Lean on Your Gaffer to Light a Location in Denver

Two distinct looks achieved with lighting and styling in the same location

We were challenged with making two distinct looks in a small garage and we leaned into our lighting approach to make the difference visible. We used the same tools in essentially the same pattern, but achieved very different results by playing with contrast and a little color.

Both sets had different props and talent, but I think the thing that stands out most is the tonal contrast in the first image. In comparison, the second image is a warm wash of sunshine in a dusty garage. I imagine Bob Seger is probably playing on the radio and there’s a Coors Banquet waiting for him on the workbench just out of frame. Delightful. (my new favorite pun on set) For me, this is a perfect example of the power lighting has to set the mood and tell your story. It’s really important. So don’t mess it up! 🦅

Image one was keyed with a @litegear LiteMat Spectrum 4 through 6x ½ grid with a meat axe near the bottom to keep light off the subject’s body. 4x beadboard low on the key side filled in under his chin. 4x ultra flop on the fill side reduced our contrast slightly. @aputure.lighting Infinibar PB12 behind talent for edge, and a couple more in the background as practicals. And a @nanlite_global 60C in the back to lift the shadows.

Image two was basically the same key light setup minus the meat axe. Lately I’ve been loving a 4x ultra flop on the fill side but sort of far away so it’s more subtle. An easy way to dial in the contrast ratio on the face while retaining some nice shape. Infinibar PB12 tucked into the rafters to lift shadows on the wall, an incandescent practical for vibes, 600C with Spotlight Max out the window for some beamage. 60C hitting the back wall for more detail, and an Infinibar PB6 with grid gave the lil scooter a catch light in its eyes.

Agency @lumenati.co

Production @bionicgiant

EP @alexdeanrodriguez

Producer @jayloecken

AD Kimberly Nuñez-North

Director/ BTS @north_direct

DP @dp_graim

AC @yang.mandrew

Gaffer @colorado_gaffer

KG @tongkatt

Swing @jpmontoulieu

Sound @deanhughart.sound

HMU @camerareadywithmarnie

PA @justenkey

#lightingdiagram #lightingbreakdown #filmlighting #setlighting #lightingforfilm #onset #production #cinematography #cinematographer #gaffer #gafferlife #freelancelife #iclsociety #ratpaccontrols #blackoutlightingconsole #lfnnetwork #learnfilmmaking #filmmakersworld #denvergaffer #coloradogaffer #gafferssaloon #mayonnaisecommercial

Tyler Kaschke is a gaffer / chief lighting technician with 2 ton G&E grip truck and sprinter van rental serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and the Rocky Mountain Region at large.

For more information about grip and lighting tips and shooting video production commercials in Colorado, follow me on Instagram @colorado_gaffer