Drama 16 Stage Lighting

Fall Sunset

FALL SUNSET:

Backdrop lit with:

• NC at 25% from above
• L713 at full from above
• AP3180 at 75% from above
• NC at 25% from below
• RED at 75% from below
• GRN at 50% from below

Model lit with:

• AP3180 at full, 17 ft. above deck, 3 ft. SR of model, 8 ft. DS of model, 14 ft. throw, 52 degree elevation angle, 21 degree side angle.
• AP 6800 at 25%, 0 ft. above deck, centered on model, 8 ft. DS of model, 10 ft. throw, -37 degree elevation angle.
• AP 6800 at 31%, 12 ft. above deck, 12 ft. SL of model, direct sidelight to model, 13 ft. throw, 27%  elevation angle.
• AP 6800 at 61%, 6 ft. above deck, 12 ft. SL of model, direct sidelight to model, 12 ft. 0 degree elevation angle.
• AP 6800 at 50%, 1 ft. above deck, 12 ft. SL of model, direct sidelight to model, 13 ft. throw, -23 degree elevation angle.

I chose to emphasize the sidelight created by the sun setting in the west. The darker and lighter shades of purple used as toplight on the backdrop are meant to give the feeling of the night sky still illuminated by the setting sun, which, at least in New England, is often purple in hue.

Summer Noon

SUMMER NOON:

Backdrop lit with:

• NC at full from above.
• AP 2140 at full from below.

Model lit with:

• AP1500 at 60%, 17 ft. above deck, 3 ft. SR of model, 8 ft. DS of model, 14 ft. throw, 52 degree elevation angle, 21 degree side angle.
• AP1500 at full, 17 ft. above deck, centered on model, direct downlight on model, 11 ft. throw.
• AP1500 at 60%, 17 ft. above deck, 3 ft. SL of model, 8 ft. DS of model, 14 ft. throw, 52 degree elevation angle, 21 degree side angle.
• AP2140 at 20%, 0 ft. above deck, 6 ft. SR of model, 8 ft. DS of model, 12 ft. throw, -31 degree elevation angle, 37 degree side angle.
• AP2140 at 20%, 0 ft. above deck, 6 ft. SL of model, 8 ft. DS of model, 12 ft. throw, -31 degree elevation angle, 37 degree side angle.

High noon in the Caribbean has a white-hot sort of feel to its sunlight, so I used almost pure white downlight (it being noon, when the sun is directly overhead) on the model, with some fill on either side to prevent unwanted shadowing. I thought adding light reflected off the sand would be interesting, so I found a gel that matched the sand color and used it for some footlight.

Spring Sunrise

SPRING SUNRISE:

Backdrop lit with:

• NC at 25% from above.
• AP3540 at full from above.
• NC at 25% from below.

Model lit with:

• R12 at 25%, 17 ft. above deck, centered on model, 8 ft. upstage of model, 14 ft. throw, 54 degree elevation angle, direct back light.
• L143 at full, 17 ft. above deck, 3 feet SL of model, direct sidelight to model, 11 ft. throw, 75 degree elevation angle.
• R4490 at 50%, 17 ft. above deck, centered on model, direct downlight on model, 11 ft. throw.
• L106 at full, 17 ft. above deck, 3 ft. SL of model, direct sidelight to model, 11 ft. throw, 75 degree elevation angle.

I was working with the idea of the model being at the altar, lit mostly by light coming directly in from behind her and from both sides through stained glass, hence the shadows and the saturated colors. It isn’t a naturalistic setup, but I feel it conveys the spirituality of the moment. For a fill of the cathedral itself, I used a pale blue that made me think of the sky on spring mornings.

Winter Afternoon

WINTER AFTERNOON:

Backdrop lit with:

• NC at 80% from above.
• NC at 60% from below.

Model lit with:

• G680 at 40%, 17 ft. above deck, 9 ft. SR of model, 8ft. DS of model, 16 ft. throw, 42 degree elevation angle, 48 degree side angle.
• AP3300 at 75%, 17 ft. above deck, centered on model, 8 ft. DS of model, 14 ft. throw, 54 degree elevation angle.
• AP6200 at 40%, 17 ft. above deck, 9 ft. SL of model, 8ft. DS of model, 16 ft. throw, 42 degree elevation angle, 48 degree side angle.

