How do I develop lighting schemes?

Hi Cambridge! I've been having trouble, making decisions about what to use for my project, and one of the things I need to decide is the type of lighting I want to use in my opening, so today I researched all the methods I can use in my Coming-of-Age genre.

So, in the Coming-of-Age genre, lighting is very important because it helps establish the tone, show how the character is feeling, and make things more realistic. Here are some of the most commonly used techniques...

Natural Lighting: When you use sunlight in a scene to make it have a more 'everyday' feel.

- If I use this technique, I would have to film outside during the day, turn off any overhead lights, and uses a sheet to lessen how sharp the sun is.

One example of this being used is in Lady Bird (2017) when she's sitting on the hotel bed.

Gerwig, G. (Director). (2017). Lady Bird [Film]. A24.

Soft Lighting: Spread out light that creates light shadows and makes a nostalgic tone.

- If I use this technique, I would have to put a cloth over a lamp and put the lamp in a corner so it bounces off the walls.

One example of this being used is in The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) when they are driving through the tunnel.

Chbosky, S. (Director). (2012). The Perks of Being a Wallflower [Film]. Summit Entertainment.

High-key Lighting: Using bright lighting to create the least amount of shadows and make it feel open.

- If I use this technique, I would have to use multiple lights and film in a room with white walls.

One example of this being used is in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 (2011) after Harry dies.

Yates, D. (Director). (2011). Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 [Film]. Warner Bros.

Low-key Lighting: Darker lighting with strong shadows that's used for emotional or tense moments.

- If I use this technique, I would have to turn off the lights, use a lamp as the key light, and keep the background darker than the subject.

One example of this being used is in The Hunger Games (2012) after Rue dies.

Ross, G. (Director). (2012). The Hunger Games [Film]. Lionsgate.

Backlighting: When light is placed behind the subject to create a glow or outline.

- If I use this technique, I would have to put my actor in front of a window and shoot it from a good angle where the light comes in to make an outline. 

One example of this being used is in Teen Wolf (2011-2017)

Davis, J. (Creator). (2011–2017). Teen Wolf [TV series]. MTV.

Motivated Lighting: Lighting that looks like it comes from a real source in the scene.

- If I use this technique, I would have to use a prop and add a hidden light to increase its shine.

One example of this being used is in Eighth Grade (2018) when Kayla is laying on her bed.

Burnham, B. (Director). (2018). Eighth Grade [Film]. A24.

Here's a little trial photo of me testing out the soft lighting technique on one of my stuffed animals. I covered the lamp with a tissue and the light bounced off the wall and the desk.

Resources:

Provost, R. (2025, April 25). Film lighting — The ultimate guide (w/ video & cheatsheet). StudioBinder. https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/film-lighting/

MasterClass. (2021, August 23). Film 101: Understanding film lighting. MasterClass. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/film-101-understanding-film-lighting

Roberts, E. (2023, December 14). Film lighting, explained: Techniques, advice, and examples. Backstage. https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/film-lighting-techniques-76277/

Project Schedule!

Hi Cambridge, to prepare for the portfolio project, I'm going to be making a schedule so I can stay organized and never be overwhelmed throughout these next 8 weeks (hopefully)!

Before I divide things up into each week, I wanted to have an outline of what I have to do for this assignment. First, I need to research Coming-of-Age film openings and focus on how they introduce things like characters and the story. Then, I have to plan the plot, the script, the storyboard, the locations, the actors, and any sound elements I need. After that, I have to film, record any audio I need, and get all the footage I need. Next, I have to edit a rough draft, add my titles and credits, and fix any sound parts. Finally, I have to revise everything and create my CCR.

So, with all of that, here's my schedule...

