Film Lighting Basics: Soft Lighting and Hard Lighting in Film. Top lighting is probably one of the most used forms of directional lighting (taking a photo in the midday sun). If you dont have a lighting kit or access to professional lighting equipment, here are a few film lighting items to invest in to create your own DIY filmmaking lighting setup: What are the lighting techniques in film? Add a second light, called a fill light, on the opposite side of the actor to soften any harsh shadows created by the key light. The definition of high key lighting is a style of lighting for film, television, or photography that reduces the lighting ratio in the scene. Take a look at this shot from the film Captain Fantastic for example. Therefore, you will always find the fill light on the opposite end of the key light. Lighting tells the audience where to look. What is lighting in film? You probably wonder why two shows on the same channel would look different. As its name suggests, it is formed by light sources placed at three different points: the key light, the back light and the fill light. Therefore, you will mostly find it in noir or thriller videos for ominous warnings. Now, we enter the territory of colour; after all, the manipulation of lighting to create different moods does not stop solely at its position and intensities. Often, the shoot will occur on a location scout before the actual shoot is done. top light noun 1 : a light at one of the tops of a ship sometimes indicating a flagship 2 or toplighting : light from above (as from a skylight) Love words? It's always beneficial to consider multiple practical lights to illuminate your subject. Toplight Perhaps the most famous use of toplight is in The Godfather 's opening scene, where the characters' eye sockets are rendered black and hollow by the steep angle of the single source. If you found this post useful, please do consider sharing it or letting your friends know via social media. It is a bit technical, but they also make a difference in lighting, especially while shooting high and low speeds. Key Lighting The key light is also known as the main film light of a scene or subject. To properly expose the subject, off-screen light sources may be used as motivated light from the lamps and computer. This is one of the trickiest lighting sources that you can use. If hes not working, hes either traveling, reading or writing about travel/film, or planning travel/film projects. Chiaroscuro isn't that fancy. If you are just starting in the filmmaking world, it takes a lot of time and patience to test out the hardness or softness of light to find the right balance for the best shot. A common example of when knowing your lights comes in handy is capturing a moonlit night shot. Newbie Film School is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Its a film lighting style that uses a hard source to cover your scene in shadow. It helps the viewers to see things. Low key lighting is the opposite of high key light. Why is lighting so important in film and videos? LEDs are making big waves in film lighting, so things may change in the future, but for now, HMIs aren't going anywhere, and tungsten is still heavily used on . This is the most standard form of lighting used in films to not only ensure whatever caught on camera is visible, but also to bring focus to the subjects or a specific part of the frame. Lighting is the tool that communicates mood most clearly. It guides your audience's eyes to stick to a specific actor, prop, or other parts of the scene. Things to consider when using Fill lighting: Backlighting in Blade Runner. Credit:IMDB. Worlds that make you forget that you are watching a film, and make you feel like you are participating. Use Natural Light - But Be Prepared. However, it can be stopped with flags or diffusers, depending on how it is used. For instance, one of the most famous shows of all time, Game of Thrones (GoT), looks like mythology because of its lighting setup and techniques used on medieval sets. Answer (1 of 2): Three-point lighting is basically a method or a type of lighting setup where you have three distinct light source positions to illuminate a subject in a scene. - Federico Fellini But if lighting is an eternal, omnipresent concern, then techniques, uses, and styles of lighting have varied enormously over time. This kind of lighting usually creates shadows and other harsh lines on subjects. For example, one of the film genres most known for its distinguished lighting style is film noir, marked by stark contrasts between light and dark, dramatically patterned highlights and shadows, unique framing and composition choices. Different types of film lighting and their effects Direction of lighting Quality of lighting Source of lighting Colour How to analyse film lighting Example of lighting - Step-by-step analysis Identify the lighting elements in the scene: Direction of lighting Quality of lighting Source of lighting Colour of lighting Check out the best sellers via the list of major brands as Aputure, Neewer, Hagibis, GVM Great Video Maker, Switti, LS LIMO STUDIO LIMOSTUDIO. These lights, introduced to the film industry in 1927k were known as Kliegl-lights or klieglights. Please feel free to do so in the comments section below. Thats why you should hire a good cinematographer to not only deliver a good image but also enhance the story and make your show look great. Were in a golden age of TV writing and development. Motivated lighting is the use of lighting in a scene to imitate a natural light source. Posted August 11, 2015. When controlled differently, each point of light can create different kinds of moods to both the looks and the story, and is ultimately what makes this set-up the starting base for many other creative lighting techniques. This allows viewers to understand how they should be feeling emotionally whilst watching. In other words, the way filmmakers capture images in a movie is different from that of videos. And like all artistic principles, the lighting choices you use help bring out more individualistic themes and expressions from actors. And tend to be more relaxed. 