Ah, the magical cookie, a light modifier that helps cinematographers cast cool shadows on their subjects for their films. Whether you want to create a classic film noir Venetian blind effect or something crazy like an intricate lace design, these things will get it done, and what's better is that you can use pretty much anything as a cookie, even your cat's pooper scooper. In this video by Bill Lawson, learn which everyday household items make excellent light modifiers.

I wasn't kidding when I said anything could be used as a cookie. Seriously, anything with a pattern. You can even grab some cardboard, cut your own pattern into it, and boom, you've got a cookie. Here are the ideas mentioned in the video:

  • Lace
  • Dish rack
  • Cat litter scoop
  • Colander 
  • Straw hat
  • Wicker chair
  • Flowers

Make sure that if you are going to use random household items as cookies that you're not putting yourself, your crew, or anyone else in danger. LED lights don't get very hot, so you can pretty much put almost anything right up against them, but if you're not using LEDs, those studio lights get damn hot and will burn your set down if you're not careful.

What are some of your favorite DIY cookie ideas? Let us know down in the comments.

Source: Bill Lawson

diygobomodifierslightingcookies
Cinematography & Cameras