Week One (1/16–1/23): 3 Blog Posts

- Choose a genre and study openings

- Research key conventions I might use

- Brainstorm ideas for opening

- Create notes for characters and setting

Week Two (1/26–2/1): 4 Blog Posts

- In‑depth research into Coming-of-Age openings

- Study structure of real title sequences

- Finalize style and plot of my opening

- Make my project schedule

Week Three (2/2–2/8): 4 Blog Posts

- Write the script for my opening

- Create a storyboard for every shot

- Make a list props, wardrobe, and other mise‑en‑scene elements I’ll need

Week Four (2/9–2/15): 4 Blog Posts

- Finalize characters, locations, actors, and filming dates

- Get all of costumes, props, setting, and lighting organized

- Plan audio parts like voiceovers and foley ideas

Week Five (2/16–2/22): 4 Blog Posts

- Film scenes and any extra ones

- Record foley and voiceover sounds

- Create my production company logo

- Re‑shoot anything that didn’t work

Week Six (2/23–3/1): 4 Blog Posts

- Edit the rough draft together

- Add production company logo and all the required credits

- Add music, sync audio, and adjust volume

Week Seven (3/2–3/8): 4 Blog Posts

- Re‑edit scenes that need to flow better

- Fix any audio issues or re‑record if needed

- Be completed with the final film opening

- Start CCR planning and research

Week Eight (3/9–3/17): 4 Blog Posts

- Film/record CCR

- Edit CCR and finalize visuals and audio

- Double‑check film opening (titles, credits, sound, pacing)

- Upload final film opening and CCR

- Complete final reflection and submit everything by 3/17

Reflection:

    This was very helpful for me to plan out and hopefully it'll help me throughout the project. I also created a calendar template on Canva that I printed out, and I've been writing down what I do each day to keep track. So, here's image of the template if you want to see. I color-coded it with my school calendar so it's even more efficient.

Canva. (2024). Canva [Software]. Canva. https://www.canva.com

Analyzed Coming‑of‑Age Film Openings

Hey Cambridge, over the weekend, I finally decided which genre I want to use in my portfolio project... Coming-of-Age! So, now that I have that decided, I'm going to start researching more openings! I'm going to watch the first 2 minutes and analyze what techniques they use.

Mean Girls (2004):

Paramount Pictures. (2004). Mean Girls [Film still]. Paramount Pictures.

At the very beginning, we see the Paramount logo, then a black screen showing "Paramount Pictures Presents," the producer credited, and Lindsey Lohan's name.

The first shot is a close-up of Cady's parents speaking right to the camera and saying things like "you can ask the big kids" which are typical words for a little kid's 1st day of school. The twist is then revealed when we see Cady for the 1st time, and we realize she's a teenager, and it creates a humorous tone. Her parents are dressed like typical parents and holding a paper bag as a prop. Cady is also in a normal teen looking outfit.

The film then continues with Cady's voiceover and mid-shots of her in Africa while she explains she's home-schooled. These shots have natural and warm lighting to make it seem realistic. We also get to see medium shots of stereotypical homeschooled kids whether they're "freaks" or "weirdly religious" which contrasts with visuals of her in Africa with different animals.

Next, she's dropped off at school and non-diegetic music is added to make it seem more chaotic and energetic. The tone shifts here because she's trying something new and unfamiliar.

So, after analyzing this movie, one technique I definitely want to use is a voiceover. It was a perfect was to give Cady's perspective on the move from home-schooled in Africa to high school.

Clueless (1995):

Paramount Pictures. (1995). Clueless [Film still]. Paramount Pictures.

At the very beginning, we see the Paramount logo, then a colorful screen showing "Paramount Pictures Presents," and the title of the movie. Aswell as some upbeat early-2000s band music playing in the background.

It starts with a lot of quick shots of teens driving in a jeep, all crowded together, and laughing a lot. There are palm trees in the background which helps the audience infer it's set in California. Then it cuts to Cher with lots of shopping bags, and after that, another cut to a fun pool party. These fast cuts make a 'montage' which shows us how social her life is.

Next, Cher's voiceover starts with her saying she has a "normal life for a teenage girl". This is super ironic because of how lavish her life is. We see her fancy computer that picks out outfits for her, which backs up how wealthy she is. 

Then, we get introduced to her father, who is a litigator. We see their expensive house and even them having a maid named Lucy. The camera shows Cher and her dad in the kitchen now in a tracking shot. They have mini disagreement about him having his vitamin C and her having to see her stepbrother.

So, after analyzing this movie, I really like the idea of making a 'montage' and having a lot of quick shots of her life to introduce the character.

10 Things I Hate About You

Touchstone Pictures. (1999). 10 Things I Hate About You [Film still]. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

The movie immediately starts with rock music playing over a black screen that introduces "Touchstone Pictures," followed by "Touchstone Pictures Presents" and the producer credit. The credits are all shown in a hand-drawn font which makes it feel less serious. Next, the film credits the main actors while the camera pans across different parts of Seattle.

