The club has a lighting workshop

A cold and rain swept evening did nothing to dampen the feeling of eager excitement as Surrey Border Film & Video Club members gathered for a workshop on lighting techniques. For two hours beforehand a small team had been beavering away setting up lights both inside and out ready for the 20 or so members signed up for the event. Three scenarios were to be examined: portraiture lighting, an interview situation and a drama scene. The drama scene was to have sunlight shining through the window even though it was by now after dark. Scaffolding had been set up and two large lights poured mock Sunlight into the room.

Club members divided into three groups and spent up to an hour on each scenario, with everyone having the opportunity to arrange the lights and adjust dimmers to get the picture, displayed on large monitors, lit to perfection. Peter Grenyer who had previously given the club a fascinating talk about lighting was there to start each group off and to help out and advise. It was a privilege beyond compare to have such expert help and advice from someone who in his long career in lighting has lit famous places such as the inside of the Albert Hall, Westminster Abbey, and television programmes including Mastermind. It was awe inspiring to see the lighting for each of the scenes come so expertly together. All members worked hard and learnt in leaps and bounds. We can’t yet claim to be experts but we have learnt a great deal from one who is.