Lesson Plan
Course Title:
Audio Video Production
Session Title:
Lighting Equipment Introduction
Lesson Duration: Approximately two to three 90-minute class periods.
Lecture – 30 min
Lab/Worksheet – one day
Exam – one day
[Lesson length is subjective and will vary from instructor to instructor]
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this assignment, the student will be able to identify the various types of
studio and portable lighting equipment and demonstrate their proper usage.
Specific Objectives:
1. Identify different types of lights used for studio and field productions.
2. Identify tools used for directional control of illumination.
3. Identify tools used to control intensity of illumination.
4. Demonstrate safe usage of lamps, bulbs, and lighting equipment.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
§130.85 (c)
(6) The student applies safety regulations. The student is expected to:
(A) implement personal and workplace safety rules and regulations; and
(C) examine and summarize safety-related problems that may result from working with
electrical circuits.
(13) The student understands the production process. The student is expected to:
(B) use lighting techniques by:
(ii) using reflected light; and
(iv) using filters.
Instructor/Trainer
References:
Zettl, H. (2006). Television production handbook. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Thomson Learning.
Stinson, J. (2012). Video communication and production. Tinley Park, IL: Goodheart-Willcox
Company, Inc.
Instructional Aids:
Lighting Equipment slide presentation
Lighting Equipment Worksheet
Lighting Equipment Worksheet – Key
Lighting Equipment Lab
Lighting Equipment Exam
Lighting Equipment Exam – Key
Materials Needed:
AAVTC: Audio Video Production – Lighting Equipment Introduction
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
1
Gels
Gloves
Equipment Needed:
Spotlights
Floodlights
Various directional/intensity controls (flag, screen/scrim, reflector)
Barn Doors
Portable Lighting Kit
Ladder
Learner
Paper/spiral notebook
Pen/pencil
Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
ASK: What do you think is one of the most common complaints and reasons
people give for returning a consumer camcorder? (Allow discussion)
SAY: It’s how a camcorder performs in low-light situations. Consumers will return a
camcorder thinking it’s defective because the image looks “grainy” and lowquality.
ASK: Why does their low-light footage look grainy and low-quality? What is the
camcorder doing to compensate for low-light? (Allow discussion)
SAY: Remember the gain controls? The camcorder is boosting the gain when
switched to “low-light” mode.
ASK: So, what is the key here? What is going to make these consumers keep their
cameras instead of returning them? (Allow discussion; guide students to the
realization that good video requires good lighting!)
SAY: Lighting is a major part of getting quality video footage. That’s why you have
an entire section of movie credits dedicated to lighting professionals.
Eventually we’re going to learn about lighting techniques and how to properly
control illumination. But before we get there, we have to learn about the
equipment that will be used in lighting.
Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
Instructor Notes:
I.
Use the slide
presentation to introduce
and discuss the following
topics.
Identify different types of lights used for studio and
field productions.
A. Spotlights
1. Characteristics

Creates directional light
 Beam can be controlled or focused
 A spotlight shining on the ground will
create a circle of light with definite
AAVTC: Audio Video Production – Lighting Equipment Introduction
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
2
edges
Contains a lens
2. Fresnel Spotlight

Named after the inventor who invented
the lens in the spotlight

Most common light in TV studios

Can be identified by the rings of the lens

Versatile
 Beam is adjustable from flood to spot

Several sizes and wattages
3. Ellipsoidal

Produces sharp, defined beam of light

Beam can be manipulated with
cookie/gobo, which is a cutout used to
create a shadow pattern

Beam can be manipulated with a shutter
B. Floodlights
1. Characteristics

Direction cannot be controlled

Light goes everywhere

Think of a flood…water spreads out and
covers everything
2. Scoop

Named for its round shape (think “ice
cream scoop”)

Fixed or adjustable focus

No lens

Gel holder around the opening
3. Broad Light

Minimal beam control

Diffused light

Soft shadows
4. Soft Light

Extremely diffused

Very few shadows

Various sizes

Diffuser/gel holder around opening
5. Strip or Cyc Light

Even illumination

Used for cycloramas and set areas

Great for background lighting

2. Identify tools used for directional control of
illumination.
A. Pipe grid

Series of pipes strung in a crisscross pattern
throughout the top of the studio

Allows for placement of studio lights
anywhere in the studio
B. C-clamp

Used to attach a lamp to pipe grid
AAVTC: Audio Video Production – Lighting Equipment Introduction
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
3
C. Safety chain

Wire used as a backup support if C-clamp
gives way
D. C-stand (Century stand)
 Portable stand used for small, ENG/EFP
lights
3. Identify tools used to control intensity of illumination.
A. Barn doors

