I recently completed two classes with LinkedIn learning on the subject of lighting for video. In one of them (Cinematic Video Lighting with Jem Schofield), the importance was stressed of blocking off windows. Now I know why.
Even closed and with some very bright lights behind the camera, the window in this scene still demands all of your attention. Not only is it the brightest element in the shot, the shadows on the blinds move around.
Using masks in Premiere, I've selected the problem areas and reduced their brightness. With help from this tutorial on YouTube, I've also frozen them, creating an image that sits like a sticker on top of the video. And it works great as long as no one passes behind it, revealing the effect.
Fortunately, our host rarely moves in front of the window. When she does, it's a good thing masks, like everything else in Premiere and After Effects, are animatable.
Adjusting the parameter of the mask frame by frame, I was able to move the window effect out of the way as Laurel passes through it. It's barely noticeable unless you know to look for it. See if you can spot all of the window animations in this clip:
Next time, I'll make sure that window is blocked off completely.
