Lighting For Auditions. Help!

[Novice1013]

Hi everyone,

I'm an actor who self-tapes auditions at home. I'm looking for advice for a complete novice when it comes to lighting. I'm specifically looking for advice on affordable and simple 3 point lighting set-ups.

Here's how it goes down: I'll be shooting in my house in a small space, usually standing or sitting against a blue background (standard for the industry). Movement is limited. Most auditions will be framed to show just the shoulders to the top of the head, but some may be waist up. I really need lighting that is soft, flattering, doesn't create shadows, but also doesn't flatten the face and makes the eyes pop. I realize positioning of the lights is key, and that adjustments will need to be made for varying situations, but I'm really looking for something standard that I can use each and every time. I'll be setting up and breaking down the lights for every audition, so ease of use is important.

I've been trying to do research, but have been overwhelmed by the amount of information available and the amount of options (many of which seem too professional-grade for me). I really need to keep it simple, while somehow getting consistent, flattering light.

Thanks in advance for your advice and insight!

 

[Chris Santucci]

All you need is a soft key light at about a 45 degree angle to your lens axis as long as you separate from the background. I'd recommend a medium (about 30") soft box and try to get it close to your mug (maybe a few feet).

I shoot actor's auditions all the time and that's what I do in a 10' wide white room.

 

[Novice1013]

Thanks for your response!

In most cases simple lighting would be fine, but I need these to look fantastic. They're for important projects and often these tapes are seen not only by the casting director, but also by the director and production company (and other decisionmakers). They need to look great. Most professional taping companies in the area use 3 point lighting, but there's a lot of variation in the equipment they use.

Anyone else willing to offer their thoughts? I really need your help!

 

[slondon]

I have no connection with this guy but his product is good. You want the head shot DVD. http://www.bluesky-web.com/new-pagemerchandise.html

 

[Bruce Watson]

Get Barry Green's lighting DVDs. Well worth it because it will teach you how to think about lighting rather than trying to use a set formula -- so you can get the effects you want when you want them.

 

[Novice1013]

Can anyone recommend actual lights? If I go with the previous poster's suggestion of just getting a softbox for my key light, what type of key light should I get? Please keep in mind that this will be shot in a small room.

Also, if a get a good key light, can I just use china balls for my fill and backlight?

 

[RyanT]

Simple lighting is always good lighting. Often times the more complex it is, the worse off you are.

Honestly, you can do it with maybe two big china balls and some spray paint or ripstop nylon. Use one smaller china ball as a backlight and either paint the back half of the ball black, or cover it with rip stop nylon to keep the light from spilling onto the background. Then take the big china ball and do it at a 45 degree angle, you can cover the back half again with paint or rip stop nylon to keep the light from bouncing off the back wall or any other wall. Now you have a nice big soft source for your key and a little backlight for you. All very cheap and easy.

Really, the backlight is optional, but you might like it. Also since they're china balls they're cheap, and buying another one isn't too big of a deal.