Lighting

Question 1

What is the function of lighting and what can it do?

Answer 1

Lighting is one of the most important aspect of motion pictures
Sets the tone of a film while giving two dimensional images the feeling of a three dimensional life
Lighting conveys information - creates mood, show a character’s power / vulnerability
The direction and source of the lighting can convey much

Question 2

Key light

Answer 2

3 point lighting
- main light
- strongest and most influential light
- placed to one side
primary light used to illuminate a subject

*high key: brightly lit - suggest emotion. context must always be considered
*high key LIGHTING: bright, even lighting with a few shadows. - happiness, brightness, cheerfulness
light dominates the frame

*low key: dimly lit - suggest emotion . context must always be considered
*low key LIGHTING: diffused shadows & atmospheric pools of light. - sadness, menace, mystery, gloom
shadows dominate the frame

NOTES:
neutral key - lighting = neutral ; creating a shot which could be a devoid of emotion

natural lighting - no artificial lights are used ; it is uncommon to have no additional light sources.

time of day - director chooses to use available light in a certain way & supplements it with artificial lighting

softer lighting: good for thrillers/mysteries

Question 3

Fill light

Answer 3

3 point lighting
- fill in shadows
- softer & less bright than key light

after key light is positioned there will be a harsh shadow on one side of the subject opposite the key light
meant to reduce the shadow but not eliminate it entirely (for depth)
Should be placed on the opposite side of the key light (half as bright and not positioned as high)

Question 4

Back light/Rim light

Answer 4

3 point lighting
- lights the object from the rear
- separates the object from the background
- provides the object with an outline

positioned behind subject, opposite the camera - high above both to ensure no light goes directly into the camera.
will create a slight glow on the back of the subject = separates it from the back ground and prev. subject from looking 2D
sometimes referred to as the HALO EFFECT

Changing the mood:
*comedy/light spirit = turn fill light up. subject = more evenly lit (jollier mood)
*dramatic = turn fill light down (increased amount of shadow)
darker = suspense & tension

Silhouette = dark foreground, background is well lit
can convey a variety of meaning (depends on context)

Question 5

General guidelines regarding lighting

Answer 5

light above & in-front of subject: realism

> side lighting: solidarity, depth, shape
front lighting: blurs faults - detracts from character
light below subject: evil uncanny effects/ makes subjects look sinister
light above subject: spiritual effect
backlighting: idealises subject - aura of wonder

Question 6

Notan lighting

Answer 6

Neutral lighting
- all areas captured in the frame are equally bright
used to convey a message of neutrality and objectivity

Question 7

Chiaroscuro lighting

Answer 7

director selects areas to be well lit, dimly lit or not lit at all

1. Rembrandt
2. Cameo
3. Silhouette

Question 8

Filters

Answer 8

control the amount of light allowed through the camera lense
effects:
- distortions
- softening of light
- emphasising certain colour
etc.