This was my experiment with the McCandless system: I used complementary colors at opposing (roughly) 45 degree angles in front of the model. I used breakup gobos to give the effect of light coming through the trees, and I added a wintry bluish-white direct frontlight to give the impression of the crisp feeling in the air just before snow.

Caribbean:

1) G327 @ 75%–> Ten feet above deck, 6′ SR of model, 16′ DS of model, 18′ throw, 13 degree Elevation angle, 21 degree side angle

2)G327 @ 25% –> Ten feet above deck, 6′ SL of model, 16′ DS of model, 18′ throw, 13 degree elevation, 21 degree side angle

3) G327 @ 20% –> 12 feet above deck, 12′ SR of model, 16′ DS of model, 21′ throw, 17 degree elevation, 37 degree side angle

As it is difficult to portray exactly where someone is if they are merely standing in sunlight, I added the background aid in showing the location. I lit the model from all sides but made one side significantly brighter to show that it is a bright sunny day, and still showing the location of the sun. I chose a warm amber to give her a warm glow.

Before Snow:

CYC: Top: G1583 @ 50, Blue @ Full, Bottom: G1583 @ 80, Blue @ 90

1) AP 1150 @ 75 –> 17′ above deck, 3′ SR of model, 16′ DS of model, 20′ throw, 34 degree elevation, 11 degree side angle

2) AP 4830 @ Full with template –> 17′ above stage, 12′ SL or model, direct side light, 16′ throw, 43 degree elevation

3) Ap 4830 @ 75 –> 15′ above deck, 12′ SL of model, direct side light, 15′ throw, 37 degree elevation angle

4) AP 4830 @ full with template –> 17′ above stage, 12′ SL of model, 8′ DS of model, 18′ throw, 37 degree elevation, 56 degree side light

5) AP 4830 @ 75 –> 12′ above, 12′ SL of model, direct side light, 13′ throw, 27 degree elevation

Before snow, the sky has gray that mixes in with the blue. A cold blanket seems to cover the ground. In order to portray this I used an icy blue wash over the model but added in a single slightly warm light so she didn’t look washed out. Then I added a template which created shadows across her body, adding to the feeling of cold and making her look more dramatic. 

1) R32 @ Full –> 17′ above deck, 12′ SR of model, direct side light, 16′ throw, 43 degree elevation,

2) R 32 @ full–> 17′ above deck, 12′ SL of model, direct side light, 16′ throw, 43 degree elevation

3) R03 @ full –> 17′ above deck, 3′ SR of model, 8′ US of model, 14′ throw, 52 degree elevation, 21 degree back angle

4) Ro3 @ full –> 17′ above deck, 3′ SL of model, 8′ US, 14′ throw, 52 degree elevation, 21 degree back angle

5) R03 @ full w/ template –> 17′ above, center stage, 8′ US, 14′ throw, 52 degree elevation, direct back light

6) R 06 @ 75–> 17′ above, center stage, 16′ DS, 19′ throw, 35 degree elevation, direct backlight

For my cathedral I attempted to recreate the glow that seems to be created by the stained glass windows on the side (I used the R32 from opposite sides). I also wanted to create a glow around the model, so I used three back lights, one with a template to add some texture. Then I had to balance out her face so she was well lit, and I used a light straight above her to create an almost angelic look.

CYC: Top: Blue @ Full, Red @ Full; Bottom: Yellow @ 50% Red at 25%

1) R43 @ Full –> 17′ above deck, 3′ SR of model, 8′ US of model,  14′ throw, 52 degree elevation, 12 degree back angle

2) R52@ full –> 17′ above deck, center stage, 8′ US of model, 14′ throw, 54 degree elevation, direct backlight

3)R43 @ full –> 17′ above, 3′ SL of model, 8′ US of model, 14′ throw, 52 degree elevation, 21 degree back angle

4) R 38@ 50 –> 10′ above stage, 6′ SL of model, 16′ DS of model, 18′ throw, 13 degree elevation, 21 degree side angle

5) AP6600@ Full –> 15′ above, 12′ SL of model, 8′ US of model, 17′ throw, 32 degree elevation, 56 degree side light

For the sunset I wanted to use a lot of color to recreate the pinkish glow that people get when standing near a sunset. I made sure all the brighter light came from one direction to show where the sun was. I used a few different pinks from all angles to create the pinkish glow, then hit her from the side with a brighter amber to fill in her face and create the look of the sun hitting her from the side.

