Film Research -- Lighting

 Research

A key component of film includes specific lighting chosen to depict emotions in specific scenes. Certain lights can help reveal a character's inner feelings or even give viewers an idea as to where the storyline is progressing. Audiences typically see dark lighting when the story takes a dramatic shift and more light when showing a positive switch. In terms of coming-of-age films, it's common to see natural or soft lighting, which is what I'll be focusing on in my film.

Natural light

Coming of age films focus on the raw side of characters teenage years as they transition into adulthood. Natural light isn't as polish and precise as you would see in other genres like action. 

It also creates a sense of realness that comes off as comfortable. For example, the scene above from 'Incoming', released in 2024, shows a scene of the main characters outside in their school courtyard. This is a place that is visually nostalgic, as audiences can relate. Yellow hues are also seen in coming of age films as it depicts 'better times'. 

The importance of Golden Hour

"Golden Hour" is the period that comes right before or after the sun rises or sets. This period not only acts as a pretty glow but it represents childhood in its all entirty.

By having characters highlighted in the light of the sun, it creates a sense of nostalgic beauty that can only be reminisced on. You often see this type of lighting used at the end of a coming age film to close out the film or even when the main character is getting their first kiss. It sparks a sense of intimacy and a pivotal point in the character's plotline. 

The following example from the 2022 film Aftersun depicts the golden hue of the sun is depicted on the characters. Moreover, the two-person shot evokes a sense of intimacy between the characters, which can give viewers a sense of their relationship. Golden hour is heavily used in this genre to create a dreamlike fantasy. 

Conclusion

Lighting is hard to get, and I want all aspects of my film opening to be delivered correctly. Therefore, I am settling for natural lighting as it is one of the most common used techniques for the coming of age genre and still evokes nostalgia to the audience. 

Source: Incoming

Aftersun