Lighting is important within film , this is because light can change the way that the subject of the scene is perceived, in turn changing the representation of that character. The most common lighting methods used is known as four point lighting, as described below. Also shown is a diagram, demonstrating how the four lights work in conjunction with one another on a film set.
Key LightThe key light is one of the most useful lights that media will use. Its main function is to highlight the main object on screen, defining its form and dimension. This light works with the fill light to change the amount of shadowing on the subject and also change a viewer's interpretation of that subject |
Fill LightThe fill light fills in the shadows created by the key light to prevent the video or picture from being too dark. In other words, it reduces the contrast on the scene to make the filmed image balanced; it makes shadows on the subject to contrast against the strong lighting of the key light |
Back LightA back light is lighting that is placed behind an actor or object. It works in conjunction with the key and fill lights to illuminate the subject from behind, giving the subject lighting from all angles that can be changed to emphasise shadows on the subject, for instance, and in turn change how that character comes across to the audience
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Background LightThe background light simply illuminates the background that the subject of the scene (person or object) is featured in. This provides separation between the subject and the background, which again can also define how the character is viewed in comparison to the scene they are in, changing their representation. Background lighting also clearly defines the subject from the background
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