Fall Sunset

Backdrop lit with:

–        G220, 32% intensity from above

–        R385, 50% intensity from above

–        G845, full intensity from above

–        R11, 90% intensity from below

Model lit with:

-G250, 50% intensity, 12 feet above the deck, 12 feet SR from model, 16 feet down stage of model, 21 foot throw, 17 degree elevation angle, 37 degree side angle.

-G460, 50% intensity, 1 foot above deck, 12 feet SR of model, 8 feet downstage of model, 15 food throw, -19 degree elevation angle, 56 degree side angle

-P4200, 50% intensity, 10 feet above deck, 6 feet SL of model, 16 feet downstage of model, 18 foot throw, 13 degree elevation angle, 21 degree side angle

-G780, 25% intensity, 17 feet above deck, 12 feet SL of model, 16 feet downstage of model, 23 food throw, 29 degree elevation angle, 37 degree side angle

-G840. 50% intensity, 1 foot above deck, 12 feet SL of model, 8 feet downstage of model, 15 foot throw, -19 degree elevation angle, 56 degree side angle

I used a lot of rich tones to demonstrate the fall sunset.  I wanted to have a cool feeling without it being cold, but also use warm colors without it seeming too summery.  The light all comes from one side to show that the sun is low in the sky.

Easter Sunrise

Backdrop lit with:

–        G790, full intensity from above

–        No color, 50% intensity from below

–        AP8730, 75% intensity from below

Model Lit with:

–        G450, 34% intensity, 17 feet above deck, centered on model, 16 feet downstage of model, 19 foot throw, 35 degree elevation angle, direct back light

–        L110, 50% intensity, 10 feet above deck, centered on model, 16 feet downstage of model, 16 foot throw, 14 degree elevation angle, direct back light

I wanted to show the pure fresh light that you see during a sunrise in early spring.  To capture the feeling of being in a cathedral I used light that came from the front as if Lucy was looking through a cathedral window.

Caribbean Noon

Backdrop lit with:

-R377, full intensity from above

– R66, full intensity from below

Model lit with:

–        L790, 34% intensity, 17 feet above deck, 9 feet SR of model, 8 feet downstage of model, 16 foot throw, 42 degree elevation angle, 48 degree side angle

–        R96, 7% intensity, 17 feet above deck, 3 feet SR of model, 16 feet downstage of model, 20 foot throw, 34 degree elevation angle, 11 degree side angle

–        R07, 85% intensity, 17 feet above deck, centered on model, 16 feet downstage of model, 19 foot throw, 35  degree elevation angle, direct back light

–        R06, 7% intensity, 17 feet above deck, 3 feet SL of model, 16 feet downstage of model, 20 foot throw 34 degree elevation angle, 11 degree side angle

–        L774, 34% intensity, 17 feet above deck, 9 feet SL of model, 8 feet downstage of model, 16 foot throw, 42 degree elevation angle, 48 degree side angle

The bright blue color of the backdrop was very important to display the color of a Caribbean sky.  I tried to light from above to show that it was noon, and I used warm toned colors to remind you of a hot summer day.

Winter Afternoon

Backdrop lit with:

–        G888, 75% intensity from above

–        AP3200, 25% intensity from above

–        G1514, full intensity from below

Model lit with:

–        G980, 25% intensity, 0 feet above deck, centered on model, 8 feet downstage of model, 10 foot throw, 37 degree elevation angle, direct back light

–        NC, 25% intensity, 6 feet above deck, 12 feet SR of model, direct sidelight, 12 foot throw, 0 degree elevation angle

–        AP2020, 25% intensity, 12 feet above deck, 12 feet SR of model, 16 foot throw, 23 degree elevation angle, 56 degree back angle

–        AP2090, 50% intensity, 17 feet above deck, 12 feet SR of model, direct sidelight, 16 foot throw, 43 degree elevation angle

–        G920, 75% intensity, 17 feet above deck, 6 feet SR of model, 8 feet downstage of model, 15 foot throw, 48 degree elevation angle, 37 degree side angle

I wanted to capture the brisk coldness you feel in the air before a snowfall by using various shades of purple and grey.  I chose to light to the side to give the impression that it was mid afternoon and it would be snowing through the night.

Autumn sunset.