8 Tips For Shooting Your Own Videos On YouTube, When it comes to shooting your YouTube videos as a content creator, what are some crucial information you must keep in mind? Unlike high key lighting, low-key lighting looks to increase the contrast of the subject and the environment. Without adequate lighting, even the best cameras in the world wouldn't capture perfect pictures. A trusty standby you're sure to encounter throughout your career in film production is the 3-point lighting technique, so-called because . Halogens are easy to replace and other types of bulbs need to be color corrected. On the other hand, a complete parallel of cold lighting is the use of warm lighting. Next Steps Double Your Image Quality with Lighting When you know how to use lights and film lighting techniques, you gain flexibility, control, and an entire cosmos of creativity opens up to you. As the name suggests, this method requires at least 3 lights: the key light, hair light, and fill light. Scene from "Northfork" Get tips for hard lighting. Relying largely or even at times, entirely, on the natural or provided. As a fundamental aspect of filming, lighting plays a critical role since it creates that visual mood, a sense of meaning, and an atmosphere for the audience. Also, lighting is an effective storytelling tool in your narratives production design, tone, and theme. Generally, the key light is meant more to illuminate the form of the show's main actor. Of course, you will not always be able to shoot your scene solely with natural light illuminating from windows and doors. You must there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that's only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary. Does not create shadows or its own characteristics. Why is that? Filmmakers use soft light to reduce the harsh lines and features of a character. Both film and TV have different needs; thus, their lighting and devices vary. Most TV shows operate in a static environment; hence, the camera people rarely move since they involve a particular stage. The following are all the different types of lighting in film: Key Lighting Fill Lighting Back Lighting Side Lighting Practical Light Hard Lighting Soft Lighting Bounce Lighting High Key Low Key Motivated Lighting Ambient Light 1. That is, to understand what is happening and make sense of it so that we know what is going on. For advanced beginners and intermediate level filmmakers and cinematographers. Film cameras and videos cameras differ in the type of film used and the quality of the image. This is one of Roger Deakins' key tips to learning how to light a scene. If a backlight is placed behind an actor at an angle, the backlight is called a kicker., Consider multiple practical lights to help lighten a subject, Keep a count of available outlets in every location. It is valuable to mix different types of light. If a light source exposed the characters on the other side, the light would be unmotivated, rather confusing, and aesthetically unpleasing. What do you need to know about film lighting? If a film is poorly lit, your content wont entertain the audience. In this post, we will go over the basics of film lighting like why lighting is important, who determines the lighting setups for each scene, how to create simple and effective lighting setups, and so much more. Lets take a look at the three fundamental steps to creating motivated light. Remember that although ambient light has its strengths, you aren't able to control its intensity and color in the same way you would other film . Low-key lighting is a film lighting aesthetic with a lot of shadows to create a sense of mystery or suspense. You would very likely have come across such uses of lighting with films like Paranormal Activity and The Matrix. Soft lighting can also be used as a fill light in some filming scenes. A light's quality describes the softness of its shadows and how it behaves. Filmmakers are always looking to know where the light is coming from within the scene. Whether its set dressing a film set or blocking the actors, every step of the filmmaking process influences the lighting setup and the other way around. The third and final light is the "back light". Often, the shoot will occur on a location scout before the actual shoot is done. Its an escape from ordinary life. Motivated lighting sounds rather self-explanatory. While most lighting set-ups in filmmaking are formed using studio lights, props that produce illumination, like lamps or even candles can be equally as useful to shaping looks and moods in films. Set lighting is the most common type and involves using lamps or torches to create an appropriate mood or setting for a scene. when the film has started and the other lights are off. The key light is used as your primary lighting point and the brightest of the three. "He wants to help her," Ward said. Lighting is a fairly complex topic, and because of that, its hard to know where to begin if youre looking for information about it. Widely recognized as natural or location lighting, ambient lighting is the closest to a "no-filter" in filmmaking. Essentially, it's any light source that is not specifically for filming purposes. They add depth, create separation, and provide narrative information. I used the film Shawshank . These days, camera technology and lighting technology have allowed cinematographers to motivate light in very unique ways. Never Underestimate the Standard 3-Point Lighting Technique. 