“We’ll fix it in post” is a phrase that I loathe. There is a reason that a Director, and DP want a good “Grip” on set with them. That individual, or team of lighting techs will make or break the quality of your film. I don’t care how good your post production team is, if the lighting sucked or was flat when the film was shot all the post production in the world won’t bring the image to life.

The video from Order & Other below is a great example of lighting done right. There is drama, atmosphere, contrast and a variable balance to the lighting. The DP used the lighting to create atmosphere that can’t be created in post production, and it is one of the key elements that makes this film work. Along with great lighting, there is atmosphere, and by that I mean there is stuff in the air, particulate matter that ads weight to environment. That atmosphere is something you rally can’t ad in post either.