Attachments to spotlights that masks off
unwanted light to keep it from spilling into
areas where it’s needed
B. Flags

Same as barn doors but not attached to light
C. Screen

Reduce light intensity
D. Reflector

Controls light direction, bouncing illumination
toward subject
4. Demonstrate safe usage of lamps, bulbs, and lighting
equipment.
A. Safe usage for attaching studio lighting

Be aware of amperage of lamp and
amperage of circuit (30 amp light will overload
a 20 amp circuit)

Always connect lamps (lights) to pipe grid
using C-clamp AND safety chain (backup)

Make sure barn doors are also secured
B. Practice proper ladder safety

A partner holds the ladder while the other
climbs

Never move the ladder with someone still on
it
C. Safe usage when handling lamps

Wear protective gloves to
 Adjust the barn doors of a spotlight that’s
on; barn doors get very hot
 Replace a bulb; oils from bare hand will
cause bulb to malfunction

Make sure light is off and unplugged before
changing bulb

Adjust the light from behind it, not in front

Avoid looking directly into lights that are on
Note: If an accident
occurs, REPORT IT
IMMEDIATELY!
AAVTC: Audio Video Production – Lighting Equipment Introduction
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
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Application
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Instructor demonstrates the Lighting Equipment Lab tasks while students observe.
Make sure students are familiar with the materials to be used, proper techniques for
handling materials, and safety procedures when dealing with lighting and electrical
equipment.
MI
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Using the Lighting Equipment Lab, students should demonstrate proper techniques
for handling materials and safety procedures when dealing with lighting and electrical
equipment. Evaluate students on completion of the tasks that are available and
applicable to your program. Allow four to five students at a time to complete this lab
to avoid students standing around and waiting for their turn. Those not working on
the lab may complete the worksheet (see review activity listed below).
Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Students will use their notes to complete the Lighting Equipment Worksheet.
Students may work on this assignment concurrently while the lab exercise is going
on. Evaluation is based on a 100-point scale.
Evaluation
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
Assess students during the lab assignment, monitoring their progress, and giving
guidance and correction when needed.
AAVTC: Audio Video Production – Lighting Equipment Introduction
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
5
MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
Students will complete the Lighting Equipment Exam. Evaluation is based on a 100point scale.
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):

Interview lighting designers and directors.

