Lesson Plan
Course Title:
Audio Video Production
Session Title:
Lighting Techniques
Lesson Duration: Approximately ten 90-minute class periods
[Lesson length is subjective and will vary from instructor to instructor]
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this assignment, the student will be able to script and produce a video
production using three-point lighting.
Specific Objectives:
1. Explain key concepts associated with TV studio lighting.
2. Identify types, benefits, and functions of various lights.
3. Discuss methods of lighting placement.
4. Develop a light plot to be used in the video production.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
130.85(c)(12)
The student understands the pre-production process. The student is expected to:
(B) use technology applications to facilitate pre-production by:
(v) creating a script and identifying resources needed to begin the production;
(C) analyze the script and storyboard development processes for a successful production;
(D) identify and participate in the team roles required for completion of a production; and
(E) identify equipment, crew, and cast requirements for a scripted production.
130.85(c)(13)
The student understands the production process. The student is expected to:
(B) use lighting techniques by:
(i) demonstrating three-point lighting, including key, fill, and back lights;
(ii) using reflected light;
(iii) understanding color temperatures; and
(iv) using filters.
Interdisciplinary Correlations:
English, Language Arts and Reading
110.XX(b)(13) Writing/Writing Process.
Students use elements of the writing process (planning, drafting, revising, editing, and
publishing) to compose text. Students are expected to:
(A) plan a first draft by selecting the correct genre for conveying the intended meaning to
multiple audiences, determining appropriate topics through a range of strategies (e.g.,
discussion, background reading, personal interests, interviews), and developing a thesis or
controlling idea;
(D) edit drafts for grammar, mechanics, and spelling; and
(E) revise final draft in response to feedback from peers and teacher and publish written work
for appropriate audiences.
AAVTC: Audio Video Production – Lighting Techniques
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
1
Instructor/Trainer
References:
 Owens, J., & Millerson, G. (2012). Television production. Waltham, MA: Focal Press.
 Stinson, J. (2004). Video communication and production. Tinley Park, IL: Goodheart-Willcox
Company, Inc.
 Zettl, H. (2003). Television production handbook. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Thompson
Learning.
 http://digitaltutorials.jrn.columbia.edu/?p=264 (tutorial for three-point lighting)
Instructional Aids:
1. Lighting Techniques slide presentation
2. Lighting Techniques Lab Assignment
3. Lighting Techniques Rubric
4. Lighting Techniques Quiz
5. Lighting Techniques Quiz Key
Materials Needed:
1. Heat resistant gloves
Equipment Needed:
1. Spotlights
2. Floodlights
3. Barn doors
4. Dimmer
5. Video camera
6. Projector for slide presentation
7. Computer with appropriate software to display slide presentation
Learner
1. Understanding of lighting safety
2. Understanding of lighting equipment
Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
PRIOR TO CLASS:
Light the same scene twice – once with three-point lighting and once with flat
lighting.
Video each scene.
SHOW: The video for each scene.
ASK:
Which scene looks better and why? [Answers will vary.]
AAVTC: Audio Video Production – Lighting Techniques
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
2
Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
Instructor Notes:
1. Explain key concepts associated with TV studio lighting
A. Primary benefit: In a studio (or a similar location), the
lighting can be completely controlled.
B. Primary function: To light the talent and the
surroundings.
C. Spotlights and floodlights take on additional names
when used in a lighting setup.
D. Name indicates the instrument's function and
placement in the lighting setup.
Have students
brainstorm and
theorize benefits
and functions of
studio lighting
before providing
the information on
the slide
presentation.
2. Identify types, benefits, and functions of various lights.
A. Key light
1. Spotlight
2. a Fresnel spotlight
3. Main light falling on an area or subject
4. Purpose - reveal the basic shape of the subject
5. Meets minimum base light requirements
6. Should cause the sparkle/illumination in the eyes
B. Fill light
1. Floodlight or spotlight set to flood position
2. Light opposite the key
3. Illuminates the subject and softens shadows
4. May be able to use a reflector rather than a lighting
instrument
C. Back light, also called Rim light
1. Spot light, usually with barn doors
2. Separates the subject from the background
3. Illuminates hair and shoulders
D. Background light to illuminate the background and set
3. Discuss methods of lighting placement.
A. Basic lighting setup
1. Three-point lighting, also called formula or triangle
lighting
2. Used in most studio situations
B. Lighting angle
1. Most light strikes subjects from above
2. Mimics the natural world
C. Key light
1. 45 degrees to left or right of subject/camera
2. Placed on the talent’s “best” side
3. Lights 3/4 of the face
4. Higher than the subject
5. Strikes the subject from above at 45 degree angle
AAVTC: Audio Video Production – Lighting Techniques
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
3
Guide students to
think logically about
light placement
before giving them
the “answers” in
this section of the
lecture.
D. Fill light
1. Opposite side of the subject/camera from the key
2. Lower than the key
E. Back light
1. Behind the subject
2. Opposite the camera
F. Background light
1. Placed on same side as key light
2. Same angle as key light
3. Placed on same plane as the subject
4. Aimed at background and scenery, not the subject
4. Develop a light plot.
A. Similar to a floor plan
B. Shows placement of all lights
C. Includes type and size (wattage) of each light
D. Indicates the direction of the light beam
Application
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Students work as a class to apply three-point lighting theory to demonstrate
lighting a scene. Students work with various lights, practice hanging lights, and
practice adjusting and focusing lights on a subject.
Note: You may want to video/film some of these lighting activities. View the videos
as a class and discuss the outcomes of the various camera placements.
MI
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Students work in small groups to complete the Lighting Techniques Lab Assignment.
AAVTC: Audio Video Production – Lighting Techniques
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
4
Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Students may review the following key terms during a class Q&A or by using a
game/quiz show format.
• Back light
• Background light
• Barn door
• Base light
• Fill light
• Floodlights
• Fresnel
• Key light
• Light plot
• Reflector
• Spotlight
• Three-point lighting
Evaluation
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
Monitor student progress during Guided Practice and Independent Practice.
Establish check points for the Lighting Techniques Lab Assignment so that students
get used to managing a project successfully. Redirect learning and student
productions as needed.
MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
Use the Lighting Techniques Quiz and Key to assess student understanding of terms
and concepts.
Use the Lighting Techniques Rubric to assess the lab project assignment.
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):



