Production Blog: The art of lighting

Lighting has been one of the most important aspects of filming Burnt Out. Since I’m shooting a lot of intimate, personal moments, I need to make sure the lighting reflects the emotional tone of the scene. Today, I spent a few hours experimenting with different lighting setups. I’ve learned that the smallest changes in lighting can dramatically shift the mood of a scene. For example, I tried using natural light during the day to create a softer, more relaxed feeling. But when it came time for the evening shots, I realized I needed harsher lighting to reflect the character’s exhaustion. I’m using some overhead lamps and a desk lamp to cast more dramatic shadows on my face, making it look like the character is sinking deeper into her workload. The contrasts between light and dark will symbolize her internal conflict—trying to stay focused while feeling overwhelmed. I also experimented with backlighting to create a more cinematic look. The lighting not only affects how the character is portrayed, but also how the audience feels about her. It’s fascinating how much power light has in storytelling. I’ve been playing with shadows, too, trying to evoke a sense of isolation and pressure. The difference between warm and cool tones is something I’m keeping an eye on throughout the film. I think the colder, dimmer lighting in some scenes will reflect how disconnected the character feels. Lighting really helps bring everything to life, and I feel more confident in my ability to manipulate it for the right effect. While this has been a lot of trial and error, I’m happy with the direction it’s heading. I know I’ll continue to tweak it as I shoot more, but I’m starting to feel like I’ve got a handle on it. The lighting has already helped elevate the overall feel of the film, and I’m excited to continue refining it as I go.