Lighting a Scene

Learn how to assess an existing location, scene blocking and existing lighting to deterine the best way to light a set.

Lighting a Scene

Developed by Jason Tomaric, FilmSkills
ABOUT THIS LESSON
When you first step onto a set or scout a location, it can be an overwhelming experience trying to figure out how to light the scene.  Where do you start?  Where do you put the key light?  How do you work with the ambience? This module not only gives you valuable pointers and a step-by-step guide to planning the lighting for a scene, but Emmy-winning DP Jason Tomaric, Vice President of Lighting of Arri John Gresch and veteran gaffer Ron Sill walk you through the lighting of a scene for a movie.  See for yourself the DP’s process as he shares his tips and techniques with you from first thoughts of the set through the final lighting.
 
  • 24:42 video that walks you through the approach to lighting a scene
  • Complete companion guide
  • Guide on mapping the electrical layout of a location and how to work with a circuit breaker
  • Four scene study guides with scenes from "Time and Again"
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
  • How to determine the ambient light at a location
  • How to determine the placement of the key light
  • How to place accent lights
  • How to light a set based on the actor's blocking
ABOUT THE LESSON AUTHOR
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Jason Tomaric

Jason Tomaric

Director, Cinematographer Los Angeles, California
Jason J. Tomaric is an Emmy, Telly, and CINE Award-winning director and cinematographer of four internationally-distributed feature films, dozens of national television commercials, music videos, and the largest film training content library in the world, published author of 8 books - used in many top universities, and creator of AccuSkills.com, an industry-changing learning management platform. 
 
Jason has worked in Los Angeles and around the world in over 20 countries. His clients include Disney, NBC/Universal, National Geographic, McDonald’s, Toyota, Scion, Microsoft, and Paul Mitchell, with narrative work screened at Sundance, Slamdance, and South by Southwest film festivals as well as on Netflix and on all broadcast networks.
 
Jason has taught and/or guest lectured at some of the nation's most prestigious film schools including UCLA, Columbia College, John Carroll University, Kent State University, San Francisco State, University of Notre Dame, and numerous film festivals.
 
Jason has written eight industry-defining books, all sold in bookstores, and used in film schools around the world. The American Society of Cinematographers hails Jason's books - "There are no wasted words in Tomaric's tome, which concisely summarizes each facet of the director's craft.  It's difficult to think of a step in the process that Tomaric fails to address." 
 
Jason’s DVD training series on Hollywood film production have trained filmmakers in over 40 countries, with distributors in Europe, Hong Kong, New York and Australia.
 
In 2010, Jason launched FilmSkills, which combines the world’s largest film training video library with his proprietary learning management system.  Adopted by 47 universities within the first year, FilmSkills is now the leading industry-standard training solution for motion picture and television production.
 
In 2015, Jason launched AccuSkills.com, an industry-changing learning management platform that bridges the gap between academia and industry.
CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS LESSON
John Gresch

John Gresch

Vice President, ARRI Inc.'s Lighting Division
Based in Burbank,Calif., John Gresch serves as ARRI Inc.’s Vice President, Lighting Division. He has worked for ARRI for the past 20 years, initially heading sales efforts for the Western Division before being promoted to his current position. John is also an instructor of HMI lighting for IATSE 728 (Studio Lighting Technicians) Safety & Training program. He often lectures on lighting topics for union, trade, and educational groups. John is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon School of Drama.
Ron Sill

Ron Sill

Gaffer, "Christmas in Connecticut," "Iron Eagle," and "Freeway II: Confessions of a Trickbaby"

Ron is the resident Gaffer with Arri Lighting in Burbank, California, he has worked in the camera and electrical department for over 20 years. His credits include: "Christmas in Connecticut," "Iron Eagle," "Freeway II: Confessions of a Trickbaby," and 16 episodes of "Mike Hammer, Private Eye."