Search online for video demonstrations on lighting techniques
Students will apply learning when they assume the role of lighting director in
Lighting Production assignment.
Lighting techniques will be used in future projects, both in studio and on location
with light kit.
AAVTC: Audio Video Production – Lighting Techniques
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
5
NAME:
DATE:
LIGHTING TECHNIQUES LAB ASSIGNMENT
The purpose of this assignment is to apply and demonstrate your knowledge of the technical
and non-technical objectives of lighting.
REQUIREMENTS:

Work in small groups of four to six.

Script and produce a studio production that demonstrates your ability to set up and
utilize:
 three-point lighting
 the lighting dimmer board
 lighting special effects

The production may be edited or produced live on tape. However, you must shoot at
least 75 percent of the production in the studio with the three-point lighting setup.

A script or storyboard should be turned in for a grade. Your script or storyboard must
include all dialogue, announcement sections, music segments, lighting cues, shots
and graphics.

The length of the production will be determined by the type of production.
SUBJECT:
Be as creative as you like, as long as you use good taste and make It schoolappropriate.
PRODUCTS TO BE GRADED:

Production Idea and Planning

Storyboard or Script

Production

Production Critique

Production Contributions
HINTS:
Although this assignment deals specifically with lighting, do not overlook all other aspects of the
production. The production will be graded on the overall look, composition, audio, and
continuity.
AAVTC: Audio Video Production – Lighting Techniques
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
6
Name: ___________________________ Date: ____________________ Period: _____
LIGHTING TECHNIQUES QUIZ
MATCHING: One statement is closely related to or associated with an item in the list below.
Place the letter of the associated term in the blank provided next each numbered term.
1. Back light
2. Background light
3. Barn door
4. Base light
5. Fill light
6. Floodlights
7. Fresnel
8. Key light
9. Light plot
10. Reflector
11. Spotlight
12. Three-point lighting
A. A group (type) of lighting instruments that produces
directional light. They generally produce well defined
shadows.
B. A group (type) of lighting instruments that produce
diffused light with a relatively undefined beam edge.
C. One of the most common spotlights used in television
studios, it is named after the inventor of its lens, which
has step-like concentric rings.
D. Metal flaps attached to the front of lighting instruments
that controls the spread of the beam of light.
E. Highly reflective sheets that bounce a strong light
source onto an object or scene.
F. The minimum light level necessary for the camera to
operate optimally and produce a picture of acceptable
quality.
G. A spotlight which is placed behind the subject and
opposite the camera.
H. The light opposite the key light. It illuminates the
subject and softens shadows.
I. A plan, similar to a floor plan that shows the type, size
and location of lighting instruments.
J. The main source of directional illumination falling upon
a subject or an area. Its purpose is to reveal the basic
shape of the subject and meet minimum base light
requirements.
K. The basic photographic lighting principle consisting of
three main light sources.
L. The illumination of the set or area behind the talent.
SHORT ANSWERS: Answer the following questions IN COMPLETE SENTENCES. You may
use the back of the test to record your answers.
13. Explain the function of each light used in the three-point lighting setup.
14. Draw a diagram and label the lights used in the basic three-point lighting setup.
 Label each light according to its function in the three-point lighting setup.
 Also, indicate the location of the talent and the camera.
AAVTC: Audio Video Production – Lighting Techniques
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
7
STUDIO LIGHTING QUIZ
Answer KEY
MATCHING
1.
K
2.
F
3.
G
4.
C
5.
J
6.
D
7.
A
8.
E
9.
I
10. H
11. L
12. B
SHORT ANSWERS
13. Key light is usually a spotlight, often the Fresnel is used. It is the main source of illumination
falling upon a subject or an area. Its purpose is to reveal the basic shape of the subject and
meet minimum base light requirements.
Fill light is usually a floodlight. It is placed opposite the key light. It illuminates the subject
and softens shadows.
Back light is usually a spot light with barn doors; it is placed behind the subject and
opposite the camera.
14. Answers will vary.
AAVTC: Audio Video Production – Lighting Techniques
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
8
Team Member: __________________________
Date: ______________
Lighting Techniques Lab Assignment Rubric
Mastery of Technique
Production Planning
Possible Points
10
Storyboard/Script
10
Production Techniques
Audio
10
Production Techniques
Camera
10
Production Techniques
Lighting
10
Production Techniques
Editing
10
Production Critique Turned In
Production Contribution
Teamwork
Overall Look
TOTAL
10
10
10
10
100
AAVTC: Audio Video Production – Lighting Techniques
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
9
Actual Points