New to lenses and lighting: How would I achieve these shots?

[VanBall]

I'm very new to the visual side of things, i've realised that my films just aren't up to par with what's going in my head largely due to that.

I have a reasonable camcorder for the scope i'm aiming at, Sony CX105E, but I know that light and depth are far more important for a beginner.

Here are a few screenshots from The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (Fincher version)
Could you guys tell me what type of lens is used for each shot, and why they are good for that shot?

Also lighting, if you could roughly tell me where the lights are set up and how I could achieve the mood and focus of them..

I'm sure there's something else I might be missing, bear with me though.

Thanks guys, don't hesitate to inform me of anything i've overlooked!

 

[IndiePaul]

I'm not a lens expert but your shots are from a big budget Hollywood movie so you're looking at the work of very very expensive lens. Likely $20k-$60k+ lens.

For 'low' budget but good quality filming, many here recommend a 3-lens kit - all primes, a popular choice is:

• 28mm f/1.8
• 50mm f/1.4
• 85mm f/1.8

Having all three you'll be able to get a wide range of shots including the ones shown from your stills from the The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. By the color and lighting will be different.

If you can only afford one, get a 50mm prime.

Use the 'search' facility, you'll find heaps of excellent lens advice.

As for the lighting, well let me ask you - what can you camera do and what lens will you have? With a very good DSLR and a good prime you should be able to shoot in fairly low light. But the top-end Hollywood gear will be better - they'll be able to shoot in lower light than you and their results will be better.

This article might help you - found it via google:

Filmmaking Lesson: How and Why to Use Lenses in Your Indie Films
http://www.lightsfilmschool.com/blo...and-why-to-use-lenses-in-your-indie-films/53/

 

[jax_rox]

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was shot by Jeff Cronenweth on a RED Epic with Master Primes.

The lenses alone are worth $20k each.

Here's the kicker: The look of Dragon Tattoo had much less to do with the camera body and lenses used and much, much more to do with:
-lighting (and grip/modifiers for the lighting)
-set/costume/production design
-colour grade

You're missing the creativity of it It's not a simple formula of x light in y position with z modifier will create abc look.
There are a million and one ways to light a scene, and almost that many lights to choose from to light a scene. How you light it, and what you use to light will depend on a number of factors - the mood of the scene and film, what you want to portray, and also importantly budget.

I think it's more important for beginners to understand the 'why' before they start on the 'how'.

 

[IndiePaul]

Great post by jax_rox.

I should have mentioned post production too.

Have a look at the full crew from the movie.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1568346/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast

They have 50+ people in the Visual Effects team (post prod etc), 10+ in the Editorial Department (post prod etc) and 50+ in the Art Department (set design etc).

...but you can create a great movie with a minimum crew - that's were the art, creativity, the writing, others elements noted by jax_rox, your skills etc play hugely important roles

 

[knightly]

http://www.theasc.com/ac_magazine/January2012/GirlwiththeDragonTattoo/page1.php