How to Do Fill Lighting in Films

Film lighting is very tricky, but it can make or break a scene. A beautiful, well-shot scene can make up for poor acting or writing, but poor lighting will overshadow even the best performances. Lighting can create an entire environment and mood. Fill lighting is the complement to the main light sources, which are known as key lights.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Light bulbs or halogen lamps
• Key light
• Soft boxes
• Barn doors

1. Set up the key lighting first. It's used to simulate the light source of the scene (the sun, a lamp, flashlight, etc.). You have to do this first because the fill light is meant to complement the key light and fix its problems.

2. Select a shorter pole or rigging unit. Also choose a light bulb or halogen lamp that is about half as bright as that of the key light. If you're not sure of the strength you need, go for a light that is slightly more powerful than half, as you can cut down the light later.

3. Place your pole or rigging unit on the side opposite the key light. The key light will cast a shadow on one side of the subject. The shadow will likely be quite harsh, and it is the job of the fill light to lessen that shadow but not completely erase it (as shadows create depth of field).

4. Turn on your fill light. Notice how it changes the shadows cast by the key light. Adjust the levels so the fill is lower than the key light. Look through the camera lens to see how the look will translates to film, as opposed to the human eye.

5. Play with filters, soft boxes and barn doors to reduce the light if necessary, or simply to create a unique look. Take Polaroid or digital photos of each look; you can compare them later, if you want, before you decide how to shoot a particular scene.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't set up your fill lights higher than the level of the key lights