Colour and Lighting

The first use of colour was seen in 1904 by the pioneer George.  The next development was the introduction of two strip technicolor using only red and green. The first time was the Mystery of the wax museum which was made in 1933. The first full three strip technicolor was Becky Sharp which was made in 1935. From the 1930s' to 1940s' black and white represented fantasy and spectacle. Today the opposite is true. Extract is Wizard of Oz

Denotation and Connotation

Denotation means: The literal description of an idea, concept or object. A particular wavelength of the electromagnetic system.
Connotation means: What we associate with a particular idea, concept or object e.g. anger, blood and romance


For example different colours can mean a lot of things in a movie for example:

Red

• Embarrassment
• Anger
• Danger
• Blood
• Romance
• Hot tap
• Stop

Blue

• Tranquility
• Sad
• Cold
• Calm
• Death

Green

• Peace
• Nature
• Go
• Sick
• Tranquility

Lighting

A standard lighting set-up

                                                   Backlight

                                                      

                                                       Subject

                               Reflector                               Key light

                                                     Camera

• The key light is the brightest and most influential
• The back light helps counteract the effect of the key light or creates an outline or silhouette
• The reflector light helps to soften the harsh shadows that the use of key and back light creates
• Under lighting is when the main source comes from below the subject used in thrillers and horror
• Top lighting is when the main source of lighting comes above, highlighting the features used to create a glamorous look
• Low-key lighting is created by using only the key and back lights. This will produce a sharp contrast of light and dark areas on the screen as very deep, distinct shadows are formed
• High-key is when more fillers are used and the lighting appears realistic