cinematography | drawing with light
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merlinlocationsThe word photography was created using a combination of Greek words that literally give it the meaning of ‘drawing with light’ – and indeed, light is the essential part of the whole process. A photographic image is captured on light–sensitive film (or a similar medium), using the light reflected off objects. It follows that how a Merlin scene is lit will significantly affect how it later appears in the finished episode.
When filming a television show, the Director of Photography is responsible for the lighting, along with so much else, while working to the Director for that episode. This article examines some aspects of the lighting used in Merlin, focussing on episode 312 The Coming of Arthur, Part One. (In fact, I hardly needed to look past the first few minutes to find my examples.) The DoP for the episode was Dale McCready, and the Director was Jeremy Webb.
lighting a scene
Generally, there are four aspects of lighting to consider:
- The key light, which ensures that the actor’s face and any other key elements of the scene are well lit. This is generally placed off to one side of the camera, perhaps at about a 45 degree angle to the subject.
- The key light is supplemented by a fill light, to counteract any strong shadows thrown by the key light. For example, the key light might shine across Bradley’s face from the right, but if that means the left of his face is obscured by the shadow thrown by his noble nose, then a (softer) fill light will be placed to light up his left side, and therefore hide or at least tone down the shadow.
- A back light will be shone at the rear of the actor, aimed directly back towards the camera, to help re–create the illusion of three dimensions in a two–dimensional image. This may seem counterintuitive, but if it’s not done then the actors and other elements of the image will seem to fade into the background, and everything will look very flat.
- The rest of the set or location is then lit as appropriate to provide the desired ambiance.
It will probably be immediately apparent that any of these aspects might be handled differently if there is dramatic reason to do so. But I suspect that all these aspects of lighting would be considered and applied in some way, even in the darkest scene.
All screen captures belong to BBC/Shine, and are used with respect but without permission.
Image 1: Merlin talking with Gaius. Everything is as described here, except there's little or no fill light – which therefore uses shadows to emphasise the beautiful shape of Colin’s face. The key light is coming from Colin’s right, while evidence of the back light can be seen at his shoulders, left ear and hair, giving him an ‘edge’ that brings his figure forward out of the background. The general ambiance is fairly dark, with candles placed about the room, which suits the nature of this confidential conversation.
Image 2: The reverse angle; Gaius talking with Merlin. As above here, but with a stronger fill light – which doesn’t obliterate the shadows cast by the key light, but softens them greatly. Cool light from a window behind Gaius helps provide a back light. (I chose these two screen captures as a way of illustrating the key, fill and back lights and general ambiance, but they actually contain evidence of just about everything I talk about in this article!)
Image 3: Arthur announcing that the knights, including Leon, are dead. I chose this as an example of creating an atmosphere through the ambiance of lighting. The merciless white light levelly pouring in through the windows of the Council Room leaves the characters looking exposed and heart–wrenchingly vulnerable. (And of course Bradley brings his wonderful understated acting skills to bear as well. Filming is a team effort, and oh my what a team we have!)
Lighting can be provided by available light (that is, existing sources such as daylight or firelight) and by lighting equipment. These light sources can be manipulated or supplemented with diffusers, reflectors, and so on. Even when filming outside on a clear sunny day, the DoP will still be using various equipment to ensure that the scene is suitably lit for the camera’s eye.
Filters can be used to film an external ‘night’ scene during daytime. The usual telltale sign here is if the scene is bathed in strong, blue–tinted ‘moonlight’.
Image 4: Merlin and Arthur see the skeleton army advancing. This scene was filmed one afternoon in Pierrefonds, but the lighting helps make day appear to be night. (Episode 302 The Tears of Uther Pendragon, Part Two.)
designing the light
hi–tech lighting for a low–tech effect
When lighting a scene in Merlin, the effect has to be as natural and ‘medieval’ as possible. Unless there’s something magical going on (for example, the blue light associated with the Sidhe in ep 107 The Gates of Avalon), then the light sources must appear to be sunlight, moonlight, firelight, candlelight, torchlight, and so on.
The crew must go through an awful lot of candles while making this show! But most of what you see on the screen wouldn’t actually be providing useful light for the camera to record; the candelabra are about setting the scene, while the set then has to be lit in such ways that make it look like the candles are providing all the light.
Image 5: The druid’s cave (which Locations Geeks will recognise as Clearwell Caves). Obviously all those candles aren’t really lighting the scene, but the main chamber is lit subtly and warmly to make it appear as if the candles are the only light source. Chambers off to either side are obviously better lit, with the cool light beaming in strongly; this adds depth and interest to the scene.
Image 6: The Cup of Life is reflecting some rather non–medieval light sources here, but this draws attention to the Cup, and also emphasises its magical nature.
kindly presenting the characters
On his website, Dale describes ‘the use of soft facial light, and harder window light that makes up a large amount of the Merlin look’.
Image 7: Morgana listening to Leon’s tale. The generally soft light used for her face is noticeable by contrast with the harsher cool ‘moonlight’ shining in from the window. (Also see Gaius above; the light is very gentle on his lovely old face… ♥)
complexity
One of the most effective and filmic things done in Merlin is to use both warm (yellow) and cool (blue) light in the same shot. This adds complexity and depth to the visual scene.
