Light Extreme Cinematography Workshop
Technical and Creative Aspects of Cinematic Expression
Dancing with Light
Design of  Cinematic Sequence needs to be Organic if it is to relate to emotional and/or intellectual
content of the scene. This can only be achieved when elements chosen for visual interpretation are
psychologically motivated and of homogeneous nature... One wrong element causes effect similar to
false tune in music. "Dancing with Light" technique addresses the technical and creative aspects of
Cinematic Expression. It is an expanded into motion and color version of Ansel Adams' method of
Zone System of Exposure and Previsualization. Zone System is a foundation of the technique that
helps materialising mind images on film or video via the process of relating imagined brightnesses to
the corresponding zone of exposure. After calibrating Video Camera (Menu System) and arriving with
video camera ASA / ISO equivalent (Waveform Monitor) lighting process is executed with Light Meter.
Mind Image is deconstructed into elements of cinematic expression: Light, Exposure, Lens, Color,
Composition, Camera Angle/Movement and, captured on film/video as its physical reflection. Once the
Lighting is accomplished camera and monitor are switched on to compare the resulting Image with  
one in Mind. Dancing with Light Technique guarantees exact translation of Mind Image into that of
Film and / or Video.
Janusz designed "Dancing with Light" technique and teaches it at University of Southern California,
University of California, Dreamworks, and at Light Extreme Workshops. Every summer, Light Extreme
conducts "Dancing with Light" Film/Video Workshop in Florence, Italy.
Copyright 2011
Although Zone System of Exposure has been thought of as
means of control of brightness within a scene in B&W
Photography -  "Dancing with Light" Technique expands its
practical application into color and motion. The purpose - total
creative control in the process of translating imagined values of
Grey into language of film and video. In the Process of
Previsualised Mood deconstruction, values of three main
elements of Mood - Ambiance, Key and Fill are expressed in
terms of Zones of Exposure enabling cinematographer to start
painting with light in a coherent and logical way.
Color: Placing 18% Grey on Zone V renders color at its reflective
value regardless whether in B&W or Color and thus reproduces it
on Film and/or Video with its inherent luminance. Issue of color
separation in B&W is dealt with the old fashion way - Lighting.
Of course there are nuances in Color rendition that relate to Color
Balance of Film. Tungsten Balanced emulsion will render Warm
colors brighter and with less saturation and Daylight Balanced
emulsions render Cool colors similar way.