Lighting for Digital Film

Author(s): Roslin Smith

License: Attribution-CC-BY

ISBN: 978-1-956862-30-0

Affiliation: SUNY Fredonia

Coming soon!

About the book

Master the art and science of film lighting with this practical, semester-long guide for students and aspiring filmmakers. From lighting history, safety, and electrical fundamentals to hands-on techniques such as Film Noir, Rembrandt, three-point lighting, motivational lighting, and green screen work, this textbook combines clear instruction, real-world exercises, interactive activities, and ready-to-use production resources to help learners create compelling cinematic images.

Table of Contents

Instructor Introduction
Instructor Resource Library
Acknowledgements
Preface: A Brief History of Lighting
Chapter 1: Lighting Roles and Responsibilities
Chapter 2: Safety on Set (SOS)
Chapter 3: Electricity
Chapter 4: Lighting and Visual Composition
Chapter 5: Types of Lighting Instruments
Chapter 6: Controlling Light and Lighting Accessories
Chapter 7: Exterior Lighting, Day and Night
Chapter 8: Lighting Plots and Recces
Chapter 9: Film Noir and Production Case Study
Chapter 10: Butterfly Lighting/Paramount Lighting
Chapter 11: Rembrandt Lighting
Chapter 12: Three-Point Lighting
Chapter 13: Motivational Lighting
Chapter 14: Lighting for Weaponry
Chapter 15: Green Screen
Glossary
Appendix A: Student Templates, Examples, & Reference Documents
Appendix B: Individual Research Seminar Instructions & Rubric
Appendix C: Individual Research Seminars Instrument List
Appendix D: Individual Composition Assignment & Rubric
Appendix E: Midterm Practical Exam: Satan’s Set
Appendix F: Satan’s Set Scenario & Instructions
Appendix G: Chapter 11 Low Lighting Assignment & Rubric
Appendix H: Group Assignment: From Script to Screen
Appendix J: Student Peer Evaluation Sheet
Appendix K: Chapter 7 Camera and Lighting Quiz
Appendix L: Cumulative Quiz
Appendix M: Alternate Group Assignment 2: Practical Exam
Appendix N: Instructor Answer Keys (password required)

About the Author(s)

Roslin Smith

Originally from Scotland, Professor Roslin Smith has led a varied life: filmmaker; media company owner; Sky News reporter; and Professor. She has won 5 BEA awards for her documentaries and educational videos, published articles in the Journal of Film and Video and the Journal of Media Education. Additionally, she has had a plethora of educational book chapters published. She has taught all aspects of film production including: basic video; capstones for fiction and documentary, and post production. Her favorite class is camera and lighting. Currently, she is the Communication Department Chair at SUNY Fredonia.