LIGHTING A VIDEO SET

There is no 'absolutely correct ' way to light a video set, it depends on what type of lighting feel you are after. For example while it is traditional to organize your lights to get rid of shadows you may in fact want shadows. In the final analysis the lighting configuration that gives you the 'feel' you are after is the 'correct' one. When it comes to video production, the best teacher of lighting principles is experience. Experimentation and practice makes perfect.

The standard luminare for lighting a small set is an 800 watt 'Red Head'. Sometimes 500 watt floods can also be used.

The 800 watt 'Red Head'

SAFETY When you are positioning a light fixture make sure it is in a place where it is not likely to be bumped over. Also think about where you run the power cables, can they easily be tripped on???. Avoid 'spagetti', make a cable loom (run them together where possible) and use gaff tape and place carpet over them where they cross a walk way !!!!!.

ACTIVITY 1:1) Connect a camcorder to a monitor.2) Place a chair approx. 3 metres in front to a camcorder.3) Have a volunteer sit on the chair and frame up a mid to close-up shot.

4) Using one light only record a series of shots with the light in different positions. A shot is taken as the class observing the monitor comes to concessus about the desirability of the shot. See how many different effects you can create. Don't forget to vary height of the light as well as it's position.

The Three Point Lighting Rig
The basic lighting configuration involves 3 lights arranged around the subject. These lights are as follows:-

Key light. This is a hard light typically 35 degrees above horizontal from the subject. This light emulates the action of the sun (as a point source of light). A Key light, because of its harshness creates shadows.Fill light This light is a diffused light and is usually at eye level on the opposite side of the camera as the 'Key light'. This light softens the subject, filling in the shadows, hence the term it's name. 'Spun' or special diffusion paper is used to diffuse the light.Back light My favorite!! The back light adds a sense of depth and sparkle to the picture. It is typically the same wattage as key light and is approx. 50-80 degrees above horizontal.

 A Three Point Lighting set up.(Top View)

 A Three Point Lighting set up. (Side View)

The height of each of these lights will vary dependent on the approach of the designer. An equally effective lighting method uses only the fill light and the back light. Experimentation will allow you to develop your own approach.

 

Powering up the rig

Important: MOST POWER POINTS CAN ONLY YIELD A MAXIMUM OF 2400 WATTS, EXCEEDING THIS VALUE MAY CAUSE A CIRCUIT TO TRIP OR MAY EVEN CAUSE A FIRE HAZARD. Make sure you do not connect more than 2400 watts of lighting to a single power point. Before you power lights up, do a quick power calculation, add up the wattage of the lights you are going to use. Use the following table as a guide.

CURRENT CALCULATIONS
Light Types
Power Rating
Key Light
650 WATTS
Back Light
650 WATTS
Fill Light
1000 WATTS
POWER TOTAL
2300 WATTS
Table L1.

The total power consumption is under 2400 Watts, Therefor the set up is OK from a power point of view!!!

HINT: If you need to use more lights spread them over several supply circuits.

Using the 4 Pak Dimmer

Plugging lights directly into a power point will supply the current you need but it does not give you control over the relative balance of each light in your set up. A simple 4 channel dimmer will enable you to balance each light for optimum effect.

4 Pak Dimmer

4 Pac Power Balance Rules Each channel can take up to a total of 1000 watts BUT the total of the four channels must not exceed 2400 watts

.ACTIVITY 2:

1) Set up a camcorder on a tripod.

2) Place a chair approx. 3 metres in front of the camera and seat a volunteer on it.

3) Construct a three point lighting rig as you would for a standard single camera interview.

4) Do current draw calculations before you power up.

5) Turn the lights on one at a time and record 30 seconds with each light on. Describe what effect each light has on the scene.

6) Using the 4 Pak dim each light to give the required balance.

For alittle more fun...... Choose one person as an interviewer who assumes the identity of a famous reporters, eg " Hello, I'm Peter Harvey...." Another student is chosen as an interviewee assuming the identity of a famous person eg Madonna. Choose a topic and record the interview. eg Good evening, tonight I have Madonna with me in the studio. We're talking about her views on the sand blasting of green stamps!!... ..........................................................................................improvise!! At the completion choose another set of students, characters and a new issue and repeat. The results can be very funny!!

Enjoy!!