Researching Light Techniques

Researching Lighting Techniques For Short Films

    As I am planning out the vision of my short film, the lighting techniques can help take a project that is amateur look more cinematic.  I am interested in learning more about the lighting setups and techniques that I can apply even on a low budget project.  After researching further into the lighting I realized that there is so much more into these techniques than simply good versus bad light.

YouTube Video: How To Light A Short Film (Full Course) by Jon Kent

    I learned in the video referenced above that there is hard and soft light where hard lights create the crisp, harsh shadows and soft light diffuses the shadow.  This may be achieved by the size of the light source and the distance from the object.  To attain the use of soft light I will need to focus on the light source that is larger and closer.  In comparison, for the hard light I will need to use the source that is smaller and further. Although I thought I already knew the importance of light placement, this video taught me more on a deeper level.  For my film, the light to the side of the shot would help create the tension of a thriller/suspense project.  The top light can create a more dramatic or oppressive look which I will also incorporate into my film.  The element of exposure also plays a role in what I want to highlight to reveal or keep hidden in a mysterious way.  

    I plan to use the lighting in my thriller/suspense film to help tell the story.  After learning further more about these techniques, it has created more excitement to plan the lighting portion of this project.  Without divulging too much too soon, the beginning of the film will open with a dim light to open the suspense while the end will use bright lights to tell of the tragic event that will occur.  There will be more planning and emotions to be drawn from the light as I continue to plan.