Shooting for DI

[FilmUnited]

In the latest issue of American Cinematographer, Ellen Kuras says that, knowing she was going to DI in post, she overexposed one stop on Jack and Rose, though I am not sure I understood the explanation as to why.

I have sat in on a few color timing sessions before so I have a good feel for the process and what can and cannot be altered. The only reason I can think of for why you would want to overexpose for DI would be if your film stock retains more detail in the brights than the darks.

Any info would be appreciated.

Corey

 

[David Mullen ASC]

Overexposing negative has long been a technique for PRINTING, since using higher printer lights creates deeper blacks and snappier contrast, with less grain in the image. Within limits (generally no more than a stop overexposed, usually more like 2/3 of a stop.)

It's less necessary for negative material to be scanned or telecine-transferred but it is still useful as a way of reducing grain and holding on to more shadow information.