3 Backlighting is placed behind the actor to help define their features and distinguish them from the background. Light a Scene with Low-Cost Gear 10. This does not mean that all light within a scene must be the same color temperatures. If you buy both guides together, you only have to pay $237 total. The sun is a great backlight you can use a reflector or bounce the sun at a lesser intensity back the subject. Check out how the rig was made and how the motivated light resulted in a cinematic scene in the video analysis below. click to LEARN more. High-key lighting is a lighting aesthetic with no shadows and intense brightness, bordering on overexposure. Backlighting 6. Many videographers use it when shooting pop music videos. Regularly used in science fiction, horror and war-filled films, the cold lighting is greatly used to portray loneliness, dullness and quite obviously, coldness in both its settings and characters. Lighting displays the psychology of characters. As for adult shows, the same rules apply. Sunlight through windows is a prime example, though it can also involve other light sources that are simply present in the area. We always talk about the good stories, pretty shots and sets, groundbreaking acting and direction, and moving soundtrack when we catch a great film. 13 Film Lighting Techniques 1. 7. Some filmmakers have also been known to create a dramatic mood by using their subjects' key lighting. Practicals will be able to justify to the audience where light is coming from and help create a more cohesive illusion. So its essential to get a good cinematographer for your television show as well. Traditionally made up of small low wattage, low-voltage lamps in a track or translucent tube, these are rapidly being replaced with LED based versions. Whenever you set up a light, ask yourself What is motivating this light? Practical Light 7. There are many filmmaking techniques that aim to elicit this feeling in audiences. With examples from most of the scenes in Fight Club, or any shots in a film noir, it can be seen that such forms of lighting draw attention to a specific part of the frame by creating dark shadows around it, forming suspense and dramatic effects along the way. If you want to capture your story's mood and consume every moment of the atmosphere and recording space, proper lighting is how to do it. This is one of Roger Deakins key tips to learning how to light a scene. It can simply be motivated by the bright bounce off of a white wall or it can be motivated by a dim practical like a candle. This is why, as a filmmaker, it's always important to learn all the essential film lighting techniques and setup that enhances your images and creates in-depth light that supports your story. There are various ways to control light to manipulate . Therefore, it is crucial to consider the difference between the two before you hire your cinematographers for your next project. If you've ever studied, or been interested in learning lighting techniques that are commonly used in filmmaking, chances are you've probably heard mention of "The Cove Lighting Technique". There still isn't any strict definition of this lighting source. Moreover, practicals are also effective in creating logic within a constructed shot, as we are able to see where the light source is coming from. For beginners. "Blade Runner" showcases hard lighting and hard shadows. Key light. This may be through windows, doors, or simply bouncing off of white walls. It is the most extreme and direct light source. What is high-key lighting film? Both lived unhappy lives. Poor quality images will turn them off in less than five minutes. It also creates more cinematic lighting styles with more depth and contrast. The way we decide what we are going to see and how much detail we want to see at any one time is based on how much information we think we can process at the time. Academy Award for Best Cinematography Top 20 Winners, What is Chroma Key Technology The VFX Process Explained. So how can you break put from the pack and get your idea onto the small screen? Cinematographer light is used to capture precise colors and tones while . It is placed higher than the object it is lighting. Create robust and customizable shot lists. The carbon arc light became the introductory neon light which would be introduced in blue in London in 1925 and later used in the film Don Juan in 1926. But the matter is that lighting is tough to master. In 1917, Roger Deakins, one of the best cinematographers in cinema, created a massive rig to emulate the motivated light of a burning church. And like all aesthetic principles, the lighting choices you use help bring out more individualistic interpretations and expressions from actors. You can also bounce light from the sun or lamps using a whiteboard or white card to indirectly highlight the actor or object within a frame. What exactly defines a practical light? Many people refer to side lighting as chiaroscuro lighting. How can I justify its presence to the audience? This simple question will help you create more interesting and effective lighting setups. