How to Light a Film

Film lighting is vitally important to the overall look and design of the film. Poor lighting can kill a film since it will look amateurish and hide what could be amazing performances. Light is used not only to provide a certain color temperature for film but also to create and enhance a mood, divide a room and make a statement.

Things You'll Need

• Light poles
• Lights
• Gloves
• Barn doors
• Soft boxes
• Filters
• Script

Instructions

1. Read the script so you can get an idea of what the message is, the scenery, time period and tone of the movie. Have a meeting with the director and producers to discuss the look and feel of the film. Discuss any metaphors or other elements that should be worked into the lighting and look of the movie to send a message or establish a point of view.

2. Look at the set design or scene scape of the background when it is set up. Ask the stand-ins to come in and take their place. Have the director work with the stand-ins and give them a general idea of where they'll be moving around within a specific shot. Watch the rehearsal.

3. Set up the key light to illuminate the area where the actors will be for the most part. The key light is the most powerful and strongest light. Put it to one side of the camera about 6 to 18 inches from the actual camera. It should also be the highest set light in terms of height and luminosity. Turn the light on. Look at the shadows that the key light casts.

4. Place the fill light on the opposite side of where the key light is. Angle it down about 45 degrees. The fill light should be a lower level and power than the key light. If you don't have a lower light level, then use barn doors and soft boxes to control the output of light or its direction.

5. Put the back light behind the actors at a very low level, often on the ground. This should fill in some more of the shadows but not all of them. You need some shadows and depth to create a sense of space and depth of field. Take photos of the setup to see how it photographs. Adjust accordingly. If you're going for a certain look to create a message or set a specific tone, then set up your lighting as such. Good luck and have fun!

Tips & Warnings

• Create a vision of what you want before you get to the set to save some time.

• Remember, things change all the time; be prepared for anything.