4 Tips To Know Before Starting To Shoot A Black-And-White Film

Monochrome is starting to get back in style again!

There are some pointers you need to note before starting to shoot a black-and white film, one of the primary differences between black and white and colour is that range and scope of visibility, are drastically different for each style. The trend to shoot in monochrome has recently seen a resurgence due to many recent works that have brought the black and white back in style again, yet if you ask some enthusiasts of the medium it never went out of style in the first place. Yet it is wise not to use Black and white without good reason, as every popular modern film that has employed monochrome has had a good enough reason to do so, the reason might be narrative or just before a formalistic choice but it has to serve the work in as a whole. This list contains practical tips for one to note before starting work on a black-and-white project. Also, the list tries to shed light on the positives of shooting monochrome if one decides that it is right for their particular project.

Understand the Fundamental differences Between Colour and Black and White

It is very strongly recommended that you understand the fundamental differences between shooting both in colour and then black and white as both of these have a tremendous impact on your final product. You cannot decide to make your project monochrome after shooting it in colour, this has to be a pre-production decision.

Locations Must be Chosen Wisely

While shooting in black and white locations needs to be kept in mind, there cannot be only one gradation of colour in the particular area as in black and white the entire frame would appear flat; there should be proper contrast naturally available within the walls of the area itself to have an effect.

A Comparative Analysis between old and New Works in Black and White

This is perhaps the most important thing to note before planning a shoot in black and white, an analysis of past works in black and white and modern works in black and white to understand how artists approach monochrome in the current scenario will give you a realistic approach on how you should do it, and at the same time also provide you with the reference of what looks appropriate and what doesn’t.

Choose Your Gear Carefully

Due to the specificity of monochrome, you have to decide what you want to use to shoot in monochrome. Sometimes you might not have a choice due to the budget to shoot on film, but you can always compare options to see what is the best result possible within your limited means.