Movies with red light on the gauge cluster

[FloydV]

I posted this on the AVS forum, and got zilch. I don't know what 1080P is doing for them if they haven't noticed this:

Two movies out of many, Donnie Brasco, and The Next Three Days, as examples.
In most scenes where it is dark, and the camera is behind the driver, looking toward the windshield, a red light is on on the dashboard. I've seen this many times recently, and I think it has something to do with helping the cinematographer. Else, the light would be covered or shut off.

My question is: has anyone else notice this, and why do you think the light is visible?

It's one of those things that once you see it, you can't stop noticing, and it nags at me.

Floyd

 

[Busa1166]

watch 12 romantic dramas in a row any 12 and you will be begging for a red light inyour face on a windshield

 

[StrtRac3r]

Is this light on the gauges? I have never seen those movies but if it is it's likely to be the oil gauge since in most movies they are not driving the car. (seems weird to me that would be overlooked thought unless it's low budget)

 

[Busaman5000]

possibly to let the driver know that the camera is rolling?

 

[FloydV]

possibly to let the driver know that the camera is rolling?

That's a good thought. Usually the scenes are short, but they might drive for a while getting from one to the other.