How to Use Fill Light in Video Production

Fill light is useful in video production as a way to lighten the dark areas produced by the primary light source. It is an essential element in three-point lighting, and cannot function properly without the existence of the other two elements; the key light and the back light.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Obtain a light which is dimmer and more diffuse than your main or key light source. For example, if you are using a 500 watt key light, you may want to use a 250 watt fill light with a diffuser.

2. Determine the location of the dark areas which have been created by your key light. These are usually in the exact opposite side of the area being illuminated by the key light. For example, if you have lit your subject with a key light from the left at a 45 degree angle, position the fill light on the right, also at a 45 degree angle. This places it exactly 90 degrees away from the key light.

3. Hook up your video camera to a monitor and watch it as you adjust your fill light. The general rule of thumb is to place the fill light just slightly higher than the camera, and lower than the key light. However, if you don't experience ideal results, it's acceptable to move your fill light. Adjust the fill light up or down, change the angle, or move the fill light in relation to the subject.

4. If you're still experiencing dark areas on your subject, use a reflector to create a bounce light. A reflector, such as a white sheet of poster-board or a silver car shade, reflects some of the key light back to illuminate the darkened areas of your subject. This is particularly useful if you are using outdoor light as your key light. Your reflector will need to be fairly close to your subject to create an effective fill light. Alternatively, you can also bounce the fill light off of a wall rather than using a reflector or diffuser.

5. Complete the three-point lighting by creating a back light which illumines the very top of the subject's hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Try taping a short segment of your subject, then playing it back over a television monitor. This will give you a better idea of how your finished video will look, and eliminate surprises in the editing room.
• Make sure that your background is right for your subject. Avoid stark black or white backgrounds, instead using a background with a medium tone and lots of texture.
• Halogen and tungsten lights are inexpensive yet effective choices for low-budget video production.