How to Light Your Videos Like Blade Runner – Pro Tips by Austen Paul

Lighting can transform your videos, turning a basic shot into a cinematic masterpiece. If you’re a content creator looking to replicate the striking visuals of Blade Runner, Austen Paul’s YouTube tutorial is your ultimate guide.

 

In this video, Austen simplifies complex lighting techniques into easy-to-follow steps. He begins with the importance of breaking down lighting into three parts: the foreground (your subject), the background, and the set design. These principles can be adapted to any creative lighting setup, not just for replicating the Blade Runner aesthetic.

Austen emphasizes starting with a key light, like the Godox SZ 150R. This versatile light allows for quick changes from natural white to vibrant colours, making it ideal for commercial or creative shoots. Using modifiers like the QRP 90, he creates soft, flattering light, demonstrating the popular Rembrandt lighting technique to add depth and professionalism to his shots.

Rim lights, such as the compact and magnetized Godox TL30, are crucial for separating the subject from the background. Austen shows how to position these lights to create a glowing edge that enhances visual depth. For the fill side, he opts for simple, cost-effective solutions like insulation boards to reflect light or darken areas for added drama.

Ambient lighting brings the entire scene together. Using a lantern modifier, Austen diffuses light evenly to brighten the space while keeping colours vivid. He also integrates practical and motivational lights, which mimic natural light sources like windows or lamps, to further enhance the cinematic feel.

The tutorial wraps up with final adjustments, layering RGB lighting for dynamic colour contrasts. Austen demonstrates how pink and blue tones, paired with practical lights, create the signature Blade Runner aesthetic. His approach shows that achieving professional-grade lighting doesn’t have to be intimidating.

 

Ready to elevate your video lighting game? Watch the full tutorial by Austen Paul to unlock all the tips and tricks for cinematic lighting.