Film lighting refers to the arrangement of lights during the shooting of a film to achieve desired effects. Along with camera technique light is one of the main techniques to alter the look and visual feel of a film. By selective lighting the viewers' attention can be concentrated on one part of the scene or can be diverted from other parts. Most productions use artificial lighting while shooting for technical and artistic reasons.
Lighting is designed by the cinematographer in consultation with the director and is the responsibility of the electrical department. Light technicians set up and control the light equipment. They are responsible for the movement and set up of various pieces of light equipment for visual effects. Lighting needs to be planned well in advance of the actual shoot. Certain genres stereotypically use specific lighting for certain effects. Most of the contemporary films use a variety of lighting styles to vary the mood depending on the scene.
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The common types of lights used in films are: 1. Blonde: It is used as the key flood light for large areas. It has power of 1000-2000 w. 2. Redhead: It is also used as flood light but has a lower power than blondes. 3. Pepper lights: It is a small light used as a key. Its power is 100-1000 w. 4. HMI: It is a high quality light that uses an arc lamp in place of a filament bulb. 5. Halogen Work Lamp: it is a low budget lighting solution. It is used as a flood light. Its power is 150-500 w. 6. Chinese Lanterns: It is a low cost light and is useful in some situations. 7. Fresnel: This light is used to focus a light beam. It has a lens with raised circular ridges on its outer surface. 8. Other lights: Sometimes domestic bulbs are used in place of a fill or backlight. Some cameras have in built lights but these are not very effective.
Apart from lights the other equipments required for the light set up are: o 18% Gray Card: A gray-coloured card which reflects 18% of the light that falls on it. It is used as a reference to calibrate light meters and set exposure. o Ballast: It is used to control the electrical current in a light. o Consoles: These are hardware and software systems used to co-ordinate light displays. o Light Meter: It is used to measure light and indicate the ideal exposure setting. It is also known as an exposure meter. o Reflector Board: It is a specially designed reflective surface used as a secondary light source. o Gels: Materials which are placed in front of a light source to alter it's characteristics, e.g. colour temperature or dispersion. o Spectrometer: A spectrometer analyses the electromagnetic spectrum and measures the intensity of radiation as a function of wavelength. o Stands and Clamps: Used to support lights and hold them in the correct position.
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The basic light set up for illuminating a character is called Point lighting. It involves a backlight, a key and a fill.
1. Backlight: Positioned behind and to the side of the subject, this direct light separates the subject from the background by creating a rim effect around the subject. 2. Key: Commonly positioned to one side of the camera, it is a strong but diffused or reflected light providing the main illumination to the subject. If it is used alone, it casts strong shadows on one side of the face. 3. Fill: Less bright than the key light (or diffused or reflected). This light partially fills the shaded side of the subject, balancing the key.
While setting up the lighting equipment, the lighting technicians start at the back and work forwards adjusting distances and angles and avoiding backlighting.
A light technician works closely with the director and the art director to determine the appropriate effect and look for every shot of a movie. His work ranges from operating strobes, lasers and pyrotechnics for concerts, lighting film/TV studios and locations, to providing basic spotlights for a conference. At the basic level a technician is responsible for setting up and dismantling light equipments and takes direct orders from a stage or floor manager. With experience he is able to programme complex effects with computers.
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To enter the industry as a light technician extensive training is required. One can either qualify as an electrician and get practical experience in lighting, or take a technical theatre course at a college or university.
To be a lighting technician one should have good practical and mathematical skills. Knowledge of electrical systems and electronics is a must besides normal colour vision, creativity, problem solving skills and the ability to take instruction and work quickly and accurately. A light technician should have good communication kills and should be able to work in a team. Willingness to work long and irregular hours and a head for heights are other requisites to be a light technician.
Light technicians work for theatres, production companies, film producers and concert venues. They are also involved in freelance contract work. Competition for jobs is strong and there are good opportunities for skilled and experienced technicians in the industry.
