Lighting
GPS Standards:
AAVTC-AVTFII-6
Demonstrate correct operations for studio and field lighting.
6.1 Demonstrate setting lighting required for field production (i.e., using reflectors, on camera lights, and portable lighting instruments).
6.2 Demonstrate designing and setting lights for a studio broadcast.
6.3 Demonstrate setting lights for special effects (i.e., green screen and compositing).
6.4 Demonstrate using light modifiers (i.e., reflectors, bounce cards, flag, cookies, and gels).
6.5 Demonstrate and perform correct operation of a lighting dimmer.
Related Instructional Objectives
AAVTC-AVTFII-6
Demonstrate correct operations for studio and field lighting.
6.1 Demonstrate setting lighting required for field production (i.e., using reflectors, on camera lights, and portable lighting instruments).
6.2 Demonstrate designing and setting lights for a studio broadcast.
6.3 Demonstrate setting lights for special effects (i.e., green screen and compositing).
6.4 Demonstrate using light modifiers (i.e., reflectors, bounce cards, flag, cookies, and gels).
6.5 Demonstrate and perform correct operation of a lighting dimmer.
Related Instructional Objectives
- Students will learn the equipment, techniques and terminology needed to utilize the three-point lighting systems used for video and film production.
- Students will be able to integrate the knowledge learned and apply the use of this technique into future video projects and productions.
Focus question:
How do filmmakers create emotion, texture, depth and shadow in their compositions - AND What movie making tools can be used to alter the 'feel' of a movie to change a scene from romantic into a comedy, or turn a dramatic scene and turn it into a horror scene?
Answer: LIGHTS!
Film cannot exist without light. Filmmakers utilize natural and artificial light to produce dramatic effects. Film lighting plays a key role in the storytelling process.
There are three main lighting schemes used in film. One is the Key light; the primary light that is used to stimulate the natural light (like a ceiling light or from the window). This light sets up the main illumination on the subject or person and defines visible lighting and shadows.
Second is called the Fill light. This light softens and extends the illumination established by the key light and makes the subject or person more visible. This creates a secondary light source such as a table lamp or lantern.
The third light is called the Rim light, also known as the Back light. It adds a bright line around the main object of focus and gives it a "heavenly" glow.
All of these lights play a big role in setting the mood of a film. There are many other light placements that can create many different looks. All ways are in aspiration to create the perfect film. This lighting system is based on Portrait and Interview style production. This system is NOT to be used for dramatic, or realistic type field production.
The main purpose of this lighting system is to create separation between the subject and the background - which helps to create depth within the composition.
How do filmmakers create emotion, texture, depth and shadow in their compositions - AND What movie making tools can be used to alter the 'feel' of a movie to change a scene from romantic into a comedy, or turn a dramatic scene and turn it into a horror scene?
Answer: LIGHTS!
Film cannot exist without light. Filmmakers utilize natural and artificial light to produce dramatic effects. Film lighting plays a key role in the storytelling process.
There are three main lighting schemes used in film. One is the Key light; the primary light that is used to stimulate the natural light (like a ceiling light or from the window). This light sets up the main illumination on the subject or person and defines visible lighting and shadows.
Second is called the Fill light. This light softens and extends the illumination established by the key light and makes the subject or person more visible. This creates a secondary light source such as a table lamp or lantern.
The third light is called the Rim light, also known as the Back light. It adds a bright line around the main object of focus and gives it a "heavenly" glow.
All of these lights play a big role in setting the mood of a film. There are many other light placements that can create many different looks. All ways are in aspiration to create the perfect film. This lighting system is based on Portrait and Interview style production. This system is NOT to be used for dramatic, or realistic type field production.
The main purpose of this lighting system is to create separation between the subject and the background - which helps to create depth within the composition.
Vocabulary
The Standard 3-Point Lighting Technique
The Three Point Lighting Technique is a standard method used in visual media such as video, film, still photography and computer-generated imagery. It is a simple but versatile system, which forms the basis of most lighting. Once you understand three point lighting you are well on the way to understanding all lighting.
Key Light
The Key light is the main source of illumination. It is usually the strongest and has the most influence on the look of the scene. It is placed to one side of the camera and subject so that the main features of the subject are highlighted, and the opposite side is shaded.
Fill Light
This is the secondary light and is placed on the opposite side of the key light. It is used to fill the shadows created by the key. The fill will usually be softer and less bright than the key.
Back Light
The back light is placed behind the subject and lights it from the rear. Rather than providing direct lighting (like the key and fill), its purpose is to provide definition and subtle highlights around the subject's outlines. This helps separate the subject from the background and provide a three-dimensional look. The backlight is also referred to as a rim-light or kicker.
The addition of a fourth light, the background light, or Set Light, makes for a four-point lighting setup. The background light is placed behind the subject(s), on a high grid, or low to the ground. Unlike the other three lights, which illuminate foreground elements like actors and props, it illuminates background elements, such as walls or outdoor scenery. This technique can be used to eliminate shadows cast by foreground elements onto the background, or to draw more attention to the background.
Additional Terms related to this lesson:
Fall-Off
The gradual reduction in luminance from the screen center to the edges and comers.
Intensity, Light
A term referring to the power (strength) of a light source. The total visible radiation produced by the light source.
Hard Light
Light directly from a source such as the sun, traveling undisturbed onto the subject being lit.
Soft Light
Light which appears to "wrap around" the subject to some degree. Produces less shadows or softer shadows.
Diffused Light
Diffused light is softened light, with less shadows and more even coverage. A diffused light source is most commonly achieved by directing light through a translucent material, such as a diffusion shoot-through umbrella, a softbox, or a diffusion reflector panel.
The Three Point Lighting Technique is a standard method used in visual media such as video, film, still photography and computer-generated imagery. It is a simple but versatile system, which forms the basis of most lighting. Once you understand three point lighting you are well on the way to understanding all lighting.
Key Light
The Key light is the main source of illumination. It is usually the strongest and has the most influence on the look of the scene. It is placed to one side of the camera and subject so that the main features of the subject are highlighted, and the opposite side is shaded.
Fill Light
This is the secondary light and is placed on the opposite side of the key light. It is used to fill the shadows created by the key. The fill will usually be softer and less bright than the key.
Back Light
The back light is placed behind the subject and lights it from the rear. Rather than providing direct lighting (like the key and fill), its purpose is to provide definition and subtle highlights around the subject's outlines. This helps separate the subject from the background and provide a three-dimensional look. The backlight is also referred to as a rim-light or kicker.
The addition of a fourth light, the background light, or Set Light, makes for a four-point lighting setup. The background light is placed behind the subject(s), on a high grid, or low to the ground. Unlike the other three lights, which illuminate foreground elements like actors and props, it illuminates background elements, such as walls or outdoor scenery. This technique can be used to eliminate shadows cast by foreground elements onto the background, or to draw more attention to the background.
Additional Terms related to this lesson:
Fall-Off
The gradual reduction in luminance from the screen center to the edges and comers.
Intensity, Light
A term referring to the power (strength) of a light source. The total visible radiation produced by the light source.
Hard Light
Light directly from a source such as the sun, traveling undisturbed onto the subject being lit.
Soft Light
Light which appears to "wrap around" the subject to some degree. Produces less shadows or softer shadows.
Diffused Light
Diffused light is softened light, with less shadows and more even coverage. A diffused light source is most commonly achieved by directing light through a translucent material, such as a diffusion shoot-through umbrella, a softbox, or a diffusion reflector panel.
Complete all work using your own paper. This is an individual activity. After all work is completed, staples papers together, make sure your name is on your paper, and hand in.