lighting

Key Light

Submitted by fivesprockets on Wed, 02/11/2009 - 12:38
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Main source of light.

The main source of light used to light a subject or a Set.  Its direction and amount relative to the other lights establishes the mood of illumination.
 

Gel

Submitted by fivesprockets on Wed, 02/04/2009 - 16:46
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Colored sheets of transparent plastic.

Colored sheets of transparent plastic (able to withstand high temperatures) that are applied to lights and windows to change the intensity or the color of the light. 

Gaffer's Tape

Submitted by fivesprockets on Wed, 02/04/2009 - 16:45
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Adhesive tape used for lighting.

A wide strong grey or black-colored adhesive tape used for securing the lighting instruments, stands, cables etc. on the Set.

Frames

Submitted by fivesprockets on Wed, 02/04/2009 - 16:39
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Collapsable metal frames for the grip department.

For the Grip Department, Frames are collapsible metal frames made up of square aluminum tubing.  They quickly assemble to form large square shapes to support various types of “Silks” or gauzy “Diffusion” to soften sunlight or the bright light of Movie Lamps.  They are usually assembled in 6’x6’; 8’x8’; 12’x12’ or 20’x20’ sizes.

Flag

Submitted by fivesprockets on Wed, 02/04/2009 - 16:16
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Device used to manipulate light.

A device used to manipulate the amount of light used to illuminate a scene by casting controlled shadows on the Set.  Usually made of black cloth stretched over a metal frame, Flags come in variety of shapes and sizes and are mounted onto C-Stands to be near the light source.  Also known as “Cutters” for cutting away the light with a shadow. 

Fill Light

Submitted by rullrich on Wed, 02/04/2009 - 16:13
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Light source used to fill in the shadow area of a subject.

The light source, which is used to fill in the shadow area of a subject, (most often in the background) allowing for details to be seen in those areas.

Scrim

Submitted by fivesprockets on Tue, 02/03/2009 - 14:46
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Circular screen used to soften light.

Usually a metal circular screen placed in directly front of a Movie Light to “soften” the bright light source.  Scrims usually slip into clips built onto the front edge of the lights, or they are held in place by a C-Stand.  As there is such a wide variety of scrims, the ones that are being frequently used are kept in a canvas “Scrim Bag” and hang from the appropriate Lamp on the set.  The others are kept nearby on the Electric Department’s Taco Cart.

Gobo Arm

Submitted by fivesprockets on Tue, 02/03/2009 - 14:44
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Often used as an extension to support lighting equipment.

A metal rod that fits into the multi-functional “Head” (an adjustable circular “clamp”) of a C-Stand.  On one end of the Gobo Arm is a similar Head as the C-Stand, used to hold up or support a variety of Grip or Electric Dept. devices or equipment, such as Flags or gel frames.

Gobo

Submitted by fivesprockets on Tue, 02/03/2009 - 14:43
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Thin metal disc for creating patterns with light.

A Gobo is a thin metal disc used to create patterns or designs of projected light.  The name comes from the term “Goes Before Optics” meaning the scrim goes “in between” the light source and the projected area.   Gobos are similar to a Cucoloris or Flags, except that the Gobo is actually mounted onto the light or lamp itself, whereas Kooks & Flags are placed further away from the intense heat of the lamp.  (Also see Cucoloris and

Cucoloris (KOOK-ah-lore-iss)

Submitted by fivesprockets on Tue, 02/03/2009 - 14:41
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Old school lighting trick for creating shapes.

No matter how you spell or say it, the “Kook” or “Cookie” is a curious-looking “old school” lighting trick that has its roots in Theatre, Opera & Still Photography.  Basically it’s a device consisting of a thin plywood (or Masonite) board covered with a variety of random organic “cut out” shapes.  Placed near the front of a Movie Light, the Cookie is used for casting shadows of organic-looking “patterns” or silhouettes in order to “soften” a light source.  (Also see