Image 8: Uther in the corridor. Cool blue ‘moonlight’ is shining in on him from the windows, with the scene visually anchored by the warm yellow candlelight behind him. Also note that, as above, the window light is harsher than the other light in the scene.
depth and drama
Another effect is to use ‘visible light’; for example, beams of sunlight streaming in through windows. This is the result of not just the light itself (provided by lighting equipment rather than the sun) but also smoke machines, to give something for the light to shine through. Otherwise we would only see where the light fell on a surface; we wouldn’t see the beam. This creates visual drama, and adds to the depth and three–dimensionality of a scene. It can also evoke specific feelings; for example, richness or glory as the sun pours into the Great Hall, or the sun rising on a new day or setting on a finished one. In this way, the light becomes an active part of the overall composition, and not just a passive way of seeing what else is there.
Image 9: Merlin places the sword in the stone, with suitably dramatic smoke–enhanced lighting. (Episode 313 The Coming of Arthur, Part Two.)
Dale is drawing (and creating) with light, indeed!
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no subject
Date: 2011-07-07 10:14 pm (UTC)Hope you feel better soon ♥
no subject
Date: 2011-07-08 07:53 am (UTC)I feel all the better for your good wishes. I hope you are doing all right, too. ♥♥♥
Dale MCreadyLighting
Date: 2011-07-08 04:44 am (UTC)You wrote a perfect succinct article with good illustrations. THANK YOU.
Tip , if you haven't already...
take a good look at Dales website, and his info- mercials on Photo/cinemetogrphy 101.
My favorite are his techchats on new equipment.Yes I am a geek and so is he.
And his video of his run through the forest is outstanding!!
DALE HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO PACK It ALL IN IN A DAY?? Merlin, Doctor Who, website, Vimeo, twitter, all of the young artists you are personally coaching etc. etc.. you are inspiring. Thank you.
MerLocMod you rock for posting this.
Re: Dale MCreadyLighting
Date: 2011-07-08 08:05 am (UTC)I totally agree with you that Dale is a genius - but it will probably obvious that I am only an interested amateur, gawping at things I don't know much about. So if you would be interested in doing a post from a more technical perspective, that would be very very welcome. I have indeed enjoyed exploring Dale's site and blogs, but a lot of it is over my head (though it was his Del Rey music vid that finally gave me a clue about how those 3D scenes are filmed, hurrah). If you'd care to guide us through (point us to a few things you find particularly interesting, and tell us why) or even just write a paean to him, that would be so wonderful.
Alas, I haven't seen the forest run vid, so I'd really appreciate a link!
Thank you again! Your comment really means the world to me.
no subject
Date: 2011-07-08 09:17 am (UTC)Sorry you're still unwell. Hope you feel better soon ♥
P.S. I went to Warwick Castle recently and wrote about it in my LJ here. I don't know if it counts as a Merlin location but if it does I could either link to my post or repost it here if you'd like?
no subject
Date: 2011-07-08 06:10 pm (UTC)Thank you also for your kind thoughts! I'm sure I'll be back to my usual self soon. You have been warned! :-D
Oh! I must have missed your article on Warwick Castle. Absolutely it's a Merlin Location, so please feel free to do a post to the comm. I'll leave it to you whether you link or re-post. If you'd be happy for it, I'd love to also post your article to the website. Only if you're happy, though! And if you agree, let me know how you'd like to be credited.
Thank you again, hon! ♥
no subject
Date: 2011-07-08 09:37 pm (UTC)Is it OK to post publicity shots from Merlin's Keep site or should I just link to them?
no subject
Date: 2011-07-10 10:25 am (UTC)I've already answered via a later comment, but I think caution is probably the best approach just now re images. ♥
no subject
Date: 2011-07-10 12:06 pm (UTC)I realised that caution might be the way to go!
no subject
Date: 2011-07-08 05:54 pm (UTC)I really hope you're feeling better soon. *hugs*
no subject
Date: 2011-07-08 06:14 pm (UTC)And thank you also for your kind wishes. I am sure I'll be fine again soon. ♥
no subject
Date: 2011-07-11 04:55 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-23 04:36 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-12 01:51 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-23 04:36 pm (UTC)Painting with light
Date: 2011-07-12 09:43 pm (UTC)The vid is on VIMEO Dale MCready site where he posts a large number of very interesting diverse pieces. You have probably already seen this site, I am sure. The vid that I love is the Hula Trail run from the Summit.You can really feel the run- it's not the same as one of his art pieces but it is very special to me because it helped me to rehab after a very bad accident-it's a terrific rehab tool for visual and vestibular integration.
Recouping is how I stumbled upon Merlin. What a gift!
I am happy to write a small bit for you as you asked, please let me know what you are interested in and if I know anything about it I will happily share.
Ciao, Ave
Re: Painting with light
Date: 2011-07-23 04:43 pm (UTC)It's very kind of you to offer to write up something about the more technical aspects. The obvious thing to ask for, I suppose, is a few thoughts on Dale's choice to use film in - as you say - this age of digital. Could you enlighten us a little there? Why would he have chosen that, and what are the implications? What are the benefits in terms of what we see in the finished show? And is he creating problems or costs in not using digital (even if they're outweighed by other considerations)? Do you think that there will still be a place for film in the future? I would love to read your thoughts about such things! And I know very little of it myself, so I'm no doubt missing key questions or issues there.
Thank you again! Ciao, bella! ♥
no subject
Date: 2011-07-14 03:57 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-23 04:44 pm (UTC)