Lighting a studio can have advantages and disadvantages.
Filming inside a studio provides an element of control that filming outside does not allow. This is an enormous advantage for setting up a scene. Lighting is a prime element in establishing a shot, and understanding how lighting works is an elementary skill for a television studio crew. There are several setups and techniques that make lighting a studio quick, easy and effective.
Three-point Setup
The basic lighting configuration, three-point setup, includes three primary lights. The key light is the prime source of illumination. This light is normally twice as bright as any other source, and is used to highlight details and provide dimension to the subject. The key light should be moderately bright and situated about 45 degrees to the side and above the subject.
The fill light works to expose hidden details. It is placed opposite of the key light and opens, but doesn't eliminate, shadows by lighting the dark side of a subject.
Finally, the back light sits 45 degrees above and behind the subject. This light can range in brightness and is changed depending upon the reflective nature and color of the subject.
Lighting for Motion
When the subject moves, whether it be from one location to another or to several different spots, the standard three-point setup may not work. With subjects in motion, it is not practical or desirable to have all three lighting components for the entire path. It is more important to provide steady, overall light along the path. This can be done in several ways.
If the path is short, the lighting of area one and two can be overlapped or identically arranged to create the illusion of continuity to the viewer. If the path is wide, or there is more than one movement, fill lights can be used to light the path and keep it reasonably constant. In this situation, back lighting is usually not required. When movement is expected to be random, base lighting can be used. This can be designed to keep all shadows at an aesthetic contrast, then key and back lights are strategically added, depending on the camera position.
Chroma Key
Used primarily for news and weather forecasts, chroma key combines two images to make one. Commonly known as "green screen," Chroma key allows meteorologists to show maps and the movement of storms by combining the filmed image with an electronic component. The screen can either be green or blue, and must be lit very specifically to prevent glare or other technical problems. Lighting is essential, and must be adjusted to rid the studio of shadows, while the background must be lit evenly. On-air personalities must also be conscious of colors, especially those they are wearing. Any clothing similar in color to the screen will be rendered see-through.
Tags: This light, three-point setup