COEM 232 Video Production

Essential challenge: to create images with mood and significance, and that generate interesting film spaces. What light is available? When do we use artificial lighting? Lighting Basics

To establish the illusion of reality. To give a naturalistic logic to the lighting. Consider the light sources that are organic. Natural sources create directionality. Directional light must be maintained through the scene. Motivated Light

Where to put the key light? Front ¾ right Front Front ¾ left Side left Side right Back ¾ right Back ¾ left Back

How high to put the key light? Top 60° 45° 30° Camera

Re-thinking the fill light By keeping the fill light closer to the camera, you have fewer facial shadows. Fill light should only be soft.

Eyelight - a small spot placed near the camera in front of the talent. Kicker or Rim light – back light off to the left or right when key is in front or not used. Hairlight – back light used to spot the hair of the talent. Other types of lights

Examples

Exterior day shots must consider placement of the sun. Interior day shots should consider use of windows and openings for light sources. Use reflectors and fill lights to lighten shadows caused by the sun or windows. Maintain proper color temperature. Cover windows with ND filter gels. Daylight Scenes

Night exteriors use weak fill as moonlight and backlighting for key. Night shots have significant contrast vs. day shots. Interior night scenes have dark windows, doorways, and rooms using practicals for sources. Use bluer color temperatures on lights other than practicals. Nighttime Scenes

Examples