Video and film lighting can call for improvisation.
When lighting any scene for film or video it is important that you provide enough light to convey the actions you want your audience to understand while giving the scene the feeling required by the script. Start with the basics of three-point lighting: Add key light, then fill light, then rim light. If at any point you feel you have the look you want, shoot a short test and play it back. Continue adding gradually until you achieve the feel your scene needs.
Instructions
Establishing Key Light
1. Position your key light in front of and slightly to one side of your actors. In the case of a car interior, this light typically will be simulated moonlight or street light and may be slightly above, shining in through one side of the windshield. If possible, use a light that gives off the correct color.
2. Light with traditional fluorescents for moonlight; you can get small shop lights from the hardware store, or use standard compact fluorescent bulbs or drop light fixtures, available at hardware and auto supply stores.
3. Traditional tungsten video lights give off a slightly amber hue, which represents street lamps well. If you are working on a tight budget, use halogen work lights from the hardware store. Use aerosol glass frosting spray on their lenses to cut the glare. You can get that at a craft store.
Establishing Fill Light
4. Point fill light from one of two positions: up from the dashboard or in through a side window. Dashboard light is typically blue or green. It is also not very bright, and space is limited between actors and dashboard.
5. Light the actors with green or blue rope light to give a nice glow. You will need a 110-volt power source, standard house power, or a power converter that can be plugged into the cigarette lighter. Drape the rope light along the dashboard or attach using stick-on hook-and-loop fasteners from a fabric store. Keep the light below the rim of the dashboard to keep it out of the shot.
6. Set battery-operated LED lanterns and flashlights along the dashboard. Many of these come with double-sided sticky tape. Double-sided sticky tape can be purchased at hardware and office stores. Cover the lenses with thin tissue paper if the glare is too bright; this will diffuse the light.
Establishing Rim Light
7. Add light from the floor of the back seat to rim actors in the front, or point it from the rear window to light actors in the back seat. Use low-wattage lights. This light is used to separate the actor from his background, giving the scene more depth.
8. Use small touch (sometimes called tap) lights, rope lights and even Christmas lights to add this subtle glow.
9. Check your picture as you add fill light to key light or add rim light to key and fill light. Watching the image change on the camera screen or, better yet, a monitor, will provide hints to getting the light where it needs to be.
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