Mark Patten, BSC Reflects Naturalism on Andor Season 2 with Lightbridge Precision Reflectors

Mark Patten, BSC

UK-based cinematographer Mark Patten, BSC (“Silo”, “Raised by Wolves”, “Black Doves”) joined the acclaimed Disney+ series “Andor: A Star Wars Story” for Season 2, bringing his own innovative lighting ethos to enhance the look. “Andor” represents a darker, more grounded side of the “Star Wars” universe, with espionage and political intrigue at its center. Despite the high concept themes and beautifully detailed set pieces, the show maintains a natural, never over-lit look throughout. To support this ‘realistic’ vision, Patten turned to the Cine Reflect Lighting System (CRLS) from Lightbridge (www.lightbridge.com), choosing Precision Reflectors to create spill-free, naturalistic lighting both across massive set builds and dense outdoor environments.

“Andor” is the latest entry in Disney’s expanded “Star Wars” universe and a fan-favorite for its mature storytelling and nuanced visual language. While the setting is technically science fiction, the show draws heavy influence from westerns, embracing naturalistic environments and lived-in textures. The second season has adopted a four-chapter structure, with Patten lensing the third chapter, episodes 7-9. “From the very top, showrunner Tony Gilroy’s vision was about achieving naturalism in every frame,” Patten describes. “Even though it’s a sci-fi world–a ‘Star Wars’ world–’Andor’ is grounded. That meant never feeling over-lit. The CRLS system was a great tool to both achieve this and allow me to nuance my chapter.”

Following chapters 1-2 (shot by Christophe Nuyens, SBC), the story expands across new planets and locations, as well as revisiting major set pieces like the Palmo Plaza. Whether on location or on stage, Patten faced the challenge of lighting enormous sets in ways that felt invisible and true to the world. “Luke Hull, our production designer, had built this massive, life-size plaza on the Pinewood Studios backlot where the Gorman massacre takes place,” he says. “To properly light it, I needed to get illumination into spaces where the sun wouldn’t actually reach.” Patten positioned C-100 Precision Reflectors to catch and bounce light from large HMIs including ARRI M90s and M40s into these nooks and crannies off the large central plaza.

Lightbridge CRLS

The Cine Reflect Lighting System (CRLS) offers an uncanny ability to produce targeted, spill-free, diffused light, capable of subtle nuances. Featuring proprietary coated surfaces that reflect 97% of incoming light with 100% color accuracy, the maneuverable Lightbridge Precision Reflectors gave Patten the ability to tailor light to each moment. “By utilizing the light physics of CRLS, I can reflect natural looking light into these huge sets.” From the protest in the plaza center to the scuffle ensuing in the cafe and adjacent alleys, Patten directs and diffuses light throughout the action.

“The best thing about Precision Reflectors,” the cinematographer continues, “is that you can light overall from a distance yet still model and sculpt the scene. With CRLS, you’re not putting all this gear in the actors’ eyelines. It frees the set up.” Less intrusive equipment plays into the show’s call for realism and can help talent embrace the world of the “Andor”.

Patten also calls out a forest sequence in episode 9, when titular character Andor Cassian hides out in a treehouse-like jungle safehouse. “We shot deep in a real forest near London, dressed as jungle. The greens team had to blend the northern hemisphere forest and make it look like something in the tropics, so the foliage became super dense. Getting light in there was difficult.” Using parabolic Dedolight DPB70s fired into Precision Reflectors, Patten created narrow shafts of ultra hard light, bounced and diffused to mimic sunlight streaking through the dense foliage. “It worked a treat—you suddenly had these beautiful hard streaks cutting through jungle canopy and into the interior of the set, and it still felt natural.” A mark of “Andor’s” visual success is its ability to seamlessly incorporate diverse futuristic sets into a unified look while keeping the story present and relevant.

“I think the CRLS system helps you become more confident in how light really works,” Patten says. “It takes a leap of faith at first, but once you understand the system, it completely shifts the way you think about lighting. It lets you light naturally, simply—and with a level of precision that’s hard to beat.”

Season 2 of “Andor” is already receiving high praise from critics and audiences, its serious and grounded tone connecting with viewers across the gamut. Seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream now on Disney+.