Doubt – Lighting the church

[Max A.]

Hello Mr Deakins and all the forum members. I hope you Mr. Deakins, and Mrs. James are well.
I was watching again ‘Doubt’ and I was thinking about your lighting for the scenes in the church.
Since there are a lot of scenes, and the church had big windows on the sides and what seems to be a giant skylight I would like to ask you, if it is possible, if you remember how you approached that location and what lighting plan do you use to keep consistent along the number of scenes.
I don’t think all the scenes were shot in a single day, but maybe I’m wrong, and it was one day of shooting.

How did you balance and control contrasts and shadow areas for all those shots?

I don’t know if the topic was discussed in the past or on the old forums, If so I’m sorry to be repetitive.

As usual, I want to thank you for your time and your availability.
I apologize for my Bad English.

I wish you a peaceful day
Max.

Topic

[Roger Deakins]

That was a location that had to be lit as we shot all the scenes in one day. Naturally, the daylight would not have been sufficient for nor would it have been reliable. I remember we used a line of 12K HMIs on one side but I’m not sure what the overhead source was. I suspect we used a lighting balloon. I have rarely used balloons but I think I did in this church as there was no possibility of rigging inside or accessing the roof.

[Author]

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