]

Thank you for the support!!!

[@TheSoundBrothersTV]

Hey Brady, greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭! Love your content and approach of lighting a set. I’d love to see how you decide how much light you need for a scene? Do you use false color? A light meter? Keep rocking those nice tuts!

[@BradyBessette]

Hey there! Thank you so much! I use false color and my eye on the monitor to get the lighting I need, I have a video on false color mentioning that a bit more too

[@TaeeDaProducer]

Good Information, Very Helpful

[@BradyBessette]

Thank you so much

[@subhajitdutta4106]

If this was easy...then what is tough.😅..love the video...

[@innatemusic]

Thumbs up!👍🏽

[@BradyBessette]

Extra thumbs up back!

[@innatemusic]

Hey, man! Thought I’d send another thumbs up for this video. Cinegear Saturday, as a reminder. Great meeting you.

[@joaomestre2584]

Brady, great video! Thanks for sharing valuable tips with us. But in terms of back light, how strong was your aputure nova ? It seems with low intensity.

[@BradyBessette]

I think it may have been 25% but not completely sure, not TOO strong! Thank you so muchJ M

[@videocasetteTV]

Awesome, how did you lit your background as gradient from orange to green

[@zachthomas9600]

I would like to see more low resource setups like one light or diy lighting setups or shot planning for a scene

[@nilsen5109]

That's a great tip👍

[@BradyBessette]

Thank you so much

[@FaithLogic]

I always enjoy watching your videos, they are very educational. I would like to know if there is a way you can achieve this look when you don't have those expensive lights, like a ghetto version of this video. 😅

[@BradyBessette]

Thank you so so much! I think I could make that happen, give me a little time

[@heereheeresmajr.3096]

Great vid, Brady. Was your white balance 4700 Kelvin? Maybe you should also list your settings in the description.

[@BradyBessette]

Not a bad idea with description! WB was actually at 4000 k as I mentioned in the video!

[@purificationdetoxification7122]

Did you do a masters degree on light or something? Best Channel I've come across for learning light techniques.

[@CarlaTovar]

much informational

[@BradyBessette]

Hello fan! I appreciate this!!!! Thank you!!

[@andilematomela2043]

legend

[@aaronbazil]

Brady, what are your computer specs and how well does it run with grading in DaVincj? Also, video suggestions (since you asked at the end), I personally still love recreations pulling from movies or TV coupled with editing portion in DaVincj. That might be asking too much, but personally I watch long form behind the scenes stuff so I don't mind long format (the key is always timestamps i believe so the viewers can have bite size if needed). Thanks for this video, super helpful as always!

[@macjack5978]

cool. thanks.

[@A1Bokeh]

Brady the beast

[@BradyBessette]

Thank you Ali!!

[@revlovemountain]

Maybe a video about how you setup your framing for a simple 2 person scene. For instance, someone enters a room with someone surprisingly in there, and a simple exchange. How would you take a room in your house to set the framing/lighting?

[@BradyBessette]

Let me find friends first… lol but I love this idea

[@SBSChristianMedia]

The edge light of the tops of the chairs lit from the outside window mixed with the practical selling candle, those chairs sell the scene as much as anything for me at least. Gotta nail your set design

[@BradyBessette]

I agree set design is important, but for a KZbin video every week that gets tough!

[@SBSChristianMedia]

@@BradyBessette can't even imagine, but keep.those.chairs!

[@user-2fkheS6COV1UKE6]

What is camera settings? Do you use NDs to get dark look from the camera or bring down light on the post? Because looking on the back stage when you installed the light everything looks very bright.

[@omarsalah9747]

Can you show how to shoot more run and gun outdoor scenes. Sometimes clients want a golden hour look and there isn't a lot of time to setup a bunch of equipment when the sun is setting.

[@BradyBessette]

Yes I know I have one up on the beach but I plan on doing more

[@SALTSTREETpro]

Hey man, for your ideas call out. I got really stuck the other day shooting a quick scene in a glass penthouses where a wide view of the city backdrop was important. Glass on 3 sides, super high no chance of putting lights outside and low ceilings. If you think others would find it useful could you do one on reflections and hiding lights. 👊

[@guccidaniels]

Lighting a small basement with very little room to work in would be cool. I'd also be interested in lighting scenes with desks again the wall. I film a lot in music studios and they tend to be small spaces in basements and desks tend to be up again the wall. so yeah I have a specific use for this but I think it could be great for everyone and an interesting situation to work on.

[@BradyBessette]

These are both great options thank you Gucci!!

[@guccidaniels]

@@BradyBessette loving the content too! Keep it up 👍

[@reinniergrixgonzales]

Video Suggestion: HOW TO: Cinematic look, using only 2 CHEAP ring lights.

[@BradyBessette]

Oooooh RING lights. That’s interesting okay let me brainstorm

[@LeoArmenta]

Excelent mi good friend Brady!!! So, what is your f value and your temperature on your camera??? Thankyou very much and best regards!!!

[@BradyBessette]

Hey thank you so much!! I actually don’t have a “favorite” necessarily, each scene is different!

[@shutnawi6635]

thank you

[@EmFarber]

Legend

[@BradyBessette]

Thank you!!

[@illius85]

please make high key beauty light tutorials for full body shots 💛

[@NethanDCmusic]

Hi Brady, I think it'd be really cool to see how you light a 'Day Scene' at Night time and a 'Night Scene' in broad Day Light. Obviously one can just wait a couple of hours but I think it'd be interesting and challenging! Either ways.. been on the channel for a while, and love the videos as always!

[@BradyBessette]

I like the challenge honestly!!

[@justpeter5690]

Oo I would really want to see this!

[@pierrezapata90]

really love what you show here. Respectfully, I think there's something a tad bit unnatural looking about the "motivation" of the light coming from that small dim lamp on the counter. The key light is coming in hard, I think.

[@BradyBessette]

Yeah you know looking back, I may have to agree… nothing wrong with well said CC like this! I was doing this all alone , no help, so juggling KZbin video, “gaffing” , lighting and etc I missed that detail. Wish I would’ve fixed it!

[@aebonstudio7193]

@@BradyBessette They're right, but still good job! Getting the right quality from an aputure softbox can be difficult sometimes. Litegear Litemats are often used in the industry for tight spaces to get a softer key.

[@whateverjustposting]

maybe if there was a bit more level on the laptop and the counter between brady and the lamp that would have helped sell it a little better

[@RVEastCoast]

Hey Brady, since you are asking. I have seen DP's shoot with (intentionally off color temp on camera) the results are great and stylized but a bit confusing to understand. I can provide samples if am not explaining it well. Anyways, I thought this would make for a great episode.

[@BradyBessette]

Hey RV!! Thank you for this. Let me look into this a bit more!

[@othmanaouinait7598]

very very interesting.

[@BradyBessette]

Thank you!