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   Surrey Border Film & Video Makers

Lighting for film, video, movies is of the utmost importance

Arranging indoor lighting

At one time a photographer didn’t have to worry about colour, but the lighting had to be good. This is evident when looking at well-made black and white. films, mainly up to the Fifties. Although Technicolor arrived over 50 years ago, black and white films overlapped the use of colour for a number of years. Many especially good black and white movies were made during the war years. It is well worth studying these and some of the classics made in the Thirties.

If you are planning to shoot in artificial light, it is quite a good idea to create an experimental lighting set up indoors with perhaps a model sitting. First set up the lighting levels with the video camera connected to a TV monitor. This is better than using the viewfinder because it allows you to adjust the lights whilst

 

 Arrangement of lights for film sceneLightning a movie set

 


looking directly at the resulting picture. Then adjust the camera white balance or use gels on the lights to get the colour balance you require. The rules are fairly straightforward and you may think it is too simple to need spelling out. But it requires practice, care and observation to get consistently good results. Those who are already experts will forgive me, I hope, for stating the basic rules.

The larger the set the more lights will be needed. Light is the one thing you cannot do without, no matter what impressively-low light levels the camera makers may claim for their products. Low lux lighting will give grainy pictures with poor contrast and subdued colour - altogether an uninteresting result in normal circumstances.


The Basic Rules of Lighting

  1. Decide which direction the background light is coming from, in which case this will be your main light. If there is no natural light, set up the main lighting from the direction you have chosen.
  2. This will be your main light.
  3. You will need a fill-in light of less power. A sheet of tracing paper in front gives a nice soft light, but keep the paper away from the heat. Or square, flat lights can be bought for a price!
  4. A spot from above to put highlights into hair is a must.
  5. Another useful gadget which can easily be made is called an 'Ulcer' This is an old trick and all you have to do is cut irregular shaped holes in a sheet of stiff card or hardboard, fix it to a stand and shine a light through the holes to break up the lighting.

John and his wife Joan joined Surrey Borders circa 1991, bringing a strong new talent and expertise to the club that resulted in an enthusiasm for making club films and entering competitions as never before. John was a great writer and his stories became great films, winning Gold awards for The Gold Medallion and Paula, and others. John was energetic, painting for art exhibitions, making props for the next project, writing his book and gleaning data to eventually finalise the book of his family tree, and last but not least, operating the “confounded” computer that held it all together. He was a very talented fun loving man, who will always be remembered by the club and his family.

Who are we in this film/movie/video club? We make films, videos and movies and meet on the first Friday of the month to answer members questions and to discuss ongoing club projects. Well known film makers, judges and film professionals are often our speakers for the evening. We welcome visitors and new members interested in film and video, and there is no need to own digital cameras or camcorders and no need for previous experience, as we happily provide mentors for beginners. Surrey Border meetings start at 7:45pm and end just after 10:00pm with a refreshment break at around 9:00pm. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed to the monthly meetings which are on the first Friday of each month (and the first visit is free). Our meetings are held in our new contemporary hall in St Joan's Centre which is in the grounds of St Joan's church in Tilford Road, near the station in Farnham. The hall has a large car park and is within easy reach of Guildford, Farnborough, Fleet, Bordon etc. In Surrey and Hampshire. Read more about us here.

Our interests We have a good mix of interests amongst members include script writing, acting, directing, technical and artistic and all agree that ideas and skills are more important than equipment as shown by there being fewer cameras and camcorders than members. Some get more enjoyment in viewing and discussing the films produced by others and just being part of the community. There are those who wouldn't wish to ever hold a camera or camcorder while some like to help in filming but don't own their own camcorder. Of course there are always those with the latest high definition wizz bang up to date cameras, camcorders, microphones and gadgets and the lovely thing is that they are always happy to demonstrate both equipment and techniques to others. For anyone thinking of buying a camera or camcorder advice is always on hand. We have almost equal numbers of members with PC and Mac computers. We regularly put on courses, tutorials and training sessions in the light of the current interests and needs of members. Individuals with particular problems typically have one to one help.

Site updated 07 September 2010 . To comment on this website email: