Key Light: In the three-point lighting system, the main source of illumination and the most intense light on the set. It is normally positioned above the actor's head, and several feet in front of him or her.

 

Related Words

Key Light: In the three-point lighting system, the main source of illumination and the most intense light on the set. It is normally positioned above the actor's head, and several feet in front of him or her.

High-Key Lighting: A lighting style in which the ratio in intensity of key light to fill light is small. The result is an evenly lit set, with a low contrast between the bright and dark areas of the set.

Low-Key Lighting: A lighting style wherein the key light is so much more intense than the fill light that there is a high contrast between bright and dark areas. The bright areas are especially bright and the . . . View Full Definition

Three-Point Lighting: An aesthetic convention in which an actor or object is lit from three sources or points of light of varying intensity. There is one main source of illumination (key light), one source fillin . . . View Full Definition

Fill Light: In the three-point lighting system, a source of illumination used to fill the shadows created by the key light. It is directed obliquely toward the actor from the opposite side of the key li . . . View Full Definition

Lighting Color: Light may be 'colored' by placing a filter or gelatin in front of a light source.

Lighting Diffusion: The hardness or softness of a light source. Hard light casts a sharp, definite shadow.

Lighting Direction: The positioning of lights relative to the object being shot. The norm for lighting direction is three-point lighting.

Lighting Intensity: The power of a light source. Regarding the relative intensity of lighting sources, see three-point lighting.

Lighting: The placement, type, direction, and brightness or dimness of lights used on stage. Often lighting can establish mood, highlight specific characters, actions, or scenes, or serve symbolic purposes.