One Simple Way to Make Your Lighting Cinematic - Reverse Key Lighting

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Reverse key lighting is a simple technique that makes your lighting more dynamic, contrasty and interesting. Which side of the actor the key light is placed can sometimes be overlooked when learning about lighting - when I started learning, I would just put the light at a 45 degree angle to the subject on whichever side of them - with no thought as to why I was doing this. Knowing about broad and short lighting is very helpful when you want things to look a certain way and to fit a certain mood.
Upstage or reverse key is a great way to get that cinematic depth and there's a reason why it's such a popular technique. Look out for it in movies, you'll see it a lot!
I really pushed my BMMCC in terms of low light here - let's see how KZbin handles it ;)

[@laytonbrothers]

Finally some real cinematography and not just more gear talk.

[@alvaromercadostudios]

Agree

[@sumeshmurali853]

Agreed 🤝

[@kingmuhu]

Agree. 15 mins talking about nothing, unboxen, commercials, gear, unboxing. Great vid.

[@ayoimode450]

Agreed!

[@koalaofdeath2045]

for real

[@DJ4Arms]

I'll be damned. No minute long intro. And I seriously learned something. Job well done

[@jhofred415]

WOW just learned more than a whole semester in school, you earned a sub

[@Levi_Allen]

Fantastic walk through Rob, love this way of showing different options

[@itsjustcinema]

You’re making some of the best filmmaking content on KZbin right now, keep it up man!

[@RobEllisCinematographer]

Wow thanks man, such kind words!! Loved your latest Shining/Lighthouse video essay also mate, bloody excellent stuff!

[@Matt-wg9xn]

Idk why the hell I just watched this and will literally never use this information, but wow what a fun video glad I watched it.

[@Brudelay]

Typically used for night scenes or to note that the character is under cover of darkness. Use the light setup to let the viewer know that it is night time even when the character is indoors.

[@souldissolve]

This comment of yours is the perfect postscript to this video. Well done!

[@johnchief270]

I picture the Ninja turtles peeking out the sewer when I think of this

[@Gregavision]

It's actually used in all kinds of situations. I learned about it yesterday listening to a podcast with the DP on Queer Eye, he uses is it whenever he can on interview shots in the middle of the day.

[@andersandilister7403]

Excellent video. No boring intros, no reading words on a screen. Lots of real-time examples. Keep up the good work!

[@SPNCEmusic]

Thank you for getting straight to the point and not having a pointless 2 minute long intro.

[@MrAdamChristopher]

awesome video. very well explained

[@RobEllisCinematographer]

Thanks man, glad it was clear, you can never really tell until other people hear it haha!

[@TiddlyFilms]

Every time I think you've got a great shot, you improve it! Then I'm like thats so much better... then you improve it again!

[@FredrikHaugen]

For the first time someone who had time not only talking about the diffrent techniques but also shows both with example and a chart where the lights are and how they affect the scene. You sir have earned a subscriber!

[@tenpuzzles]

I love using these concept all the time. It gives it like a dramatic effect especially useful in documentary when a subject is talking about something serious

[@monezweminn807]

This is the best lightning tutorial I've ever seen. I really mean it. I've seen tons of lighting tutorials but they are nothing compared to this.

[@readytochop2462]

This is one of the most straightforward, to-the-point videos I’ve seen on the topic. Great work.

[@beefknuckles]

Wow I can't believe for once somebody on KZbin actually knows what the hell they're talking about and gets filmic quality cinematography. Great job man, very helpful

[@JimPaul0627]

I have been watching videos on lighting for two years. This is the best.

[@lenavoyles526]

Awesome. Exactly what I was looking for. I can’t believe how hard it was to find this.

[@forgmail5855]

Can I just say, your videos' ambience is the most relaxing I've ever watched! You deserve more subscribers!

[@arthurluay9002]

I learned so much in just this one video than all the months I’ve spent learning lighting from other videos

[@RobEllisCinematographer]

Haha wow thanks man! That's much appreciated, I'm glad it was useful!

[@atomicboy92]

Just watched Gladiator again and it made me go back to this video, this technique is used a lot there, especially on Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). Great job explaining the technique and making it accesible 👋

[@lonewalkerproductions]

I have nothing to say apart from the fact that you are a genius and thank you

[@1234tracer1234]

who needs this? I am sorry but you explain something so many people habe explained before but wait a minute there is something to this that really stands out this video is such a professional explanation and it is really a pleasure to see it - thank you!

