The Shot List: Cinematic Lighting Part 1

Introduction

• Films consist of sequences, scenes, and shots.
• This episode focuses on lighting fundamentals, part 1 of 2.
• Importance of lighting in filmmaking for visual storytelling and mood setting.
• Key roles: Director of Photography (DP) and Gaffer.

Types of Light

• Natural Light: Sunlight, moonlight, firelight.
• Artificial Light: Man-made, powered by electricity.
  • Ambient Lighting: Pre-existing lighting (e.g., street lamps, moon).
  • Practical Lighting: Light sources visible in the frame.
  • Motivated Lighting: Justified, logical light source in a scene.

Properties of Light

• Lumens: Measurement of light produced by a source.
• Lux/Foot Candles: Measures incidental light hitting the subject.
• Reflective Light: Amount of light reaching the camera.
• Light Falloff: Intensity reduction as distance increases, explained by the inverse square law.
• Color Temperature: Measured in Kelvins.
  • Daylight: Approximately 5600K (bluer).
  • Tungsten Lights: Around 3200K (oranger).

Key Lighting Concepts and Terms

• Exposure: Amount of light reaching sensor/film stock.
  • Determined by Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO.
• Contrast Ratio: Difference between light and shadow.
  • High Key Lighting: Low contrast, even lighting.
  • Low Key Lighting: High contrast, dramatic.
  • Chiaroscuro: High contrast seen in film noir.
• Hard vs. Soft Light:
  • Hard Light: Directional, stark shadows.
  • Soft Light: Diffused, less defined shadows.
• Lighting Placement:
  • Dumb/Broad Side: Closer to camera, approachable.
  • Smart/Short Side: Not facing camera, dramatic.
• Lens Flares and Boca: Effects created by light interaction with the lens.

Essential Lighting Gear

• Lights:
  • Tungsten Lights: Warm temperature.
  • HMI Lights: Cool temperature.
  • Fluorescent, KinoFlows, LED Lights: Various temperatures and controls.
• Gels: Color adjustment.
• Light Meter: Measures incidental light for exposure settings.
• Diffusion Techniques:
  • Soft boxes, diffusion paper, silks.
  • Natural diffusers: clouds, fog.
  • Reflectors and B boards for bouncing light.
• Neutral Density Gels: Reduce light intensity, sunlight reduction.
• Flags, Barn Doors, Egg Crates, Cookies: Control and shape light.
• Mounting Equipment: Light stands, C-stands for setup.

Conclusion

• This episode covers basic lighting fundamentals with more to come in part 2.
• Future topics include real-life lighting scenarios and setups.
• Additional resources and a PDF cheat sheet available.