'INTRODUCTION TO 3 POINT LIGHTING' FRIDAY 14TH NOVEMBER

During the last session, we were introduced to one of the most pivotal aspects of cinematography and film making in general, lighting. We also set up as though to film an interview. For this we were taught to align the camera with the interviewees eyes and to do so whenever filming an interview. The shot used was a medium close up.

In the session, we were taught how three point lighting stands as the cornerstone of lighting, be it for a set or for lighting an interview. The equipment we used for the session was a Dedo DLH4 kit, which included 3 lights, stands and dimmers. When setting up the lights, we were also informed of the correct names and positions the lights took when using three point lighting. 

The first light used is named the key light which is used to give primary light and exposure to the subject. This is positioned so that the light directly hits the subject, the key light serves as defining the colour and angle of the overall lighting in the shot. 

The second light used is the fill light which serves as lighting the opposite side of the subject which aids in creating a more detailed form to film. The brightness of this second light is half that of the fill, which adds to the overall texture of the subject. 

The third and final light is the back light which fills in the remaining areas which the key and fill have missed. This is positioned at a 45 degree angle opposite the fill to create a triangular outline. 

Our three point lighting setup for an interview.

Each light was positioned at a 45 degree angle

All the lights were positioned at the same height

 

Complete setup for our interview

Throughout the session, we were also taught a range of terms in relation to lighting and work on a film set.

Blocking: Where actors practice and rehearse their movements and gain a sense of the space they have for the performance on set or stage.

Grading: The adjusting of the colour of an image. 

Chiaroscuro: The use of strong contrasts between light and dark, usually using bold contrasts which affect the whole piece.

Stop Difference: When one light is brighter than the other.

Alongside this we were also Informed about the general schedules of shooting a script, for example the average time to page ratio for a feature film averages a minute of dialogue per page. The shooting schedule for a feature film equates to three to four pages a day, contrasting with that of a soap opera, averaging ten to twelve pages per day.