A comprehensive guide to the terms and types of lighting most commonly used in feature films.

Media Division‘s videos on film-making move between the conceptual and the technical. While the second half of their episode “Cinematic lighting explained…” focuses on equipment (if you’re looking to invest in a starter kit, it’s a great resource), we’re takings notes on the first half (from around the 6 minute mark):

• what each type of lighting is called
• how each type of lighting looks
• when each type of lighting might be used
• why each type of lighting might used

First, three helpful tips:

Lights by name

Key light:

Fill light – fills shadows create by key light:

Practical light – visible within the shot:

Effect light (eg TV flicker):

Ambient (available) light:

Position

Backlight:

Sidelight:

Frontlight:

Quality of light

Soft light – large source, diffused:

Hard light – easier to shape:

Motivated light

In this shot / reverse shot, the “logical” light source is the window to the side:

Lighting for Mood

High key – everything in frame is bright:

Low key- moody, dark tones & colours:

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Further Viewing

More on Shot / Reverse Shot, and the 180 Rule:

Film School: Shot / Reverse Shot, and the 180 Rule

Ways of working with natural light:

Film School: Working with Natural Light