Lighting Basics in Video Productions
Lesson Overview
Media: Video (16 minutes)
Seat Time: 6 Classes | 300 minutes teaching
Goal:
To analyze lighting needs for a production and identify fixtures and accessories.
Description:
This lesson introduces students to basic lighting techniques in the studio and in the field. Students will learn how to use lighting to enhance mood and atmosphere and practice using various types of lighting fixtures for optimal results.
Objectives:
1. To analyze lighting needs for a production.
2. To compare types of lighting fixtures.
3. To identify parts of lighting fixtures and accessories.
4. To set up appropriate lighting for a production.
Class 1
Class Overview:
Lighting Needs Video Segment
Action Plan
Vocabulary Handout
Key Concepts
Lighting Needs Check for Understanding
Lighting Mood Exploration Activity
Essential Questions:
1. How can lighting be used to enhance the mood and atmosphere of a scene?
2. What techniques emphasize specific subjects or objects through lighting?
Step 1: Bell Ringer:
· Instruct students to consider each source of light present in the classroom and then identify whether each is artificial or natural light. Lead them to consider which direction the shadows are pointing and why.
Step 2: Distribute the Action Plan, Vocabulary Handout and Key Concepts.
· The Action Plan lays out a list of tasks for students to complete during the lesson.
· The Vocabulary Handout is a list of terms used throughout the lesson.
· The Key Concepts is an outline which identifies the main ideas presented in the lesson which students can fill in to aid in note taking during the lesson.
Step 3: Show the Lighting Needs video segment.
· This video is three minutes long.
· Be sure to utilize the Key Concepts for this segment of the lesson.
Step 4: Administer the Lighting Needs Check for Understanding.
· The check for understanding is a short review of the content presented in the segment.
Step 5: Students will complete the Lighting Mood Exploration Activity.
· Students will analyze lighting techniques in different film genres to understand how they enhance mood and emphasize subjects or objects.
· If time permits, facilitate a class discussion related to the activity questions.
Step 6: Exit Ticket:
· Quick Write: Students will respond to the following prompt in two to three written sentences:
- Describe how you would change the current room lighting to achieve a specific mood.
Class 2
Class Overview:
Lighting Basics Bell Ringer Activity
Lighting Fixtures Video Segment
Action Plan
Key Concepts
Lighting Fixtures Check for Understanding
Light Quality Student Handout
Lighting Fixture Identification Activity
Essential Questions:
1. Which main types of lighting fixtures are commonly used in film production?
2. What key components and accessories are associated with lighting fixtures?
Step 1: Bell Ringer:
· Students should complete the Lighting Basics Bell Ringer Activity.
Step 2: Show the Lighting Fixtures video segment.
· This video is six minutes long.
· Be sure to utilize the Key Concepts for this segment of the lesson.
Step 3: Administer the Lighting Fixtures Check for Understanding.
· The check for understanding is a short review of the content presented in the segment.
Step 4: Students should review the Light Quality Student Handout.
Step 5: Students should complete the Lighting Fixture Identification Activity.
· Students will identify and label the essential components and accessories associated with lighting fixtures.
Step 6: Exit Ticket:
· Have students pick a lighting fixture and write down one pro and one con to using the fixture.
Class 3
Class Overview:
Lighting Setup Video Segment
Action Plan
Key Concepts
Lighting Setup Check for Understanding
Lighting for a Production Student Handout
Interview Lighting Setup Activity
Essential Questions:
1. What strategies are used to position and adjust lighting fixtures for optimal results?
2. How are different lighting techniques used to achieve specific effects in production?
3. How can lighting challenges on set be effectively addressed during filming?
Step 1: Bell Ringer:
· Place a lighting fixture from the classroom in front of groups of students. Provide students with sticky notes to label each feature of the fixture in front of them.
Step 2: Show the Lighting Setup video segment.
· This video is six minutes long.
· Be sure to utilize the Key Concepts for this segment of the lesson.
Step 3: Administer the Lighting Setup Check for Understanding.
· The check for understanding is a short review of the content presented in the segment.
Step 4: Students should review the Lighting for a Production Student Handout.
· This handout provides an overview of one-, two- and three-point lighting setups.
Step 5: Students will complete the Interview Lighting Setup Activity.
· Students will create and set up lighting and needed equipment to film and interview using a three-point lighting layout.
Step 6: Exit Ticket:
· Show an image of a grip kit and have students identify the different tools or equipment in it which may be related to lighting.
