Lighting - Fluorescent, Low lighting and Projector Shots

Lighting is a key part of production of a music video. This is one of the most important features of ensuring a music video is high quality, there are many ways of making the footage bright enough without losing any special clothing effects required.


When discussing the ‘projector shots’ for our music video, we were thinking about the pattern behind the protagonist, Bella. We wanted bright colours to be used to match the other themes in our music video such as lighting on the street and bedroom. Originally, we were thinking using a Digital Bokeh effect however after trailing, we quickly found this overlay wasn’t as clear and sharp as we had envisioned. After researching, we decided on either a kaleidoscope projection or ink drop in water effect as displayed below.

Even though the kaleidoscope was sharp, it was too over powering in colour and didn’t make the Bella the main focus. The ink drop disbursed around Bella isn’t of on her face which we liked and made it more unique and subtle whilst still adding colour. When applying different filters and colour tones the kaleidoscope didn’t look as appealing and bright whereas the ink drop effect would work well with many filters in post-production.

Low lighting and Noise:

In our bedroom shots, we focused on making sure we got the luminous purple effect that we aimed for to light up the shot. However, due to having only the LED lights the footage became grainy and appeared low quality. To ensure our video was top class, we had to find a quick solution

Although, we can add effects in post-production to decrease the level of noise in our footage, whilst filming we decided to add additional light from behind the camera as suggested above to brighten the shot and bring out some definition of the protagonist and scenery.

Finally, filming the lights in the street was easier than planned as there was more streetlight. Filming at night would require additional light to add definition to Bella’s face and movements but we’d have to be careful not the over expose the shot, losing the bright and colourful streetlights. We knew we would add effects and intensity the colour of the light poles in post-production.