Lighting: Colour Science

This is an ongoing project that looks into the theory and application of using lighting to affect atmosphere and its use in storytelling. Aswell as deep-diving into the technical side of lighting; exploring elements such as Colour Grading, Colour Science, Performance of Light, Colour Space, Post-Processing and Tone Mapping.

Lumen

For this study I decided to explore the capabilities of Lumen in Unreal Engine 5 and explore Lighting more in-depth. To do this I set up a cinematic composition with two moods in a pre-built scene. Using clashes of warm & cold light, a sole warm light and the introduction fo dynamic lighting to shift atmosphere to create unease.

I created a light function shader that I attached to the Light Function Material slot of the main, cold overhead light to create a flickering effect.

fcbda21b-ca45-431f-9636-d2467082e645_rw_1920.gif

Cinematography & Lighting in scene composition

Photo 1: the 3-point lighting setup. This setup uses a Key light, Fill light and backlight. I created a blueprint to set up these lights and create a well-lit neutral lighting for an environment asset.

Photo 2: Shift of intensity and colour, shifts atmosphere from neutral to sinister. Low-intensity harsh cold support lights contrast red light to darken scene and add element of horror.

Photo 3: Removes fill light, low intensity lighting for backlight and keylight. Keylight uses low, upward angle to cast more shadow and intesify uncanny atmosphere and lighting as a whole creates an eerie atmosphere whilst keeping neutral/warm colouring.

Top Left: The character is covered in shadows to symbolise the mystery and masked element of the Mandalorian and the blue light highlights his helmet and emblemed shoulder pad. The blue colour is synonymous with good in the Star Wars universe creating a positive atmosphere.

Left: Clash of red and blue to create conflict. Portraying the character with a struggle between good and evil.

Above: Using an intense backlight with emissive background creates a strong glow emitting around the character creating an angelic look. The front still in shadow portrays mystery as to the identity of the saviour, paired with a low down camera angled upwards to reinforce the story.

Lighting: Colour Science

colour grading