Lighting a master shot.....

[Nick Castronuova]

Can anyone give me some good tips for lighting a master shot? I'm still trying to get the hang of lighting, especially for video, but what is the best way to really light a shot with multiple actors, without having them move out of key? I assume have several keys and backlights with a general fill?

What about matching lighting for the close-ups and covering angles? Do most people use ratios or just do it by eye in the monitor?

Basically, any pointers on video lighting and master shot lighting would be helpful. Other than the "just do it, get experience" answers. I mean, those go without saying, and as I'm working on a project next semester, I'd really like some good advice. Thanks!

 

[PaPa]

there isnt one way to do it Nick. I'm afraid without some pictures or examples of places you want to shoot, so that we have a visual reference of what your idea of a master shot entails. Space is everything when it comes to lighting. Practicals and such, there are many factor.

 

[Gohanto]

Practice isn't and shouldn't be limited to just went you're on set shooting a script working against time. Every professional movie does lighting tests to find the look that they want and those are guys who could light better stuff than me blindfolded.

Test what you want to do on your own. In your house if need be, or on the set you'll be using. Easiest to find someone willing to stand around for you or the actors themselves to see how different light works with their skin, but worst case you can just set up a camera, press record, go walk around in and out of the lights you set-up, then playback the footage, correct lights, repeat... (or a light monitor with a long cable works as well)

I personally see lighting as an execution of what was planned and tested in pre-production. Not that things don't change once you're shooting, but have that base knowledge of different lighting ideas you like.

Example say for one project you and the director agree that you want straw filters on the key, or heavy top lighting, or how much fill light in CU, ect...