Lighting directed upward from below, creating dramatic, unnatural shadows with a threatening or eerie quality.
Technical Details
Standardly, Fresnel spotlights with 650W to 2000W power are used, positioned 0.5 to 1.5 meters below face height. LED panels today offer precise control via DMX protocols with 16-bit dimming. Color temperature varies between 2700K for warm, demonic light to 6500K for colder, ghostly effects. Diffusion filters reduce hard shadow edges, while CTO/CTB filters (Color Temperature Orange/Blue) enable color shifts. Floor setups require special low-profile stands or lights embedded in the floor.
History & Development
The technique originated in the 1920s in German Expressionism, first systematically employed in "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" (1920). Hollywood adopted the method in the 1930s for Universal Studios' horror films – "Dracula" (1931) established under lighting as a standard for monster portrayals. The development of powerful floor lights in the 1940s expanded its application possibilities. Modern LED technology since 2010 enables wireless, battery-powered under lighting systems with app control and real-time color changes.
Practical Use in Film
Classic applications can be found in Kubrick's "The Shining" (1980) for Jack Torrance's madness or in "Apocalypse Now" (1979) for Kurtz's interrogations. Modern productions use under lighting more subtly: "Blade Runner 2049" (2017) employs LED floor panels for a futuristic atmosphere. The setup requires cable channels in the floor and coordinated movement sequences by the actors. Advantage: cost-effective generation of dramatic effects. Disadvantage: acting direction is restricted by fixed light positions, reflections on glossy surfaces are problematic.
Comparison & Alternatives
Distinction from key light (main light from above) and eye light (at eye level). Rim light or back light create contour, while under lighting models volume from below. Modern alternatives include LED mats on the floor, holographic projections, or digital lighting effects in post-production. Practical under lighting remains indispensable for authentic shadow casting and reflections in the eyes. For exterior shots, reflective floor plates or mobile LED panels replace permanently installed lights.