Does anyone know some good books or links for websites that show the basics of lighting for films? I'm tired of looseing great shots due to lighting and was wondering if you guys new some good methods or tutorials. Much appreciated

www.LostBoysMediaGroup.com

Kodak has a virtual lighting diagram for some low-key, mixed-light and high key scenes. The Kris Malkiewicz book on film lighting is a good starting point. American Cinematographer occasionally has some goodies on lighting as does ICG Magazine. Hope that helps! Probablly the best way to learn about lighting is to work as a grip/electric for various cinematographers. You'll learn to see the common threads and individual discrepancies.

Nota "5.67 footcandles" Mono

First of all try scanning through Ask @ IMDB columns to see if there's anything helpful.

After that, try Cineman which might also help.

The basic rules of lighting are :-
1) Put up a light. If you don't like how it looks then move it!
2) NEVER add more lights to remove shadows ... move your actor instead.

Obviously there's a lot more to it than that, but i'd be typing for a while!

Richard Purves
Living Film
http://www.livingfilm.co.uk/

ITS NOT ABOUT THE LIGHT YOU ADD, ITS ABOUT THE LIGHT YOU TAKE AWAY.

"A Story is only as good as the person that tells it."

"There is NO such thing as experimental, its all been done before...MOSTLY BY THE FRENCH!"

Cool links Rob. You migth also check out this virual lighting tutorial at the Guide to Guerilla filmmaking site. It shows simple 3 point lighting and its effects. Quite handy. Good luck, and good for you for wanting to learn more about lighting. To many pass this area by.
R. Michael

"Luck, is when opportunity, meets preperation." "There are 3 sides to every story. Yours, mine, and the truth, and none of us are lying" -Robert Evans
Tizzy Entertainment "Redemption" Hi-Def trailer

Sweet! That kodak tools thing is off the hook!

- C

Thanks for that resounding input M. Bay fan. Funny theory coming from a Michael Bay fan though. The guy lights EVERYTHING. LOL Welcome though.
R. Michael

"Luck, is when opportunity, meets preperation." "There are 3 sides to every story. Yours, mine, and the truth, and none of us are lying" -Robert Evans
Tizzy Entertainment "Redemption" Hi-Def trailer

Thanks everyone i will try to absorb all of your great knowledge. lol why did i say absorb?

www.LostBoysMediaGroup.com

Chad;

What, you're going simply by "C" now? Think your a gangsta or something ?


My question;
Has anyone ever used different colored lightbulbs to light a scene? How does that turn out?

-TacoWagonProductions

"Kyle Johnson, definately my favortie of all. He is brilliant. Absolutely Brilliant!" - Kris Kimlin

Kyle: Your better off using a bulb balanced tp register white and then using gels for color. It can be done (with video atleast) but..
1) The color you have may not be what you get on tape
2) Colored bulbs are often low wattage so they arent much use except for creating small pockets of light in the background.
R. Michael

"Luck, is when opportunity, meets preperation." "There are 3 sides to every story. Yours, mine, and the truth, and none of us are lying" -Robert Evans
Tizzy Entertainment "Redemption" Hi-Def trailer

Unless you actually want to see the colored bulb in frame I would have to agree with Tizzy. Find some high-wattage 3200k or 3400k globes and get some gels. You can even get cheap pre-packaged sets that have an array of "Party gels."

Nota "Always brings the party" Mono