The backdrop attempts to emulate the sky in autumn and at sunset: deep, full colours at the bottom, and that sort of autumnal gray on top. The light hitting the model is primarily from SL, and maintains a sort of warmness while fading into night.

Model lit with:

1 full intensity with a yellow gel, sidelight hung SL at a 32 degree angle of elevation and 56 degree side angle.

1 half intensity with a magenta gel, sidelight hung SL at 23 degree angle of elevation and 56 degree side angle.

1 half intensity with a red gel, backlight hung SR at a -19 degree angle of elevation and a 56 degree side angle.

1 half intensity with a blue gel, footlight hung SR at a -31 degree angle of elevation and 37 degree side angle.

Backdrop lit with:

1 half intensity with an AP1800 gel, footlight SR

1 half intensity with a G885 gel, from above CR

1 quarter intensity with a G925 gel, from above SR

1 full intensity with an AP2020 gel, from above SL

Caribbean noon. All the light hitting the model is from directly above. The proximity of the Caribbean to the equator and the time of day prompted that decision. The backdrop attempts to emulate clear blue water and clear blue skies.

Model lit with:

3 full intensity backlights with yellow gels:

– 2 at a 52 degree angle of elevation and a 21 degree back angle to SR/SL

– 1 at a 52 degree angle of elevation and a 0 degree side angle

2 full intensity sidelights with AP7550 gels, at 75 degree angles of elevation SR/SL

1 full intensity sidelight with an AP6500 directly above the model

2 full intensity frontlights with AP7550 gels at 52 degree angles of elevation and 21 degree side angles SR/SL

1 full intensity frontlight with no gel at a 52 degree angle of elevation and a 0 degree side angle

Backdrop lit with:

1 full intensity with a blue gel, from above SL

1 full intensity footlight with a cyan gel CL

Cathedral sunrise. I really played with the idea of an enclosed space here, where the only light was coming through a stain-glass window. The backdrop is mainly for mood, but I also sought to create a sense of the vastness of a cathedral by using darker colours. The model is lit entirely from SR, with direct sidelight at high angles, and in many rich full colours to emulate light coming through a stain-glass window.

Model lit with:

2 full intensity direct sidelights with red gels

– 43 degree angle of elevation

– 51 degree angle of elevation

1 full intensity direct sidelight with with a yellow gel at a 37 degree angle of elevation

1 half intensity direct sidelight with no gel at a 27 degree angle of elevation

1 full intensity direct sidelight with a blue gel at a 0 degree angle of elevation

Backdrop lit with

1 quarter intensity footlight with a red gel CR

1 quarter intensity with a blue gel from above SL

Winter afternoon. I used a lot of grays and whites here. There’s a certain grayness to the light in winter, like it is peaking through clouds to get to earth.

Model lit with:

1 full intensity sidelight with no gel at a 29 degree angle of elevation and a 37 degree side angle SL

1 half intensity backlight with a G515 gel at a 37 degree angle pf elevation and a 56 degree back angle SR

1 quarter intensity backlight with a G515 gel at a -19 degree angle of elevation and a 56 degree back angle SR

Backdrop lit with:

2 quarter intensity with G515 gels from above SR/SL

2 half intensity with G525 gels from above CR/CL

2 quarter intensity footlights with no gels SR/SL

AP 7550 @ 17%, 6 feet above deck, 12 feet stage right of model, 8 feet downstage of model, 14 foot throw, 56 degree side angle.

AP 7750 @ 28%, 1 foot above deck, 12 feet stage right of model, direct sidelight to model, 13 foot throw, -23 degree elevation angle.

AP 7550 @ full, 1 foot above deck, 12 feet stage left of model, direct sidelight to model, 13 foot throw, -23 degree elevation angle.

AP 7750 @ 28%, 6 feet above deck, 12 feet stage left of model, 8 feet downstage of model, 14 foot throw, 56 degree side angle.

AP 7750 @ 29%, 17 feet above deck, 6 feet stage left of model, 8 feet upstage of model, 15 foot throw, 48 degree elevation angle, 37 degree back angle.

AP 7550 @ 90%, 17 feet above deck, centered on model, direct down light on model, 11 foot throw.

AP 6300 @ full, 17 feet above deck, centered on model, 8 feet downstage of model, 14 foot throw, 54 degree elevation angle, direct backlight.

