A show I worked on is trending on Netflix 👀
Often times when I look at a room with the DP, we’re trying to find a way to enhance what the natural light is already doing. If it’s not necessary to hold the exposure for hours, then working with ambient light is perfectly fine - just be quick about it!
For longer scenes or interviews, I usually advocate for pushing light through windows to maintain a consistent look throughout the day. But when you’re shooting documentary b-roll with a lean crew, efficiency is the preference 😉
The minimal lighting approach is becoming a lot more common as camera sensors improve light sensitivity. It’s almost more effective to shape with negative fill than it is to pump light in for a base exposure. Technology is really changing the way we’re able to work these days.
Very simple setup for this scene. We used a LiteMat 2L with Snapgrid to wrap the window light on the subjects face for some shape and a couple strategically placed lamps with Aputure B7Cs to create more depth in the frame.
Production @itvamerica
Director/ EP Cecilia Peck
DP @cine.chavez
DIT @wintonmedia
Audio @aarondelgrosso
HMU Jennifer Cunningham
Tyler Kaschke is a freelance gaffer with G&E and grip truck and sprinter van rentals based in Boulder, Colorado and serving Denver, Golden, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs.
For more information about using light to enhance a room and other tips and shooting commercials in Colorado, follow me on Instagram @colorado_gaffer