[@CaffeinatedHiFi]

This has to be the best cinematography tutorial channel on the internet

[@rbeditzz]

Brother I'm from india i searched so many tutorial and tried it.. it's looks creepy... But you're awesome... Please do more video about lighting... You're just brilliant ❤️❤️❤️❤️ seriously very good job bro... I'm speechless thanks a lot...

[@YuvalAloni]

Very cool video Rob! Love seeing the full lighting process

[@RobEllisCinematographer]

Thank you! Glad you found it useful! :)

[@dancharlesc]

you've simplified it enough so that anyone can understand.. thank you for that.. amazing work!

[@SamSinha]

The quality of light... I mean, the quality of the video... was INSANE! Thanks for such a nice tutorial.

[@marcusarruzza7816]

I can't believe anyone gives these a thumbs down. Once again - great content.

[@creativesymon]

So simply explained, yet the result is so simple to retain. Perfect teaching, IMHO.

[@kingsleypascal5092]

For what it's worth just the practical at like 3:21 looked awesome I think it'd be a great opening shot to a music video!

[@sheldonnorton9035]

One of the best lighting videos I’ve ever seen. Results are exquisite.

[@fantasycreek1]

Really great video. Honestly. No messing around with a load of unneeded information etc. Simple concise and very clear. Great video

[@AlphaCentauri24]

The illustrations were excellent. They really drive the point home. Thank you for your effort & time to share your knowledge. Thanks!

[@ChechupenarandaChechupenaranda]

You are making the best lighting tutorial, congratulations 🤜🤛

[@souldissolve]

Brilliant video Rob. The way you explain with real-time tweaking of the visuals is the best way to learn for any student of cinematic lighting. Please keep these up. Your work is highly appreciated 🙏. Subscribed, and spreading the word.

[@hosewerethedays5426]

probably the best lighting video i have ever seen, thank you so much!

[@samanthaalexandra8631]

This is hands down the best video I've seen as far as describing lighting in a clear way to help me understand.

[@bqgin]

Most videos in lighting a scene are people directly repeating what they've been taught in film school without having much thought about it. Nice to see something different :)

[@barclaymovingpictures3041]

I have all your Lighting-Vids saved on my phone for if I need inspiration while on Set.

[@andrewdp5490]

Thank sir, have a nice day Rob!

[@TimeBreakPictures]

You have got the best lighting tutorials I have seen so far. Thanks for the upload!

[@GlennHanns]

Great tutorial! Keep in mind not to fall into formulaic lighting setups, broad lighting can also serve the mood and characters, enhancing the story.👍

[@tatendamadzingira3551]

I have no idea how your channel has never been recommended to me. I came across this video and I'm subscribing

[@JimPaul0627]

Thank you for taking the time to show lighting so clearly.

Amazing!

[@harpenfluit]

Thank you for your excellent tutorials. You're a great teacher.

[@FernandoMenendex]

Best tutorials I've seen. Thank you for your great work.

[@EmmadMunif]

What an authentic tutorial, I have found a cinematic mentor on youtube.

[@vDangup]

Ive learned more about lighting here than my film classes in college

[@tonyshazam6271]

KEEP POSTING LIKE THIS AND DONT CHANGE 🙏🏻 you’re doing amazing work

[@D-watt7]

After hours of watching your detailed videos about light and that incredible white balance elaboration video,man I have learned alot in a single day about lighting than the past month on youtube. So grateful to you!

[@RobEllisCinematographer]

Thank you so much, that's awesome and I'm happy to hear you've learned so much so quickly with my videos! I appreciate it - thank you! :)

[@wayoutwestcreatives9769]

The Zen music is everything

[@matthewpaolucci2854]

Thanks for the diagrams, they just made everything that little bit more clear. thumbs up

[@mich8462]

Even if im not studying something about cinema this is so great to watch, this kind of videos are the best

[@clb6675]

You managed to convey some very fundamental information, in only 5 minutes give or take. Your channel is definitely a gem👍🏻. Subbed.

[@marcopenafarfan5250]

Boy now this is some quality information. 3 minutes on the video and already suscribed.

[@gilltim5711]

Excellent. Well photographed and explained. Nice job.

