My name is Gaffer Gary and I am in charge of light. I have been in charge of light at Furlough Film Studio for four years, and I have been in charge of the sunbeam for longer than that. In this guide I will explain what I know, which is mostly where the sun is.
Principle one: Use the sun
The sun is the best light source ever invented. It is free, it is warm, and it moves in a predictable arc, ending up on the sofa at 2 PM. Many directors ask me to fake the sun with lamps. I say no. I say the sun is already faking itself.
Principle two: Know your window
Our studio window faces south east. This means that the best light arrives in the morning, a good light arrives at noon, and a very dramatic light arrives at 4 PM, when the sofa glows like a loaf of bread. Plan your schedule around these times. If you cannot, plan around your nap.
Principle three: The three point lighting setup
Professional crews use three lights: key, fill and back. We use one sunbeam, one lamp and one spot on the floor. The sunbeam is the key. The lamp is the fill. The spot on the floor is the back, since that is where the cat is.
Equipment list
- One window, large
- One lamp, shaded, positioned so that it is nearly knocked over
- One piece of foil, to bounce light, and to be chased
- One curtain, to control the light, and to be climbed
- One tail, for shadows
Creating mood
Mood comes from contrast. A bright sunbeam against a dark corner makes a cat look mysterious. A cat sitting entirely in shadow looks like a rumour. A cat sitting half in and half out of the light looks as though she has just made an important decision.
Common mistakes
Do not point the lamp directly at the actor. Do not hang the foil above the actor, unless you wish to lose the actor. Do not allow the curtain to swing during the take. Do not allow Gaffer Gary to fall asleep in the shot.
A word of warning
Light changes quickly. A scene that looks perfect at two will look terrible at ten past, when a cloud arrives. If this happens, do not panic. Wait for the cloud to leave. Wait for another. Wait until it is time for dinner.
Furlough Film Studio is a fictional production company, and this guide is a parody. Please do not use it to light anything real, particularly a fish.