Then, we see a group of girls in a Volkswagen, dancing to upbeat music and smiling as they're driving. But then, Kat pulls up in her car with song "Bad Reputation" by Joan Jett blasting which makes the tone shift. There's a shot-reverse-shot between Kat and the girls of them all rolling their eyes at each other.

The credits are still going, and the movie transitions to the high school. The students are all doing different things which makes it look very realistic. The camera tilts upwards as Kat walks through the crowd. Her outfit is very alternative compared to everyone else. She also tears down a prom poster which reinforces her rebelliousness.

So, after analyzing this movie, I like how the music and costume choices highlighted Kat's differences from everyone else before she even says anything.

Reflection:

All in all, analyzing these three openings helped me understand how Coming-of-age films introduce the character, tone and setting. Also, this blog post really helped me practice looking for things to analyze like in the Media Text essay.

Transition into the Cambridge Portfolio Project!

    Hi Cambridge! This week my teacher introduced the portfolio project, so from now on, all my blogs are focused on preparing, doing, and reflecting on my film opening. I'm super nervous to start because there are so many different genres and stories I could choose to portray. However, I'm excited to use everything I've learned this year and make an interesting opening. 

    To start preparing, during class we took notes and completed activities on a Nearpod about film openings. We learned about the different approaches filmmakers use to develop a purpose and watched a lot of openings to give us inspiration. Here are my notes below...

    So, connecting this back to my project, one approach I want to use for the opening is developing the character. This covers everything from posters in their room to the way they speak. I like the idea of showing subtle things to show the characters personality. For example, especially in the Coming-of-Age genre (I'm leaning towards using this genre for the project), their wardrobe can show their style/current identity, having an accent can show that they moved, and also their actions towards other characters can show their temperament. These tiny details help show the audience who the character is.

    Another approach I'm interested in is establishing the tone. We learned film makers do this through color, techniques, and lighting. For example, warm lighting and handheld filmed shots create a very nostalgic and memory type of feeling. So, if I were to do a Coming-of-Age film, I would use natural lighting, softer colors, and slower pacing to make it realistic. Here's an example from Gilmore Girls that would be my inspo.

Sherman‑Palladino, A. (2000). Gilmore Girls, Season 1 [TV series still]. Warner Bros. Television.

Portfolio Project Genre #2

Coming-of-Age!

Coming-of-Age is a genre that focuses on a character growing up and learning something important. It portrays real-life situations. I chose to research this genre because it's relatable and easy to film with typical settings like school.

Typical Target Audience: 
Most Coming-of-Age films are made for teens and young adults from ages 12-25. The audience is split between males and females because the themes are enjoyable for both. People enjoy watching this genre because its personal, and the characters go through relatable things. 

 
Content Conventions: 
Coming-of-Age films usually follow a character who is dealing with a personal problem. They have a teen protagonist, personal problem, friendships changing or ending, family tension, and a turning point for the character. 

 
Technique Conventions: 

 

Typical camera shots:  
- Close-ups to show emotion

- Medium shots during conversations

- Natural lighting to make scenes realistic

- Wide shots of everyday location (bedrooms, hallways, parks)
 
Editing: 
- Slower pacing to match the emotional moments

- Cross-cutting between characters to show relationships

- Flashbacks or memory-style shots in some films

Sound: 
- Soft background music

- Indie or acoustic songs

- Silent scenes to increase the tension or awkwardness
 
Mise-en-scene: 
- Everyday clothing

- Realistic settings (schools, homes, cars)

- Personal items to show their personality (posters, journals, photos)
 
Institutional Conventions: 
 
Narrative Image: Coming-of-Age posters usually include the main character alone or with a friend, a simple background, soft colors, and soft lighting. 

 
Marketing: Studios market these films by highlighting the emotional moments, character relationships, relatable situations, and popular songs from the soundtrack. 
 
Distribution: These films usually premiere at festivals, but they also do well on streaming platforms since audiences enjoy watching story-based films at home. 
 
Here's a few examples with the movies The Edge of Seventeen and Call Me By Your Name:

The Edge of Seventeen | Official Trailer | Own it Now on Digital HD, Blu-ray™ & DVD

STX Entertainment. (2016). The Edge of Seventeen – Official Trailer [Video]. YouTube.

Sony Pictures Classics. (2017). Call Me By Your Name [Movie poster].

