Tuesday, 15 May 2018

TRANSITIONS UNIT: LEE THOMAS


Lee Thomas is an independent Cinematographer based in London. Lee works mostly in commercials and Short Films, also working with aerial cinematography:


I was lucky enough to work with Lee on a short film and also a music video. Lee explained to me that being a DOP requires you to have a fast knowledge of equipment and keeping up to date on all new kit coming out. Lee as a DOP is happy to plan how the production will look visually and then hire the camera operator. However, does also do self shooting. With his film work, Lee looks deeply into the script and works closely with the Directors to work between ideas and get the best visual look for the production.


During my research, I spoke to Lee about lighting and how he might go about filming moonlight and Lee referred me to his short film "Cropped". Lee explained that the lighting for this was done on a massive scale but this can be shortened to something which I needed. He explained that a 'Jem Ball' would be the ideal way to go about, this is a large diffused light which goes on a stand and can go high up over head. Lee explained that with Moonlight you want one focused light as your key which will give you the needed shadows for the effect and then add in lights as needed to fill or bring out detail. Lee did explain though that you only really need one powerful light but if this isn't possible then you can do it with multiple, it's just all about getting the correct shadows which you would get at night with the moon. Below is his short film 'Cropped':

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