Reducing Light

Learn the tools and techniques for reducing the brightness of light from a light source.

Reducing Light

Developed by Jason Tomaric, FilmSkills
ABOUT THIS LESSON
Learn production tools and techniques to effectively and properly reduce the output of a light source. From scrims and nets, to neutral density gels and dimmers, you will learn how to quickly slow down light.
  • 20:31 video that walks you through techniques to reduce light on set
  • Complete resource guide
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
  • How to reduce light on set
  • How to use scrims
  • How to use nets
  • How to use silks
  • How to use solids
  • How to use dimmers
  • How to use neutral density gels
  • Proper set etiquette when choosing a light source and reducing it
ABOUT THE LESSON AUTHOR
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
Blain Brown

Blain Brown

Cinematographer, Author, "Cinematography: Theory and Practice" and "Motion Picture and Video Lighting"
Blain Brown is a Director of Photography based in the Los Angeles area. He has been Director of Photography on 14 feature films as well as national commercials, promotional films, industrials, music videos and documentaries. He has worked all over the U.S. and throughout the world as well. He has completed projects as a director, editor and screenwriter. Blain has written two of the most industry-defining cinematography book of this decade, "Cinematography: Theory and PRactice," and "Motion Picture and Video Lighting."
Harry C. Box

Harry C. Box

Camera Operator, "Heroes," "Brothers and Sisters," and Author of "The Set Lighting Technician's Handbook"

Harry C. Box has worked in television and motion picture production since 1989. Over the years he has done substantial work as a lighting technician, gaffer, camera operator, director of photography, and as an educator. His recent credits include network and cable television series, such as "Heroes" (NBC), "Brothers and Sisters" (ABC), and "Everybody Hates Chris" (CW). He has worked on major motion pictures, independent feature films, telefilms, documentaries, music videos, commercials, and industrials. Harry has also written "The Set Lighting Technician's Handbook," now in its fourth edition.

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.