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'newbiefilmschool_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-newbiefilmschool_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'newbiefilmschool_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',107,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-newbiefilmschool_com-medrectangle-3-0_1'); .medrectangle-3-multi-107{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. It's also vital that the color temperatures match while using practical lighting. Having agreed to live in each other's homes for two weeks, Iris and Amanda completely change their lives. It refers to the use and modification of light available at the location where the film is happening. To create uniformity between the lighting and other optical effects, such as color correction and digital modifications. Utilizing natural or available light on cinematic productions is a fantastic idea, so long as it suits your story. But both are outdoor productions. Credit:IMDB. Film 101: Understanding Film Lighting Written by MasterClass Last updated: Aug 23, 2021 4 min read Without good lighting, the best camera in the world can't capture a perfect picture. It can also create silhouettes and highlights. So it's partly just a matter of not having the source end up directly over the head. A colour scheme that is most similar to a fireplace, such forms of lighting technique often take on the tones of orange, yellow, or red. A type of lighting set up that is created by blasting and concentrating smaller sources of key light onto the subject while reducing the fill around it, the harsh light is a technique and creative choice that results in more contrast in the shot than a normal three-point set up would. But which light do you use? The same applies to artificial lighting; you can use them to film or take videos. For instance, motivated lighting can be a stand-in for sunlight, moonlight, or even streetlights. But there are many things to consider when learning to motivate your light from practicals. This will inform you on which light to use to accentuate an already existing light. Credit:IMDB. In short, lighting is a big part of filmmaking. The answer has to do with the way our eyes work and how we experience reality. Every position, colour and intensity of the lights used can shape a completely varying look, as it can tell an entirely different story. Lighting techniques in film If you are looking for a basic lighting setup for your film, using a three-point lighting setup that highlights the main actor or subject of a scene that makes them stand out from their background is the simplest way to light for film. Once you start to analyze the work of great cinematographers, youll realize the value of motivated lights and how important it is when creating cinematic images. Principles of lighting Lighting is necessary to filmmaking because it creates a visual mood, a different atmosphere, and sense of purpose for the audience. Things to consider when using key lighting: High Key lighting in Bruce Almighty. So, you must be cautious of the exact moment you are shooting every scene, especially those requiring the whole day to shoot. The psychology of characters is reflected in the lighting. The Holiday. It's more of an aesthetic used by videographers to eliminate shadows in frames and recreate subtle shades instead of exterior sources. Cinematic lighting that is motivated can captivate an audience and for a while, bring them into the world of the film. However, it's not as powerful as the key light. The three types of lights are key light, fill light, and backlight. Backlights are used to separate characters or items from their background. Youll commonly see high-key lighting in a television sitcom, a music video, or a commercial. To move the attention of the scene, character, or prop in an editorial fashion, 4. Avoid putting your key light near the camera or your light will become flat and featureless. Things to consider when using Low key lighting: Fill Lighting. In today's post, we will examine what it means to capture that cinematic look that keeps the audience glued to the screen. Master the art of visual storytelling with our FREE video series on directing and filmmaking techniques. link to 8 Tips For Shooting Your Own Videos On YouTube, link to 20 YouTube Video Ideas For A Lifestyle Channel. Cinematic lighting uses lighting tricks like diffusing light, bouncing light, and adjusting color temperatures. The lighting techniques used in the early cinema of the late 1890s and the first years of the twentieth century were . As its name suggests, this set-up is formed by well, heightening the key light above the subject. Heres how to do it: Related Articles: 4 Important Steps To Make A Documentary Film FILMMAKING TUTORIALS & HOW-TOS &Low Light Video 7 Best Tips For Shooting Video In Low Light. Side lighting is often used to provide drama and mood to a scene, particularly in the genre of film noir. After all, film is a visual medium. The lighting techniques mentioned above go beyond just lighting your scene; they help enhance your storytelling too. Going forward, carbon arc lights in film would continue to be stable lightingfor several years. As I have said countless times before especially when pulling off high quality visuals with limited resources the key to great lighting is preproduction, preproduction, preproduction. Things to consider when shooting using natural light: Key lighting in Casino Royale. But, of course, you will always have people who do it better than you, and thats why its so essential to hire a professional who knows what theyre doing.