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1. Be familiar with the script and mood of the scene.
2. Select the apparent light sources for the scene.
3. Check where power is available, and what lighting equipment is available.
4. Determine where the camera positions will be.
5. Decide on colour balance for the scene, and do a white balance.
6. Set up the key light, keeping in mind the four variables.
7. Set up any other necessary lights: fill, back or background.
8. Check lighting through the viewfinder, and adjust exposure if necessary.
Electrical guidelines:
- Every 100 watts of light draws about 1 amp of current.
- Most circuits have 15 amp fuses.
- Electric shock can be fatal.
Reasons for adding lights in addition to the key light:
- Reducing contrast (adding fill light)
- Revealing texture, and separation of background and foreground (adding back light)
- Lighting larger area (adding BG light, or additional key light)
Fill light (near the camera) lightens the shadows without creating new shadows:
Backlight highlights and separates subject from background.
Frame enlargement from Company of Strangers.
One light may serve as key light for one subject, and back light for another:
Return to Four Variables of Light.
Return to FILM 250 Course Materials.
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