Conduct Internet-based research on the knowledge and skill requirements for
lighting designers and directors.
AAVTC: Audio Video Production – Lighting Equipment Introduction
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
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Lighting Equipment Worksheet
Audio Video Production – Lighting Equipment
NAME ________________________________ DATE ________________________
INSTRUCTIONS: Use your notes to answer the following questions regarding lighting
equipment.
1. What is the difference between barn doors and flags?
2. What are two different ways to control the illumination coming from an ellipsoidal
spotlight?
3. Name three types of floodlights:
4. What is a gobo?
5. Where does the Fresnel spotlight get its name?
6. What is the safe way to attach a light to a pipe grid?
7. When should you wear gloves when working with lighting equipment?
8. Name three types of directional and intensity controls:
9. When using a ladder, what safety guidelines should you remember?
10. Define pipe grid:
AAVTC: Audio Video Production – Lighting Equipment Introduction
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
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Lighting Equipment Worksheet – Key
Audio Video Production – Lighting Equipment
NAME ________________________________ DATE ________________________
Instructions: Use your notes to answer the following questions regarding lighting
equipment.
1. What is the difference between barn doors and flags?
Barn doors are attached to the spotlight while flags are not attached
2. What are two different ways to control the illumination coming from an ellipsoidal
spotlight?
Shutters and cookies (gobos)
3. Name three types of floodlights:
Scoop, broad light, soft light, or strip/cyc light
4. What is a gobo?
Cutout used to create a shadow pattern
5. Where does the Fresnel spotlight get its name?
It is named after the inventor of the lens used in Fresnel spotlights
6. What is the safe way to attach a light to a pipe grid?
Use a C-clamp to attach the light to the grid with a safety chain around both as a
backup
7. When should you wear gloves when working with lighting equipment?
When adjusting barn doors on a spotlight that is on and when replacing a bulb
8. Name three types of directional and intensity controls:
Barn doors, flags, screens, or reflectors
9. When using a ladder, what safety guidelines should you remember?
When climbing, have a partner hold the ladder
Never move the ladder with someone on it
10. Define pipe grid:
A series of steel pipes strung crisscrossed from the ceiling of the studio, allowing
mounting and positioning of lights anywhere in the studio
AAVTC: Audio Video Production – Lighting Equipment Introduction
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
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Lighting Equipment Lab – Evaluation
Audio Video Production – Lighting Equipment
Equipment needed: Various floodlights, spotlights with barn doors, portable light kit,
bulb, gloves, gels, diffusers, reflectors, and any other lighting equipment you have
available
AAVTC: Audio Video Production – Lighting Equipment Introduction
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
9
Experiment with
bouncing light
from a spotlight
using a reflector
Attach a gel or
diffuser to a
floodlight
Position a flag to
block certain
areas of studio
Setup portable
light and adjust
height of c-stand
Attach a gel or
diffuser to a
spotlight
Adjust directional
controls of
spotlight (wearing
gloves)
Replace spotlight
lamp (wearing
gloves)
Demonstrate
ladder safety with
a partner
Student
Instructions: Students will demonstrate proper use of lighting equipment. Use various
floodlights and spotlights available to you, as well as portable lighting kits. Have a bulb
(preferably one that is unusable or burnt out) available for students to demonstrate
proper lamp replacement and safety procedures. Have an assortment of diffusers and
directional control accessories for students to experience. Evaluate for completion of
only the tasks your program can support.
Lighting Equipment Exam
Audio Video Production – Lighting Equipment
NAME ________________________________
DATE ________________________
Matching: Categorize each type of light as either A a spotlight or B a floodlight. Record your
answer in the space provided.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
____
____
____
____
____
Ellipsoidal
Soft Light
Broad Light
Fresnel
Scoop
A. Spotlight
B. Floodlight
True/False: Identify each statement below as True (T) or False (F). Record T or F to indicate
your answer in the space provided beside each statement.
6. ____
Barn doors are designed to keep light from spilling over into unwanted areas.
7. ____
A C-stand is used to attach a lamp to a pipe grid.
8. ____
A Fresnel spotlight is named after the inventor of the bulb used inside it.
9. ____
When climbing a ladder you should always have a partner hold it for you.
10. ____
A safety chain is designed to keep the light from falling from the pipe grid.
11. ____
Gloves are only needed when replacing bulbs.
12. ____
Floodlights send diffused light everywhere with very little directional control.
13. ____
All floodlights contain a lens.
14. ____
A screen is designed to control the direction of light and bounce it toward the
subject.
15. ____
An ellipsoidal light can be controlled using barn doors.
Fill in the Blank: Complete each sentence below. Record your answers in the spaces provided.
16. A _____________ _______________ is a series of steel poles strung in a crisscross
pattern hanging from the ceiling of a studio.
17. Cookies, or ________________, are used to create shadow patterns from an ellipsoidal
light.
18. A barn door keeps light away from unwanted areas and is attached to the spotlight,
whereas a ______________ does the same thing but isn’t attached to the light.
19. A floodlight that is great for illuminating backgrounds is known as a strip light, also called
a ___________ light.
20. To keep from overloading a circuit, always be aware of the __________________ of a
lamp, as well as that of the circuit.
AAVTC: Audio Video Production – Lighting Equipment Introduction
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
10
Lighting Equipment Exam – Key
Audio Video Production – Lighting Equipment
NAME ________________________________
DATE ________________________
Matching: Categorize each type of light as either A a Spotlight or B a Floodlight. Record your
answer in the space provided.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
A
B
B
A
A
Ellipsoidal
Soft Light
Broad Light
Fresnel
Scoop
A. Spotlight
B. Floodlight
True/False: Identify each statement below as True (T) or False (F). Record T or F to indicate
your answer in the space provided beside each statement.
6.
T
Barn doors are designed to keep light from spilling over into unwanted areas.
7.
F
A C-stand is used to attach a lamp to a pipe grid.
8.
F
A Fresnel spotlight is named after the inventor of the bulb used inside it.
9.
T
When climbing a ladder you should always have a partner hold it for you.
10. T
A safety chain is designed to keep the light from falling from the pipe grid.
11. F
Gloves are only needed when replacing bulbs.
12. T
Floodlights send diffused light everywhere with very little directional control.
13. F
All floodlights contain a lens.
14. F
A screen is designed to control the direction of light and bounce it toward the
subject.
15. F
An ellipsoidal light can be controlled using barn doors.
Fill in the Blank: Complete each sentence below. Record your answers in the spaces provided.
16. A pipe grid is a series of steel poles strung in a crisscross pattern hanging from the
ceiling of a studio.
17. Cookies, or gobos, are used to create shadow patterns from an ellipsoidal light.
18. A barn door keeps light away from unwanted areas and is attached to the spotlight,
whereas a flag does the same thing but isn’t attached to the light.
19. A floodlight that is great for illuminating backgrounds is known as a strip light, also called
a cyc light.
20. To keep from overloading a circuit, always be aware of the amperage of a lamp, as well
as that of the circuit.
AAVTC: Audio Video Production – Lighting Equipment Introduction
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
11