6 Questions
In film, lighting is used to create a realistic setting.
True
There are only two types of lighting in film: key light and fill light.
False
A high key/soft lighting setup uses only a key light and no fill light.
False
A close-up shot in cinematography shows the entire subject.
False
A low angle shot in cinematography makes the subject appear smaller and weaker.
False
Natural lighting in film is always motivated by the scene's context.
False
Study Notes
Visual Design Elements
- Visual design refers to what is seen on the screen or inside the frame
- Components of visual design include:
- Performance
- Blocking
- Lighting
- Costume
- Set/design
- Props
Film vs. Theater Lighting
- In film, lighting is used to communicate and set the scene
Types of Lighting
- Key light: brightest light source, hits the side or front of the subject, most prominent light in a frame
- Fill light: counters the key light, usually at an angle of 60 degrees, fills in "shadows", doesn't create its own shadow, less powerful
- Back lighting/Hair light: edge light to the rear of the subject, adds contour, behind the subject, "kicker"
Lighting Styles
- High key/soft lighting: use of key light and fill light, makes the scene more bright and open
- Low key/hard lighting: fewer light sources, lots of shadows, sharp contrasts between dark and light
Light Sources
- Natural lighting: modifying natural light, such as the sun and moon
- Motivated lighting: using lamps, light bulbs, flashlights to light a scene
Cinematography
Camera Frame
- Close-up shot: face and neck
- Long shot: entire subject
- Medium shot: waist up
Camera Angle
- Low/superior angle shot: camera positioned below, subject appears larger and more powerful
- High/inferior angle shot: camera positioned above, subject appears smaller and weaker
- Eye level shot: camera at eye level, neutral perspective
Camera Movement
- Pan: stationary camera, moves left to right at a fixed angle
- Tilt: stationary camera, moves down-up
- Zoom: stationary camera, changes focal length
- Dolly: camera moves in a person's hands, in a helicopter, follows the subject in every way
Sound Design
- Components of sound design include:
- Sound effects
- Dialogue editing
- Music
- Diegetic sound: sound originates from within the scene, seen in the frame (e.g. tweeting sound from a bird)
- Non-diegetic sound: sound does not originate from within the scene, not seen in the frame (e.g. ticking clock sound with no clock in the frame)
Explore the components of visual design in film and theater, including performance, blocking, lighting, costume, set design, and props. Learn about the differences in lighting between film and theater, and understand the role of key light, fill, and backlight in setting the scene.
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