FILM 250 Lighting Exercise

Each group of students should shoot three scenes of about 1 minute of footage each, designed to form a short film. The scenes should be in three different locations. One scene from either of the two categories below, and two scenes from the other:

1. Interior or night exterior, without existing daylight.
2. Interior with mixed daylight and tungsten.

Shoot each scene as a master shot followed by a shot or two to show how the lights are set up, with the tripod left to show where the camera was for the master shot. Then shoot 2-3 inserts for the scene. The three scenes can be shot in any order; indicate scene numbers on your slate.

Remember the Steps For Lighting a Location:

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.

Use the lighting angle and control of what is lit, to create high key or low key styles. For a scene that you want to look dark, use low key lighting rather than underexposing. Use the manual iris control to adjust exposure if necessary. Consider experimenting with hard light and soft light, as well as the use of backlight and colour. If using coloured gels, set the white balance first. Find an appropriate and dynamic framing for your master shots: they don't have to be the same as an "establishing shot". Shoot some production stills if possible.

Friday, 10 February. Marks: 5%

FILM 250 Lighting Exercise

Each group of students should shoot three scenes of about 1 minute of footage each, designed to form a short film. The scenes should be in three different locations. One scene from either of the two categories below, and two scenes from the other:

1. Interior or night exterior, without existing daylight.
2. Interior with mixed daylight and tungsten.

Shoot each scene as a master shot followed by a shot or two to show how the lights are set up, with the tripod left to show where the camera was for the master shot. Then shoot 2-3 inserts for the scene. The three scenes can be shot in any order; indicate scene numbers on your slate.

Remember the Steps For Lighting a Location:

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.

Use the lighting angle and control of what is lit, to create high key or low key styles. For a scene that you want to look dark, use low key lighting rather than underexposing. Use the manual iris control to adjust exposure if necessary. Consider experimenting with hard light and soft light, as well as the use of backlight and colour. If using coloured gels, set the white balance first. Find an appropriate and dynamic framing for your master shots: they don't have to be the same as an "establishing shot". Shoot some production stills if possible.

Friday, 10 February. Marks: 5%