What are the best lighting techniques for a sci-fi movie set in space?

2 Color and Temperature

Another key factor to consider when lighting a sci-fi movie set in space is the color and temperature of the light sources. Color and temperature can affect the mood, emotion, and symbolism of your scenes, as well as the realism and consistency of your setting. For example, in Star Wars, blue and green lights are often associated with the Jedi and the Force, while red and orange lights are often associated with the Sith and the Dark Side. In Alien, warm and yellow lights are used to contrast the cold and dark environment of the spaceship and the planet, while in The Matrix, green and cyan lights are used to indicate the artificial and digital nature of the simulated reality.

3 Direction and Angle

A third aspect to pay attention to when lighting a sci-fi movie set in space is the direction and angle of the light sources. Direction and angle can affect the depth, perspective, and focus of your scenes, as well as the characterisation and expression of your actors. For example, in Blade Runner, backlighting is used to create a silhouette effect and a sense of mystery and intrigue, while in Gravity, frontlighting is used to create a realistic and immersive effect of being in space. In Star Trek, low-angle lighting is used to emphasise the heroism and authority of the characters, while in The Terminator, high-angle lighting is used to emphasise the vulnerability and danger of the characters.

4 Practical and Special Effects

A final element to consider when lighting a sci-fi movie set in space is the use of practical and special effects. Practical effects are physical objects or devices that produce light, such as lamps, candles, lasers, or explosions. Special effects are digital or optical enhancements that modify or add light, such as lens flares, filters, or CGI. Practical and special effects can be used to create a variety of visual effects and styles, such as realism, fantasy, or retro. For example, in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, practical effects are used to create a realistic and awe-inspiring representation of the alien spacecraft, while in Star Trek Into Darkness, special effects are used to create a stylised and dynamic representation of the warp speed.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?