When building a set, what is meant by "building practicals?"

thanks

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Practical_effect

Good question and good answer!

That was good to know

I've heard the term "practicals" in regard to light sources on a set. Like a regular lamp on a set that is assumed as the source for a main key-light.

So imagine you light a set but there are no actual lights in the room itself. So you place the practical in such a way that it explains or the viewer assumes it's the light source.

I could be wrong, I'm just a director. Any pro DP's or Gaffers out there? Maybe I'm mixing up my termonology.


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The first week of USC, we had an assignment where we weren't permitted to sign out light kits and could only use daylight or "practicals."

i.e. the lighting the room came with...regular stuff, not professional lights at all.

So...that's what I thought it meant, sort of.