What lightning technique is used on the tv show CSI las vegas?

[JT C]

If you're trying to duplicate it, theatrical lighting is usually achieved with all sorts of spot lights instead of broad/flat lights, and the lights are moved for each take of each scene to achieve maximum dramatic effect.

I realize that they are trying to dramatize what is otherwise a totally mundane and routine experience, that of CSI evidence analysis, but it spoils everything for me to see them trying to perform scientific experiments in lighting more fit for a discotech than a working government facility. How stupid do they think we are?

If you can get a DVD of the show, put a scene on freeze frame and look at the lighting on the faces, and sometimes in the eyes. The eyes sometimes will reflect the lights like a mirror. Practice with a flashlight shining on a friend sitting in front of you, or a styrofoam wig head, or even your own fist held up in front of your fact to see how light behaves coming from a spot source. It won't be long before you'll know what lights were used and where they were located. My first wife and I used to get thrown out of the movies because we'd sit there and discuss the lighting setups.

 

[Race R]

Generally in the lab scenes, the lighting is very poor, usually more like mood lighting with a blue tint. I know they use this technique for visual effects and to make for a darker approach. But if i was going to replicate this technique how would i go about doing this. What lights are they using ie. florescent, tungsten, natural etc. I see they usually put lights behind objects on cabinets and down lights on walls for example- when brass interrogates people in the interrogating room. the walls are concrete with blue and purple down lights making for a really cool look. thanks in advance.