C&J Journey into Animation: Dramatic lighting effects in 3D animation (2)

Perhaps the most fascinating and rewarding use of light is the possibility of influencing the mental state of the audience. The word atmosphere can cover a wide range of situations. It can mean something as basic as using light to tell the audience shether the action is taking place on an April afternoon or a July morning. Moreover it can also help to control whether the audience feel happy or sad, extrovert or withdrawn, aggressive or submissive.

Almost all of us, in our childhood, have placed a flashlight under our chin and impersonated a monster by shining the light up into our faces in the night. Especially the cold color, like blue light, will create a horror atmosphere. As in lighting design, just as in literature, the concepts of good and evil are often associated with light and darkness. When a scene is lit with dark and murky shadows, most people instinctively react with a scene of foreboding. When a scene is brightly lit, we instinctively relax. Moreover, lighting the face from beneath in the night. It will be a strong contrast between highlight and shadow. Of course it could be used for someone who has a distinct and strong character.

So the light could influence the atmosphere and mood through molding the role. One of the principal ways of controlling such atmosphere is by mixing warm and cool light. Other possibilities include the balancing of light and shade; exaggerated contrasts can induce feelings of claustrophobia, apprehension, even terror.