What are the best ways to light interviews for TV production?

1 The three-point lighting system

The three-point lighting system consists of three main lights: the key light, the fill light, and the back light. The key light is the main source of illumination for your subject, usually placed at a 45-degree angle from the camera and slightly above the eye level. The fill light is a softer and less intense light that fills in the shadows created by the key light, usually placed on the opposite side of the camera and at a lower angle. The back light is a light that separates your subject from the background, creating depth and contrast, usually placed behind and above your subject. By adjusting the intensity, color, and position of these three lights, you can create different moods and effects for your interviews.

2 The basic setup

The basic setup for lighting interviews is to use the three-point lighting system as a starting point, and then modify it according to your needs and preferences. For example, you can use natural light as your key light if you are shooting near a window, or use a reflector as your fill light if you want to reduce the contrast and create a softer look. You can also use a fourth light, called a kicker, to add some highlights to your subject's hair or face, or use a background light to create some interest and texture in your background. The basic setup is flexible and adaptable, and you can experiment with different combinations and variations to achieve the best results.

4 The tips

To help you overcome these challenges and improve your lighting skills for TV production, it's important to plan ahead and scout the location. Make sure to bring enough lights, stands, cables, and accessories and test them before shooting. Additionally, a light meter can measure the exposure and color temperature of the light, helping you balance your lights and set your camera settings accordingly. A color chart is also useful for correcting the white balance and color grading of footage. To create a softer and more flattering light for your subject, use a softbox modifier, which can reduce the harsh shadows, glare, and contrast. Finally, using a boom arm to hold the light can create a more dynamic back light or kicker while keeping the stand out of frame.

5 The examples

Illustrating how lighting can affect the quality and mood of your interviews, there are various lighting setups. The classic setup is a three-point system with a key light, fill light, and back light, creating a balanced and neutral look. The high-key setup is a variation of the three-point lighting with a brighter key light, lower contrast ratio, and lighter background, creating a cheerful look. The low-key setup is another variation with a darker key light, higher contrast ratio, and darker background, creating a dark and dramatic look. Lastly, the one-light setup is minimalist with only one light source for a simple and stark look. Lighting interviews for TV production can be difficult but also rewarding and creative. With the three-point lighting system, basic setup tips, and examples you can master this skill to produce high-quality and engaging interviews for your audience.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?