[@pwilliam7559]

Wow how just the angle of the light can describe feelings of an subject.Great video !

[@BenjiCollege]

Now this is real education!! Loved this video

[@IrondragonGamingYouTubeChannel]

i love watching videos like this for inspiration in my photography

[@ddstorted]

this channel was a blessing for my photography

[@spencerwinston4334]

Fascinating video of such a key element in the movie making process. Nominate you, Rob, for an Oscar for best educational series in the complex craft of movie lighting and sensory broker, conduit for the audience. Take a bow on the red carpet, Rob. Bravooo!!! New US subscriber.

[@defyingtheodds1987]

Wow, thank you! This diagram helped a lot as well

[@TheLevidance]

Ridiculously good tutorial. Thanks for sharing

[@smackdaddy9802]

Rob Ellis - if you created a full masterclass for cinematography I would buy it so fast.

[@rogue0192]

the negative fill tip might be exactly what I needed thank you!

[@JCFrost]

So much value and kudos points for the anamorphic format hehe

[@adventureStaley]

Great little demo. Impressed.

[@MyronDavismd]

I wish I could “like” this video more than once.this is such great content!

[@juliangreenwood]

brilliant, would also love more tutorials on lighting like this

[@RobEllisCinematographer]

Thank you, there's more to come! :)

[@raedelvillasenor8657]

This video is golden. Thank you for adding the diagrams it was very helpful and practical for the viewers

[@miked4904]

Thank you for actually showing a diagram with the lighting positions. It's helped me tremendously

[@ascari100]

best five minutes ive spent. Although i knew about this style. The visualization helps so much.

[@PjPerez]

The diagrams were super helpful but also would have loved to see the actual final lighting set up! (Also impressed this was shot on the BMMCC.)

[@cracking2909]

Learned more than I did in school. Thank you.

[@paulohenriques4713]

Your tutorials are fantastic, informative and easy to follow. Please don't stop. Thank you for your effort.

[@ghoraba3798]

probably the best photography related tutorial I've ever seen!

[@eduardveram]

This material is GOLD

[@Mirco.Iannelli]

Rob I just landed to your channel and finally I found what I was looking for! Thanks for sharing your skills. One of the best so far....pure cinematic and lighting tutorial that really help. Not vlog and stupid things! Grazie

[@Sforza_]

I just learned something that will really help my videos. Thank you!

[@victorvictor369]

Really nice looking shots! Also, you are very photogenic and handsome 👍🏼

[@bakriomar365]

simply one of the best out there.. Thank you for your tutorials .. .

[@macrowolf7]

This was extremely educational. Thanks a lot!

[@nathanmoore7120]

What a frickin video! One of the best tutorials I have watched (and I have watched more than most) on KZbin! Nice one mate 👍🏻

[@helmsproductions689]

Really an incredible demonstration

[@emilyganguly277]

"thats looking much better" didnt even notice the lighting change until rewind. Really thank you! Getting ready to DP my first narrative short film and your videos are helping me on my journey.

[@RobEllisCinematographer]

Glad I could help and good luck with the short film!! :)

[@DaveGregan]

So simple, yet so effective. Thank you

[@ennoedits]

Excellent. Thank you for making this.

[@ravensatodds]

Lovely and straightforward video Rob

[@juancasotelo4126]

Excellent work very instructive my friend, greetings from Lima - Perú

[@GowthamMurugesan]

You're doin a great job. Keep up the good work

[@bijanbah]

Please create more of these videos they are awesome!!

[@RobEllisCinematographer]

Thank you! More to come! :D

[@jwpmotionpicturestudios]

Found my new favorite KZbin channel! Loving it so much! Learning lots and I am Going to try this. 3..2..1 and 🎬

[@akeshmondi]

What just I watched? Pure Bliss. The best of explaining something :)

[@VexedFilms]

This is excellent and useful. Props for focusing on shaping light and nothing else!

[@charlieandytv]

I LOVE THIS TUTORIAL MAN. THANKS FOR SHARING

[@nate4732]

Amazing video!! I'll be considering this for my next short film :)

[@fellfromspace]

Great video. I'm a still photographer but find your videos discussing lighting in a cinematic context so useful in getting me thinking about the storytelling aspects of light and how to bring them into my image-making.

[@topicruben]

Great video!!! Lights are everything (almost everything) Thanks