Hi everyone! I’m doing the lighting for a short film as part of my college course. It’s my second time being head of lighting, and I’ve done some research, but I could use some guidance with the planning. I’ve created diagrams for each scene, but I’m unsure how to maintain continuity between scenes. How do I plan for that?
Also, we’re filming outside, and there are a lot of shadows from nearby structures. I know diffusion would help, but we don’t have the budget or the big grids needed to fully control the lighting. Any tips on how to manage that?
A gaffer will be helping out, which is a relief, but I still need to know what I’m doing. I’d appreciate any advice to help me feel more confident.
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Hey, I’ve been in the same boat with tight budgets. For keeping things consistent, make sure you keep your light setup as close as possible between scenes and take notes or photos after each shot for easy reference…
For outdoor diffusion, grab some translucent shower curtains or cheap white fabric. You don’t need to spend a fortune to soften light. If all else fails, position your actors in the shade and use reflectors to direct light where you need it…Good luck, and don’t sweat it too much! The gaffer will help out a lot too.
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Yo! Planning is key, but also don’t stress too much about perfection. For continuity, use something like a light meter or an app to measure light intensity between shots. Take reference pics too!
Outdoors, if diffusion’s too pricey, consider shooting in shaded areas where the light is already diffused, or use cheap materials like fabric to break up the harsh light. The gaffer will have some good ideas too, so lean on them when needed.
You’ve got this—just keep the vibes good, and everything will work out!
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Hey there! For continuity, take notes on every scene—position of lights, time of day, etc. That way, if you need to reshoot, you can match the lighting easier.
As for outdoors, embrace the shadows! They can add mood and depth. Use reflectors to fill in areas if it’s too harsh. Also, overcast days are your best friend—they naturally diffuse light. If it’s sunny, make sure to have some white boards or sheets like others said…
Having a gaffer is awesome, but just remember, they’ll help bring your vision to life…so jus let 'em know exactly what you want. You’ll be fine!
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Yo! You’ve got this! Continuity is all about attention to detail, but as long as your light sources are consistent and you stick to your diagrams, you’ll be golden. Make sure to record what settings you’re using too.
For outdoor shadows, maybe shoot during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) when the sunlight is softer? Also, try using some DIY diffusion materials—sometimes even a shower curtain can save the day!
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Hey! Sounds like you’re on a fun but challenging project. For continuity, take tons of photos! Seriously, before and after every take. It’ll help you match lighting between shots. Also, try to keep your light sources in the same spots relative to the camera, even if you change angles.
For outdoors, yeah, shadows can be tricky. If diffusion is out of your budget, you can try using something like white bedsheets or foam boards to reflect light. Cheap and effective! The gaffer will definitely have some tricks up their sleeve too. Good luck!
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