LIGHTING

A typical scene would be set up in this manner: one or more key lights that are the brightest, that highlight the main focus of the scene, backlights to give the scene depth, a fill light for overall light balance and effect lights that enhance and imitate the lighting of the set. 

Light can be described in a number of ways and an ambiance is created by the overall quality and distribution of light. Three aspects may be considered, according to Kris Malkiewicz, the author of "Film Lighting;" hard or soft light, the angle of throw relative to camera position, and the colour of light.

Depending on the type of shadows a light source creates, it may be described as hard or soft. An extreme example of soft light is an overcast sky that does not allow for the delineation of shadows. While in contrast, a hard light, such as the sun, creates a sharp shadow due to the almost parallel rays of light it produces as it reaches the earth. The second aspect to light quality is the angle of the throw, which is suggestive of the direction from which a light comes into the scene. This type of light can create a mood for the scene. For example, light that comes from the side may be dramatic to frontal light which is when the camera moves to where the light is projecting from. In addition, the angle of throw may suggest the time of day and also may be used for revealing and hiding shape and texture of model objects. Thirdly, the aspect of a light source is its colour. Gelatin filters that changes the colour of the scene may be used to change the stories' realism or add a necessary effect. Filters also changes the mood of the set, for example, window shadow patterns along a wall adds depth and interest for the scene.

Spatial depth is cued by the manipulation of shadow, while contrast allows certain objects or individuals to perceive a particular subject more clearly. The ultimate desired outcome is the skill that brings certain emotional responses to a scene using different lighting strategies.

CINEMATOGRAPHIC
PROCESS