LightingHow to light a set for Television

Use Professional TermsLighting Instrument: The device into which a lamp is installed to provide illumination on the set.Lamp: The part of a lighting instrument that glows when electricity is supplied When referring to a lighting instrument you will only say instrument. i.e. this instrument needs a new lamp

Light has 2 definitionsLights refer to the collection of all instruments used in the studio or on location.Light also can refer to the illumination created by turning on a lamp

TYPES OF LIGHTDefined by the types of shadows they create. -Hard or softHard light: Creates a sharp distinct, and very sharp shadow. I.e. a hard light will create an almost perfect shadow of the image it is shining on.Soft Light: Creates indistinct shadow. A soft light lights shadow will make the shadow unrecognizable.

Types of Lighting InstrumentsSpotlight: A hard light instrument. (can be fixed to a pipe on the ceiling or wall, place on a stand, or very moveable.Frenel: (fruh-nel): Also a hard light instrument. It is lightweight and easily focused.Flood light: A soft light instrument that provides lighting in a large area. Scoop the name of the most popular flood light used on a set.Convertible spotlights: On the back there is a switch that makes a light go from a spot or a flood depending if you want a hard or soft shadow.

AccessoriesWant a hard shadow, but not circular?Barndoors: Fully moveable black metal flaps attached to the front of a lighting instrument used to block or reshape the light. Be careful these doors get VERY hot.On a budget? Use heavy duty foil.Flag: Use a flag between the object and the light if you are getting a reflection from shiny objects on a set.

Fluorescent InstrumentsPrevious slides we talked about incandescent lamps. They now make Fluorescent instruments that can be used for the same purpose.Why use Fluorescent. Less Expensive, Energy saver, lasts much longer. Incandescent lamps are much brighter, and should be used on set, but a mix of lighting can be much more efficient.

Support for Lighting InstrumentsFloor stand: A tripod or quadripod that can have a lighting instrument attached.Grid: A pipe system that hangs from the ceiling.C-Clamp: a clamp in the shape of a C that allows for the lights to be attached to the grid.Raceway: beside the grid on the ceiling is the raceway where the lights actually get there power from.

Colored LightGel: A heat resistant, thick plastic sheet placed in front of a lighting instrument to turn white light from a lamp into a colored light.

Lighting IntensityControl of intensity: Move Instrument further or closer, Replace Lamp with lower wattage.Diffusion device: A device that is placed in front of a lighting instrument to soften intensity.Scrim: A type of diffusion device that is transparent.Use Bounce Lighting: a technique where a lighting instrument is not pointed directly at the subject of the shot, but the light is bounced off another object.Use a dimmer: A device attached to the power control, decreasing the amount of energy given to the light.

Planning the Set LightingLight Plot: a diagram developed by the lighting designer that indicates placement of lighting instruments.LD (lighting designer) begins to light the set.Very tedious process getting the lights just as you want them.

TV Lighting TechniquesThree Point Lighting- creates the appearance of 3 dimensionality on two-dimensional Television screenKeyFill Back

Key LightMain source of illumination on person or object

Fill LightThe lighting instrument that is placed opposite the key light to provide illumination on the other side of the talents face or object.

Back LightThe lighting instrument placed above and behind, the 12 o'clock position, the talent or object in a shot to separate the talent or object from background.(Dont be confused with background light. The background light will be pointed at the background.)

Four-Point Lighting2 key and 2 fill. (4 corners)Key Lights are positioned diagonally opposite from eachother.Fill lights are put in the other 2 corners.Advantage over 3 point -easier to set up. Disadvantage you need an extra light!

Cross Key LightingCross between 3 and 4 point.Used for more than on person or object.Fill light in frontKey light 1 and 2 in front sidesBack Light 3 and 4 in back corners.Always check the lighting in the monitors.

Lighting Wrap-upDont make lighting an after thought. It is an essential part of your video.