Light and Color in Set Design

Being obsessed with color, it was a pleasure to take on a favorite wavelength to experiment with designing an original set for my own independent production. The set was of a futuristic, non-religious confession booth. The chosen color was warm bright red, around 700nm. Additionally, I mixed in a complimentary bright blue colors, with an average wave length of 500nm.

My goal was to experiment with color and light to create an environment that’s comfortable and inviting, visually rich and cinematically interesting.

The fabrics and materials used were reflective,

The function of the set design was to conduct interviews and unscripted dialogues about taboo-breaking, unconventional concepts, with guests who are not professional actors. I wanted to highlight the content of the interviews rather than the identity of the speakers. Thus the choice of dim lighting, mostly reflected from the sides of and back of the set.

Another important detail that’s not shown in the footage, is a large mirror placed in front of the set. As if you are confessing to yourself. The goal of the mirror was to enhance the speakers’ feeling confidence. I wanted them to know their faces are obscured by the light setup so they can express themselves freely.

Setting a playful, immersive atmosphere was a wonderful tool for me experimenting as a mostly hands-off documentary director. The set felt unusual and festive but not blinding and intimidating, resulting authentic footage that surprised everyone involved. Being in front of the camera but not in front of a spotlight brought out honest points of view and intimate interactions.

Stepping back shows the light sources used to create this futuristic, irregular feel in an ordinary Bushwick bedroom.

A blurred-out video loop of the chosen color scheme projected from behind the interviewees was used to add another layer of dynamic enigmatic richness.

And of course, all this bounty couldn’t be possible without my team of collaborators. Superstar Cacia Zoo, Photographer Erik Fuller, soundman Thomas Kavanagh and gracious host and co-founder relationship coach Effy Blue.

Edited video coming soon!