AP 4150 @ 87%, 17 feet above the deck, centered on model, 16 feet downstage of model, 19 foot throw, 35 degree elevation angle, direct backlight.

— I focused on the yellowish aspect of the sunset.  I also wanted to blend a little bit of red in to the mix as well.  I think a sunset includes the colors yellow, red and orange which creates the sunset feel of lighting.  I really focused on the sky and how it fades from an intense yellow to an almost light blue. I thought this lighting depicted a sunset pretty well.

AP 4650 @ 59%, 1 foot above deck, 12 feet stage right of model, 8 feet downstage of model, 15 foot throw, -19 degree elevation angle, 56 degree side angle.

AP 4650 @ 60%, 1 foot above deck, 12 feet stage left of model, 8 feet downstage of model, 15 foot throw, -19 degree elevation angle, 56 degree side angle.

NC @ 21%, 6 feet above deck, 12 feet stage right of model, 8 feet downstage of model, 14 foot throw, 56 degree side angle.

NC @ Full, 17 feet above the deck, 6 feet stage right of model, 8 feet downstage of model, 15 foot throw, 48 degree elevation angle, 37 degree side angle.

NC @ 10 %, 6 feet above deck, 12 feet stage left of model, 8 feet downstage of model, 14 foot throw, 56 degree side angle.

NC @ 49 %, 1 foot above deck, 12 feet stage left of model, direct sidelight to model, 13 foot throw, -23 degree elevation angle.

—  The easter sunrise in a gothic church seemed to have a white, blueish and pink color to it.  The sunlight that comes in to the church is basically white but with the stained glass windows I thought and easter sunrise would mostly have subtle hints of blue and pink.  I thought the overall light should be bright and I think the hint of blue also makes it feel like a sunrise.

NC @ 63%, 1 foot above the deck, 12 feet stage right of model, 8 feet downstage of model, 15 foot throw, -19 degree elevation angle, 56 degree side angle.

AP 4680 @ 86%, 6 feet stage right of model, 8 feet downstage of model, 12 foot throw, -31 degree elevation angle, 37 degree side angle.

AP 4680 @ 27%, 6 feet stage left of model, 8 feet downstage of model, 12 throw, -31 degree elevation angle, 37 degree side angle.

NC @ 22%, 1 foot above the deck, 12 feet stage left of model, 8 feet upstage of model, 15 foot throw, -19 degree elevation angle, 56 degree back angle.

AP 4680 @ Full, 17 feet above deck, centered on model, 8 feet downstage of model, 14 foot throw, 54 degree elevation angle, direct backlight.

NC @ 12 %, 17 feet above the deck, 3 feet downstage of model, 16 feet downstage of model, 20 foot throw, 34 degree elevation angle, 11 degree side angle.

NC @ 31%, 17 feet above the deck, 3 feet stage left of the model, 16 feet downstage of the model, 20 foot throw, 34 degree elevation angle, 11 degree side angle.

—  A hot summer day in the Caribbean is depicted by bright white light and a very small hint of sky or light blue.  The key to creating this kind of lighting was to use lots of white light because a hot summer day will be very bright and have a lot of white light.  Again I focused on the sky and the color it turns in the particular setting.  In this case it is white and a very clear light blue which I think represents a hot summer day.

AP 2330 @ Full, 6 feet stage right of the model, 8 feet downstage of the model, 12 foot throw, -31 degree elevation angle, 37 degree side angle.

AP 2330 @ Full, Centered on model, 8 feet downstage of the model, 10 foot throw, -37 degree elevation angle, direct back light.

AP 2330 @ Full, 6 feet stage left of model, 8 feet downstage of model, 12 foot throw, -31 degree elevation angle, 37 degree side angle.

NC @ 7%, 17 feet above the deck, 3 feet stage left of the model, 8 feet downstage of model, 14 foot throw, 52 degree elevation angle, 21 degree side angle.

NC @ 95 %, 17 feet above the deck, 3 feet stage right of the model, 8 feet downstage of model, 14 foot throw, 52 degree elevation angle, 21 degree side angle.

—  A winter afternoon just before snow appears to me as a very grey/ white kind of lighting.  The clouds start to hover, creating that grayish color and the white comes from the sun trying to shine light through the clouds.  I think a stark white and a musky gray are the two primary colors that can make up this kind of lighting for this atmosphere.