Mastering Simplicity: Johnny Derango’s Lighting Setup for “Checking In” Music Video

Hello everyone! Today, we’re excited to present the lighting breakdown of a new work by our friend and FilmmakersWorld contributor, cinematographer Johnny Derango. Plus (NEW), we’ve just embedded a spectacular new post at the bottom from “A Drummer Boy Christmas Live: The Cinematic Experience”.

Johnny has built a reputation as one of the most versatile and innovative cinematographers in the industry. 

From indie films like Fatman to high-profile music videos, Derango’s work on ‘Checking In’ showcases his mastery of minimalist visual storytelling.

His approach to lighting goes beyond mere technical execution. In fact, it’s a reflection of his deep understanding of how light shapes emotion and narrative.

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Derango reflects on his early days as a director of photography (DP), where the pressure to use every light and tool on set seemed like the only way to prove his expertise. He notes, “I think early in most DP’s careers, they feel they have to use every light and piece of gear on their trucks to prove that they know what they are doing.”

However, with time and experience, he realized that often the simplest setup can yield the most striking results.

For the “Checking In” music video, Derango employed a streamlined lighting setup, using only four lights: a Nanlux Dino 1200C, an Arri M18 HMI, and two Vortex V8s. Additionally, his decision to limit the equipment not only simplified the shoot but also provided a focused, aesthetic result. “Sometimes the simplest approach is best,” Johnny Derango explains.

Beyond the basic lighting setup, Johnny Derango added layers of complexity through subtle techniques. In the comments, he shared his affinity for creating a directional soft ambiance augmented with hard light.

“It allows you to get a nice wrap on your talent, an interesting look for the environment, and oftentimes allows you to keep the space you are working in free of gear— talent generally loves this approach,” he says.

In this particular shoot, he further enhanced the scene by using a lite ribbon to illuminate bottles on the mantle. Additionally, he used a small Aputure MC light to mimic a practical light that had to be removed for certain shots.

This level of detail, combined with the minimalist lighting setup, allowed Derango to shape the scene creatively. At the same time, he maintained a clean working environment for the actors and crew.

Using the Arri Alexa LF Mini paired with Canon K35 lenses, Derango and camera operator Sam Willey captured every shot with precision and flair. Moreover, the seamless collaboration between Derango, director Kadin Tooley, and gaffer Drew Fraizer ensured that every frame reflected the desired mood and tone of the video.

The Takeaway

Johnny Derango’s work on the “Checking In” music video is a masterclass in how simplicity can achieve stunning results. His approach, which balances soft ambient lighting with hard directional light, creates a visual narrative that is both engaging and aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, the use of minimal gear not only highlights Derango’s technical prowess but also showcases his understanding of the importance of maintaining a clean and flexible set for the talent.

His work serves as an inspiration for emerging filmmakers. In addition, his emphasis on simplicity, combined with his meticulous attention to detail, proves that less can indeed be more in creating impactful visual stories.

NEW – Behind the Scenes “A Drummer Boy Christmas LIVE: The Cinematic Concert Experience”.

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Thank you so much, Johnny, for sharing your experience and these valuable insights with the community!

Did you know that Johnny Derango was also the Director of Photography on Flight Risk, directed by Mel Gibson? Take a look here!

Thank you fam for reading! If you wanna learn more about Johnny Derango, go check his website and his Instagram, and in case you missed our previous mag piece, go check it out!

Much love!
FilmmakersWorld Team

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