Skip to main content

Horror Cinematography with Christopher Baffa, ASC

3 Topics • 6 Lessons

A self-paced masterclass with Christopher Baffa, ASC (the American Horror Story pilot, Nip/Tuck, Glee), who traces horror lighting from German Expressionism to The Exorcist, shows how he and Ryan Murphy revealed a creature in flashes of light, and answers questions on soft light, shadow detail, set design and working with actors, paired with a StudentFilmmakers Magazine reading and two graded quizzes.

What you'll learn

  • How horror lighting grew from German Expressionism and the Universal classics: falloff to black, silhouette and atmosphere
  • Why some of the scariest scenes in film history are brightly lit, from Psycho to Alien
  • How a naturalistic approach gives the audience "accessibility," a way into the story
  • How Christopher Baffa and Ryan Murphy used flashes of light to show a creature without showing too much
  • How to control soft light in a dark, moody scene
  • Why a "healthy negative" with detail in the shadows gives you control in the grade
  • How set design, special effects planning and a good rapport with actors shape a frightening scene

How the course works

  1. Start Here: goals, the course path and your instructor
  2. The Masterclass: Christopher Baffa's 68-minute session with a chapter guide and field notes
  3. Masterclass Quiz: 25 questions, 70% to pass, up to 3 attempts
  4. The Reading: Chiaroscuro Lighting by Cira Felina Bolla
  5. Reading Quiz: 25 questions, 70% to pass, up to 3 attempts

Lessons unlock in order. Plan on about 2 hours.

Level: Intermediate · Format: Self-paced · Instructor: Christopher Baffa, ASC

This is a private course

Purchase access below or log in if you are already a member.

  • Academy Monthly $15.00 / month
  • Academy Annual · Best Value $150.00 / year
  • Single course access $7.50