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Lighting the 'Whale Room' for an HD Multi-Camera Shoot

By Staff
posted Mar 2, 2010, 14:38

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Back Edition Spotlight: May 2009, StudentFilmmakers MagazineLighting the 'Whale Room' for an HD Multi-Camera Shoot for a Television Satellite Channel
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by Laurent Andrieux

 

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I was asked to light the Whale Room in the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, located on the sea border in Monaco-Ville, Monaco. The Whale Room has a huge whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling about 20 feet high. The room itself is about 100 square feet and naturally lit by the sun through many windows, plus ancient and beautiful 19th century practical lights.

(Pictured) The starting frame of the dolly track camera. A 650 W Fresnel enhances the diver. On the top right, there is the other 5 kW, Chimera, and Cosmetic Peach.

(Pictured) The starting frame of the dolly track camera. A 650 W Fresnel enhances the diver. On the top right, there is the other 5 kW, Chimera, and Cosmetic Peach.

I’m lighting for an HD multi-camera shoot for a television satellite channel. The Prince of Monaco is our main guest, and the room definitely needs more light to look good on television. In total, there will be 8 people on the set.

(Pictured) The dolly track camera, and the dead angle for the sound guys. Behind them is the South West window.

(Pictured) The dolly track camera, and the dead angle for the sound guys. Behind them is the South West window.

The director, Yves Barbara, who directs the French president’s TV shows, wants a warm light. I also would like it soft.

(Pictured) On top, one of the 5 kW Chimera, and on its right is one of the 5 kW Chinese lanterns.

(Pictured) On top, one of the 5 kW Chimera, and on its right is one of the 5 kW Chinese lanterns.

I want to keep the natural light of the place. The mix in color temperatures gives a special mood to it. I want people to be able to recognize it. I don’t want to fake it. I will enhance it. Also, I don’t want any lights to be on stands on the set, so that the director can put his cameras in almost any position he wants.

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