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'newbiefilmschool_com-banner-1','ezslot_9',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-newbiefilmschool_com-banner-1-0'); If you look at it in the format setting, you realize that video lighting is different from film lighting. Yet, one similarly significant element often remains unspoken during discussions and critics for all our cinema and movie streaming visits; a role that allows us to be able to see what is happening on screen in the first place lighting. Though the lighting setups and the lighting technique of both film and videos are the same, the frame looks different because of these parameters. Lighting Tip 01: Preproduction. Side lighting lights the actor from the side and focuses on the contours of their face for a high-contrast dramatic effect. Daylight illuminates from the sun. In reality, all light is justified by its source. Every day, at least one film set in the world uses Airstar lighting balloons. Most of these accouterments are usually added to the scene to help light faces or corners by the set designer. Credit:IMDB. For a cinematic effect, this light usually illuminates the front section of your object, facing away from the camera. It works to encase the scene being focused on in shadow. Video cameras do not capture light and detail the same way our eyes do, so it is imperative to have the proper lighting. To keep the audience engaged in the story rather than wondering where light is coming from, its important to keep all light motivated. The history of film lighting is a complex chronicle of intersecting influences involving technological and aesthetic innovations, periods of relative stasis, and the gradual development and refinement of existing techniques. Bounce Lighting / Bounce light summary: 10. Bounce lighting helps to highlight subjects of focus without directly shining on them. Low key lighting needs contrast and blackness. The word even contains its own definition: "chiaro" means. Peekatthis also participates in affiliate programs with B&H, Adorama, Clickbank, CJ, and other sites. The size, amount, color, and harshness of the light surrounding the actor can always be adjusted to match his/her emotions at the time. Experts consider it one of the most powerful skills in video and movie production. Using the three-point lighting setup helps to set subjects apart from their background. How to Create a Simple But Practical Film Lighting Setup, How to Light a Scene Without Professional Equipment, Film Lighting Techniques Everyone on Set Should Know. Place the third light, a backlight, behind the actor to help define and highlight their features and outlines. This technique helps you beautifully light a subject, and then leaves room for plenty of tweaking and creativity. This tone is generally meant to be hopeful or optimistic. The last point is what makes the lighting in films and videos so interesting. Credit:Digital Photography School. In a few hours, former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jan Blachowicz is stepping into the Octagon to face Magomed Ankalaev in a contest for the vacant light . To achieve this, your film lighting equipment needs to face your subject from three directions: front, back and side (generally). In the film, Hilary forms a bond with Stephen that proves essential as her mental health deteriorates. Youll need other light sources to properly expose your image and create the lighting style you desire. Much like its name, side lighting is the light that enters the shooting scene from the sides to highlight the actor or object. Make the most of natural light. It's meant to bring out dark tones, black features, and shadows in a scene. You can bounce light from the sun, lamps, or any film lighting kit to indirectly highlight a subject within the frame. But for this to be possible, all the lighting equipment used must face the actor or object from three dimensions; the front, back, and sideways. Look closely, though, and he's the one with a soul . Kyle DeGuzman graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in Television, Film, & New Media. This is the standard method that's used in most visual media. The second light is the "fill light", lighting the side of the subject favoring the camera. So, one of the major concerns in a static environment is creating a uniform environment that captures the same images from various angles. They often give the actor or object more shape and depth, making them more visible. It is usually placed at an elevated angle, higher than the actor or object that it's meant to light. TV shows have budget constraints and timeline pressures. Credit:IMDB. Three-point lighting is at the core of nearly every other film and video lighting technique. Using the three different positions, cinematographers can always illuminate their actors or objects in any way they want, controlling any shadows produced by direct lighting. When it comes to television, lighting is just as important, if not more, than other elements. Key lighting 3. From this director of photography or cinematographer then generates a lighting plan with guidance from the director. The best films are ones that create immersive and believable worlds. Pinpointing lighting directly on specific objects or people helps persuade the viewers to direct their . Once you understand the blocking and staging of a scene, start to look at where light naturally comes in. It's