Cheating Sunset for Sunrise

[Joe Buck]

Is it possible to shoot a short sunrise scene during magic hour? is it a possible cheat?

[David Mullen ASC]

Is it possible to shoot a short sunrise scene during magic hour? is it a possible cheat?

 

Sure, just have everyone walk and talk backwards and film it in reverse...

 

No, seriously, it's done all the time. The opening of "The Astronaut Farmer" was a sunset faked for sunrise. We shot the coverage in reverse order so that the sun seemed to get higher as the shots progressed.

 

 

In theory, sunsets tend to be redder and cloudier than sunrises due to the build-up of smog and humidity, etc. but most people just notice that the sun is lower on the horizon in a movie.

[Brian Drysdale]

I've shot sunsets with a 81EF or 4300K setting instead of the full daylight correction and it worked extremely well as a sunrise. Leaving the shadow areas a bit on the cool side added to the effect.

[John Sprung]

Another issue to consider is that at sunset, the heat of the day leaves things dry, while at sunrise, dew will have condensed on stuff. So, get out your Hudson sprayers and put a fine mist of water on the leaves of plants, cars, etc. if it'll be visible on screen. Maybe even waft in some rising vapor if you like the look of it. In big wide shots like David posted, you don't need to do anything.

 

 

 

 

-- J.S.

[Joe Buck]

Great! Thanks for the help guys