One of filmmaking’s most important (and challenging) aspects is lighting. Lighting has the power to set the mood and tone for every scene, helping to create an immersive and impactful experience for viewers.

Interestingly, the most effective lighting techniques are often the ones that the audience doesn’t necessarily notice outright – they feel its effects on their emotions and perspective. 

For filmmakers in the making, navigating the different types of film lights can be incredibly overwhelming. So, we’ve put together a handy guide that breaks down the basics of film lighting equipment, simplifying your set-up and making it easier to bring your vision to life.

A Guide to Lighting Equipment for Video Production

When trying to understand your options for film lights, it can often feel like you’re learning a new language. We’re going to review some of the most common lighting terms and equipment pieces to give you a solid start.

Types of Film Lights and Equipment

Key Light

The key light is the primary light source used for film and photography. It’s the most direct, strongest light source and is typically used to illuminate the main subject or actor. 

If you’re working with a set-up that incorporates multiple sources of artificial light, your key light generally has the biggest overall effect on the subject. So, the key light isn’t necessarily a specific type of light or equipment; rather, it’s whatever light you utilize as your main one.

Fill Light

Fill lighting eliminates the shadows cast by key lights and is usually situated on the opposite side of the key light. Fill light is typically less powerful than key lighting because its purpose is to provide balance. 

Understanding how to shape light will enable you to implement fill lights more effectively because you’ll need to have the skills to control brightness, shadows, and contrast.

Backlight

Just as its name suggests, a backlight is used to light the back of the shot. It delivers light from behind the actor, positioned slightly above the subject. Backlights are particularly important to avoid a two-dimensional effect when working with a dark background.

Side Light

Side lights shine on the actor or subject from the side. They are popularly used for dramatic effects and were especially common in the Film Noir era.

Practical Light

A practical light is any light source – such as a lamp, TV, or flashlight – present in the scene itself. The bulbs in practical lighting are often switched out to achieve a precise wattage or color temperature. 

Motivated Lighting

Motivated lighting is directly related to practical lighting. When you use another light source to mimic the practical light in a scene, you are utilizing motivated lighting. For example, if a candle doesn’t provide enough light, you might incorporate motivated lighting in a matching color temperature. 

Diffusions 

Diffusions, or diffusion gels, are used to reduce the overall power of a light source. They are an easy way to tone down light and soften shadows.

Black Flag

A black flag is a common and basic tool used to shape light. Also called cutters, black flags come in rectangular and square shapes. They are placed in front of different lights to shape the lighting in a scene effectively. 

BlackWrap/Cinefoil

BlackWrap is a matte black aluminum foil that you can mold to fit virtually any support fixture. It is a quick and easy way to shape light.

Build the Skills You Need to Work in Film Production

You can learn plenty from online film production guides and tutorials, but nothing can compare to the in-depth education and training you can get at a media-centric school. And if you have big dreams of working in film, TV, or video, enrolling in a diploma program is a smart first step towards achieving your goals.

At the Beonair Network of Media Schools, with campuses located in Miami, Chicago, Colorado, and Ohio, students in our Film & Video Production program gain an in-depth understanding of what it means to succeed in the industry. 

Get more information about our production training program when you contact us today!

Featured Image: Sigitas Kondratas / Shutterstock