Lighting

In this session, the class learnt the basics of lighting; how to operate the the equipment and how light a subject using three point lighting.

We began the session by getting to grips with what film really is (Eddie made sure of this before we moved on) and introducing ourselves and letting others know what we wanted to become, most of which said, directors and writers. Eddie said that this was worrying - no one said they wanted to produce! He then explained that without the producer there is nothing!

Then, we moved on to the 3-point-lighting. This was a little scary at first, due to the amount of (expensive) equipment. Everyone was a little cautious for sure, but that was sharply overtaken by the interest towards the lighting.

Firstly, Eddie talked us through the type of equipment:

• pampalite
• stands
• reflector
• sandbags (to keep stands from falling over)
• lights

He then proceeded to demonstrate how to light a subject using the 3-point lighting set-up. He done this with the help of James(the subject) and a camera linked to the television, so that we could see what it look like on the screen. 

He explained the functions of each light: 

1. Key light- does not matter on what side of the subject the light is. The main light used to highlight.
2. fill light- does not matter on what side of the subject the light is. Used to kill any shadow the other side created by the key light. 
3. backlight- used to the subject a 3 dimensional look. This separates the subject from the background

The subject is usually in the middle and the light surround it. The camera is situated between the key light and fill light.

This workshop was a major eye opener for me; not only in the logistic side but about lighting as a whole. I had no idea how complex and how importance it is. I can now say, that without proper lighting most of my favourite films would very well not be so great. Lighting does add another dimension to film.


Here is the video for our lighting video:

Lighting from Gezzi Entertainment on Vimeo.