LIGHTING SPECIAL
SHOOTING DAY FOR NIGHT Lighting a night exterior can be costly, logistically clumsy and restrictive for vistas – but the alternative remains creatively precarious, says Adrian Pennington
S hooting day for night is as old as the hills in filmmaking terms, although its use has diminished as the light sensitivity of digital cameras has improved. However, you don’t need a large budget or top-of-the- line equipment to shoot night scenes.
Shooting day for night is both a practical and effective way to go. “Lighting is always about control,” says gaffer Julian White ( The Martian , The Midnight Sky , Murder on the Orient Express ). “Whenever we are scouting for night exteriors, someone will propose day
for night; everybody initially thinks it’s a good idea, but it’s actually risky because you’re at the behest of the weather. “If you are shooting outdoors in an open landscape day for night, you need continuous sun; otherwise, your light values will keep going up and down.
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