Motivated Lighting

Philosophy

Coined by classic Hollywood DPs, motivated lighting asks: Where would light logically originate inside this story world? Larger fixtures then replicate that direction, colour, and quality while surpassing practicals’ raw output.

Workflow

1. Identify perceived source (window, desk lamp).
2. Place key light outside frame matching angle.
3. Balance fill to maintain realism yet sculpt mood.

Case Study

In 1917, night flare bombs served as motivators; massive Arri SkyPanels on cranes emulated their sweep, creating dynamic chiaroscuro timed via DMX to pyro cues.

Trivia

Roger Deakins often lists “no unmotivated light” as his guiding mantra, despite using vast rigs.