 
Examples of Films: 
 
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012): 
This is a very popular Coming-of-Age movie. It follows Charlie, who's a shy freshman dealing with trauma, friendship, and finding his place in high school. The movie uses soft lighting, close-ups, and emotional music to portray his feelings. 

Chbosky, S. (Director). (2012). The Perks of Being a Wallflower [Film still]. Summit Entertainment. 
 
Lady Bird (2017): 
This movie focuses on a teenage girl who is trying to figure out who she is. She has to juggle fights with her mom, school, and friendships. The film uses natural lighting, everyday settings, and realistic dialogue to make everything feel authentic. 

Gerwig, G. (Director). (2017). Lady Bird [Film still]. A24. 

  
Reflection: 
I chose Coming-of-Age as one of my genres to research because it's very realistic and personal. I like how it focuses on the small moments because for my project I would be able to mimic it. If I use this genre, it'll be hard to make the script well but I'm excited try out the other techniques like lighting to convey the character's feelings. All in all, that's why I chose to research Coming-of-Age.

Portfolio Project Genre #1

ACTION!

Action is a very exciting genre that always grabs people's attention. It focuses on a lot of movement and tension in the scenes. I immediately thought of Action for my portfolio project, because I knew I could use a lot of different shots, angles, and sound to make it realistic. I also liked how it's super visual and there's not a lot of dialogue.

Typical Target Audience: 
Most action films are made for teens and young adults from about 13-35 years old. Usually, the main audience is males but recently that's been changing. It appeals to people who like fast-pacing and heavy stakes in films. It also does well internationally because the scripts don't use a lot of dialogue but instead body language. 
 
Content Conventions: 
Action films all have a super similar plot. They have a main protagonist, an antagonist/threat, a main goal, and lots of high stakes. 
 
Technique Conventions: Action differs a lot from other genres with its shots and editing. These techniques are all very easy to recreate on my own for this project. 
 
Typical camera shots:  
- Tracking shots to follow characters movements 
- Handheld shots during fights to make things feel more chaotic 
- Low angles to make certain characters look more powerful 
- Wide shots to show the setting during a chase or etc. 
 
Editing: 
- Quick cuts between the intense scenes 
- Cross-cutting between the hero and villain 
- Fast to slow to fast again pacing 
 
Sound: 
- Sharp falling sounds 
- Rising music during build ups 
- Silence before a big hit or plot twist 
 
Mise-en-scene: 
- Weapons, vehicles, and more gear 
- An urban setting 
- High-contrast lighting 
 
Institutional Conventions: 
 
Narrative Image: Action posters usually include the protagonist centered in the middle with explosions or the city behind them, as well as a lot of bold colors used. 
 
Marketing: Studios make sure to highlight the big stunts during the trailers and social media posts. The behind-the-scenes stunt videos are also a huge part of their marketing. It lets audiences see how the effects are done which is really interesting. 
 
Distribution: Action films get global releases since they do well internationally. They are released in IMAX and Dolby theaters since the film's play better with larger screens and loud sounds. 
 
Here's a few examples with the link to Avatar's trailer and Top Gun's movie poster:  
 
20th Century Studios. (2009). Avatar – Official Trailer [Video]. YouTube. 
Avatar | Official Trailer (HD) | 20th Century FOX
 
Paramount Pictures. (1986). Top Gun [Movie poster]. 
 
 
 
 
Examples of Films: 
 
Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018): 
This movie uses a lot of modern action techniques. The helicopter chase, rooftop run, and motorcycle parts all rely on stunts. The editing keeps the setting known even when it gets chaotic and intense. 
 
 
 
McQuarrie, C. (Director). (2018). Mission: Impossible – Fallout [Film still]. Paramount Pictures. 
 
Avengers: Endgame (2019): 
This is a superhero film and an action one. The final battle is a really good example of the action choreography. It's very large with numerous characters, constant movement, and lots of different fights happening simultaneously. The film also uses cross-cutting to help the audience follow what's happening between all the different characters.  
 
 
 
Russo, A., & Russo, J. (Directors). (2019). Avengers: Endgame [Film still]. Marvel Studios. 
 
Reflection: 
So, I chose Action as one of my genres to research because it has so many different techniques to use. I like how the editing can completely change how a scene feels. Even someone getting chased down a hallway can be made very chaotic with the shots and angles. All in all, that's why Action stood out to me.