SUPERHERO-STYLE LIGHTING

01

Superhero films tend to lean towards a more stylistic look inspired by the high colour/contrast of graphic novels and cartoons. To achieve this style in CG lighting we try to start from reality and push it to extremes to create images that are more striking.

Therefore, we will start the scene the same as usual – HDR dome for fill and perhaps a directional to simulate moonlight. Be aware that with a higher contrast look it’s not as necessary to fill in all the dark areas yet.

02

Next we can use the hanging lanterns again, but this time they can go a bit more cold and neon – not such a tungsten warm colour that you would likely find in a real street.

03

Keeping with the neon theme, add some red, pink and blue neon lights with off-screen sources, bouncing off shiny surfaces and adding interest to the shot. These will also give cues to how the character will be lit.

04

Now that the environment has certain coloured lights and sources, we can pick and choose which lights will affect the character. In this case, the blue neon gives a top-light rim on screen right, while a red neon light acts as a screen left rim light in order to both connect him to the environment and help him stand out.

05

To give the character a more sinister feel, we can add an up-light (also cool blue) to highlight the texture of his face. When we see light come from underneath the character we instantly assume they have a dark and mysterious nature. Be careful with this light as it will look comical very quickly.

06

Once again, as a finishing touch, an aiatmospherevolume can help add depth to the scene, especially with the halos around neon lights.

For superhero or high-concept films, the contrast and colour can be pushed to stronger levels than reality

Keep it grounded Don't go crazy with the amount of lights. It will just add to your render times and end up looking fake. Try to stick to the sources that make sense and not let your character feel too detached from their environment.