NANLUX has posted up a video called Behind the Lighting of Blockbuster Films with veteran gaffer Julian White.
White talks about the creative thinking behind some of the films that have defined his career. He has worked on films such as Murder on the Orient Express, The Martian, Crazy Rich Asians, Harry Brown, and Cinderella.
He explains why every production demands a different solution, and why the story should always guide every lighting decision. Along the way, he also shares behind-the-scenes stories, problem-solving techniques, and lessons learned from decades of working on feature films.
For Murder on the Orient Express, Julian was faced with the challenge of lighting 12 distinct actors in a tight, 70mm carriage. Practical LED tubes with magnets were utilized, allowing for quick adjustments without cluttering the small set floor.
Crazy Rich Asians was filmed at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore during live public performances, which required complex logistics. White synchronized his team’s lighting setup with the venue’s architectural features, using moving lights and Chinese lanterns to manage the massive scale.
For The Martian, director Ridley Scott favored a simplified “triple layer” lighting approach (green screen with black/white curtains) to keep the production moving quickly.
