The director of photography is the one who is mainly responsible for the lighting. However, a good director must be able to effectively communicate his vision of how each scene should look. If you are taking on the task of cinematographer yourself, then keep the lighting scheme simple. Rent Fresnel lamps with tungsten halogen bulbs only.
Fresnel lamps allow you to focus the light in narrow concentrations or wide disbursements and are the most common in independent film production. They range from small 100 watt, 250 watt, and 300 watt "Inky" lamps, to medium size 650 watt, to larger 1000 watt, 2000 watt, or higher. (You will most likely need several long extension chords to run power to these lamps from different outlets in order to avoid blowing fuses.) Attached to each lamp should be barn doors, which are adjustable flaps used to control the direction of the light. Each lamp should also come with a stand. Be sure to get an assortment of different sizes of Fresnel lamps and extra tungsten bulbs. Have the rental facility personnel show you how to change the bulbs in each lamp.
Other items to rent include C-stands, which are stands that can hold flags and screens in front of the lights.
Flags block out light completely, allowing you to make shadows as desired, and are often used to keep flares of light from shining directly into the camera lens. Screens reduce the intensity of light by cutting down stops of light. Curtains do the same and are large enough to put over windows to reduce the intensity of daylight. You should also get some scrims which soften the light at its source. You'll also need to purchase an assortment of gels (See 'Filters & Gels').
NOTE: When moving lights around the set, be sure to wear work gloves, for these lamps will get extremely hot (mechanics gloves are the best gloves).
There are basically two types of light: Hard Light and Soft Light.
Hard Light is directional and creates distinct shadows.
It is produced naturally by sunlight on a clear day, and artificially with directly focused lamps. Hard light emphasizes surface textures.
Soft Light or Diffuse Light is less directional and creates weak shadows or no shadows at all.
It is produced naturally by sunlight on an overcast day, and artificially by placing a diffusion gel in front of a lamp, or by bouncing the light off of a white wall, ceiling, or a large white card if you are shooting outdoors (bouncing light off of a white surface is the most effective and the easiest way to soften light). Soft light is gentle and is generally more desirable than hard light because of its ability to smooth out surface textures, hide imperfections, and remove shadows from the set.
The Typical Method For Lighting A Subject
Learn the elements of effective light schemes: key lights, fill lights, and back lights; using a light meter (spot meters vs. incident meters), normal exposure and middle tone, the 18% grey card, color timing in the lab, and much more. Order "The Old School Film School" today.