ideal for creating a sense of optimism or hopefulness. Backlighting is when a backlight hits an actor or object from behind. Check out the series 7 Important Steps To Making A Low Budget Film, Motivated lighting in Skyfall. This particular lighting is my personal favourite as it depicts "no" artificial lights were used in order to create the particular setting of the scene. To capture the perfect light, filmmakers and cinematographers always look for a good time to shoot the scene and get their desired look and mood. This means if you are stuck in a situation where there arent any natural lighting sources, this technique attempts to imitate natural light sources. The series will cover Intensity, Quality, Color, Shape, and Direction. If you're considering making your mark on the film production industry, these three tips can help make lighting a perfectly painless process. High Key Lighting Low Key Lighting 4. The key light, fill light, and the backlight is what makes up the three-point lighting setup. Check out the 20 lifestyle channel video ideas that will be of great use. This configuration is used in film, still photography, video, stage productions, and so on. What lights do YouTubers use? When it comes to storytelling in film, one of the primary purposes is to convey information. This consists of the main light source (the key light) along with the fill light and backlight. This lighting style is meant more for video makers who intend to use light sources within a specific location. Related posts Lifestyle channels are popular because people love watching someones life. Lighting represents and supports the genre of the film. Basically, they help to make the frame feel three-dimensional. A visual medium requires visual methods. As a result, our frequent associations of warmth to comfort and coziness also reflects on the looks constructed. It should reduce the lighting ratio in the scene being shot. Three-point lighting is a traditional method for illuminating a subject in a scene with light sources from three distinct positions. So, the audience always knows what to focus more on. Motivated lighting is the technique used to imitate or accentuate existing light sources. So the purpose of lighting is if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'newbiefilmschool_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-newbiefilmschool_com-medrectangle-4-0'); 2. To achieve this type of lighting, you will need a strong contrast, and low-key accentuates the subject's contours. Motivated light is commonly described as light within a shot that can be justified. Film is a remarkably effective medium in conveying drama and especially in the evocation of emotion. Backlights are used to separate an object or an actor from a background. To enhance the aesthetic quality of the production. Fill Lights - Used when shadows need to be removed from a scene, usually used behind the main subjects. Two women live 10,000 kilometres apart. Knowing your lights and the effects of each such as intensity, color temperature, and softness will help you find the right motivation for your light source. If you're building a lighting kit, or looking to rent a kit, it's a good idea to get a mix of all types of film lights to make sure you can light any scene exactly the way you want. It is not a formula or a set standard, but rather a guide as to how and where to place your light sources so as to ligh. In the first days of film, this was done to deal with high contrast, but now it's used by filmmakers to adjust the mood and tone of a scene. Lighting tells your audience where to look in the film. In this article, well analyze the function of this lighting style in filmmaking as well as what you need to know to create it. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Maverick was recently re-released in (predominantly large . If you plan to augment your practicals for the sake of exposure, its important to match the color temperatures of the lights. Learn more about practicals and why you should immediately incorporate it into your next project in our next article. Motivated Lighting 13. A creative choice that many a time looks unsaturated, it usually conveys a void of life in its frames. Motion control lighting allows technicians to move special equipment around quickly so that shots can be taken without long delays between takes. The light that falls onto each character is motivated by the windows to the right of the frame. A camera can take some good footage, but it sometimes gives terrible lighting. Who Decides the Lighting Setup for a Scene? Soft Light 9. At its most basic, the term describes the use of high contrast lighting to simulate depth on a 2D surface. It is the tool that helps the characters to convey mood most clearly for the audience. This is particularly true when shooting an action film. You can also use reflectors to bounce off excessive light to get a much lesser light intensity backing the subject. Motivated lighting can be used in various ways to illuminate a scene from a natural perspective. Unlike hard light, soft light can be used to create smooth shadows that are less focused. The type of lighting setup that you use should also define and support the genre of your film. It can be beneficial, depending on which scene you are shooting and the type of attention that you want to draw in each frame and subjects. 1. On a film set, the director communicates visual motivations and ideas for the cinematic lighting of each scene. If your team and crew is small, keep your lighting kit to a minimum.