Production Skills #5

Ah now this is where my blog could get confusing. The top heading is called 'Digital Production' which is the pathway lesson. This session is 'Production Skills' where everyone from both pathways gets a look at the equipment (the basic essentials for us to start filming). 

http://gifsoup.com/view/1125545/bliss-live-muse.html

This week we looked at Lighting (3 point lighting to be precise). The 3 points being key lights, fill lights and back lights. I was already aware of this from A Level Film and Media but I had never set up any lights before so today was a learning curve.

The little silver and black tripods/holders are for the REDHEADS ONLY!!! As they can only hold so much weight. If I am using a bigger tripod to a big height, sandbag it down. All lights must have a grill on. When handling 'barn doors' when the lights are on/hot, always wear gloves (note to self: might need to buy these. Garden gloves will do). Lights will take about 20 mins to cool when switched off. Leaving them on is a fire hazard and a waste of electricity. 

http://www.indefilms.net/html/techlingo.html

'barn doors'

If using an extension, look at the wattage. Some extensions cannot contain the same amps as a light and could catch fire. If they do, make sure the extension is fully unwrapped. Every building should have a 'RDA tester' which tests whether the electricity is safe. If they do not give you one, always bring one. 

Always keep lights 1 m (minimum) away from curtains.

When using gels, you can put them on with metal bulldog clips (just be careful when handling them when the light is on) or wooden pegs (again be careful of the metal strip). Scrim (tracing paper like) can also be put on lights to give it a softer, diffused look. Always white balance before putting gels on. Blue gels- daylight. Orange gels- indoor light. Avoid fluorescent light. Gobo's can print on a gel, such as patterns of leaves or prison bars.

NEVER put lights in bathrooms. NEVER touch lights while naked and wet. NEVER be a gaffer unless you want to die (jk seems pretty cool just be sure what you are doing). 

Key lights tend to go on the left hand side. Fill lights tend to have scrim on. 

Make up can also effect lighting. Foundation can leave more of a matt finish on the actor and the light won't catch on their faces, giving a shiny look to it. 

I was the make up model for this.