Real or Fake Light Painting Video? Torn Between the Two.
Let’s Start With the Fake — 100% Digital
Postpanic, a renowned studio from the Netherlands, has just produced a new spot for KPN via the agency TBWA/Neboko. Once again, it’s light painting — or rather, its digital imitation — a very trendy look these days, judging by the number of ads adopting the concept. The video is high-quality, with nice lighting effects and smooth transitions:
In a similar style, directed by Nieto and produced by Paranoid US, here’s a luminous spot for Sprint. Coming from this man, you can expect something original:
Wrapping Up With the Real Thing — Photography and Stop Motion
The following spot isn’t brand new, but it’s still a great example of the style, created by the Japanese light painting collective Pika Pika through the agency Leo Burnett.
If you’ve ever tried light painting yourself, you know the best method is to work in the dark ;) That’s why, upon first viewing, I assumed this video was all post-production with tracked lights on the actors. But knowing that Pika Pika is behind it, there’s no doubt most of the drawings are real photos. Of course, there’s likely some post-production involved ;) The Japanese have truly mastered this craft — go check out their other videos on their blog.
When done at length, light painting can be quite fun. We actually had a good time in the studio at Sonacom during the final scene of our 2009 greetings video. I can still remember counting behind the camera to keep the timing for the people holding the lamps ;) But when you set out to create a 2min35 film entirely in light painting and stop motion, that becomes quite an experience:
2 cameras, 1700 clicks, 18 people, 20 nights, 35 flashlights, 234 batteries. Impacto Criativo, by Propague and MidiaEffects.
Making-of available here on YouTube for those who want to learn more!
Personally, I still find traditional light painting more “alive,” with its half-faded silhouettes, irregular movements, real interactions with light, and the joy that comes from the shoot itself :)
For reference, I recorded a short After Effects video tutorial to recreate this type of glowing effect digitally. Your turn to play! Oh, and by the way, this Saturday night is the Lense Light Party — maybe I’ll run into some of you there! :)
About the author
I am the Founder of Mattrunks. I work as Creative Director and Motion Designer in my studio. I also create video tutorials to share my passion of motion.