Class 4
Class Overview:
Action Plan
Lighting Diagram Project
Step 1: Bell Ringer:
· Students will review the Lighting Diagram Project rubric to prepare for the project.
Step 2: Students should begin the Lighting Diagram Project.
· Students will assess the lighting needs of a scenario to prepare a lighting diagram with an in-depth, written analysis.
Step 3: Exit Ticket:
· Discuss the project as a class by providing the following prompts:
- What strategies are you using to develop your lighting analysis and diagrams?
- What library or online resources might be useful to overcome obstacles?
Class 5
Class Overview:
Action Plan
Lighting Diagram Project
Step 1: Students should continue the Lighting Diagram Project.
· Students will assess the lighting needs of a scenario to prepare a lighting diagram with an in-depth, written analysis.
Step 2: Exit Ticket:
· Ask student pairs to estimate their percentage of project completion, instruct them to write down the percentage on a sheet of paper and turn it in before leaving class.
Class 6
Class Overview:
Action Plan
Lighting Basics in Video Productions Final Assessment
Lighting Diagram Project
Step 1: Bell Ringer:
· Show students a picture with bad lighting from a film or TV show and ask students to consider why the lighting is bad, and how it can be corrected.
Step 2: Administer the Lighting Basics in Video Productions Final Assessment.
· The assessment is a comprehensive assessment covering material throughout the entire lesson.
Step 3: Students complete the Lighting Diagram Project.
· Students will assess the lighting needs of a scenario to prepare a lighting diagram with an in-depth, written analysis.
· In this class, students should share their projects with the class. Pass each lighting diagram around or arrange to display them, if time allows.
Step 4: Exit Ticket:
· Before leaving class, students should turn in their completed Lighting Diagram Project.
Activity Overview
Lighting Mood Exploration
Students will work with a partner to review four clips from different film genres and analyze the lighting techniques used. You may choose to provide a list of approved clips or movies for students to choose clips from. After noting some basic information about each clip, students will answer a series of reflection questions and prepare for a class discussion to compare findings. This activity allows students to understand how lighting enhances mood and emphasizes subjects or objects.
Accommodations:
Show clips to the entire class and facilitate a group discussion to review each example.
Modifications:
Provide students with images showing different lighting setups and verbally discuss any first impressions based on the composition and mood created by the lighting.
Extension:
Have students choose a frame from each clip and then create a simple, overhead view sketch of the set based on the elements visible in the shot. Elements can include characters, furniture, lighting sources and camera placement. This helps introduce students to the concept of lighting diagrams.
Lighting Fixture Identification
Students will identify and label the essential components and accessories associated with lighting fixtures. This includes the terms yokes, barn doors, bulbs, flags and gel frames. The purpose of this activity is for students to recognize and classify standard lighting fixtures and accessories visually.
Accommodations:
Allow students to work in pairs.
Modifications:
Provide students with a written description of each element as well as a selection of photos for students to match together.
Extension:
Have students research an audio-visual equipment rental company in their state and determine the rental cost or purchase price of the items on their checklist.
Interview Lighting Setup
Students will create and set up lighting and equipment to film an interview using a three-point lighting layout. Working in groups of three, students will set up a camera and three lights—key, fill and back lights—according to industry conventions to light the scene. The activity gives students the opportunity to practice a simple and common lighting setup with minimal equipment.
Required Materials:
Three lights with power cables/sources
Light stands (3)
Chair for interview subject
Camera/phone to capture video
Tripod or stand for camera/phone
Accommodations:
Provide students with a diagram showing how to set up the three light sources.
Modifications:
Provide students with a completed setup, then instruct them to power on the equipment and adjust the brightness for optimal capture.
Extension:
Once the setup is complete, have students create a lighting diagram representing the scene and then record a short interview (one to two minutes total, unedited) where the subject answers questions about three-point lighting.
Project Overview
Lighting Diagram
Students will assess the lighting needs of a sample scenario, considering the desired mood, atmosphere and scene requirements, and then design a lighting diagram. They will then prepare and submit a lighting diagram with an in-depth, written analysis explaining their approach. Provide access to the internet for additional research, as needed.
Accommodations:
Provide a template lighting diagram for students to use.
Modifications:
Only require students to analyze a few selective aspects of lighting.
Extension:
Students use available lighting and smartphone cameras to create short clips demonstrating different lighting moods.
