FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH (1982)
TECHNICAL SPECS
- Camera: Arriflex 35 BL
- Format: 35mm, 1.85:1
- Lenses: Panavision Primo Prime lenses
- Film Stock: Kodak 5247 (daylight) and 5294 (tungsten)
- Key Innovation: Naturalistic lighting for teen comedy
LEONETTI'S APPROACH
- Philosophy: "Natural lighting with minimal stylization"
- Signature: Soft, flattering light for young actors
- Innovation: Documentary-influenced approach to teen comedy
- Style: Bright, colorful palette with minimal shadows
LIGHTING SETUP
- Classroom Scenes: Overhead fluorescents with window fill
- Mall Scenes: Practical store lighting with minimal augmentation
- Pool Scene: Natural sunlight with minimal fill
- Night Scenes: Practical sources with subtle enhancement
VISUAL STRATEGY
- Naturalistic approach to capture authentic teen experience
- Minimal camera movement to focus on performances
- Bright, colorful palette reflecting Southern California aesthetic
- Documentary-influenced framing for realism
RECREATION NOTES
- Use practical sources as primary lighting
- Employ minimal camera movement with standard focal lengths (35-50mm)
- Maintain bright, even lighting for interior scenes
- For mall scenes, embrace existing fluorescent lighting
- For exterior scenes, shoot during "golden hour" when possible
