Lighting is the half of cinematography the audience feels but rarely sees. This guide brings together the site’s lighting content, from the interview setups used on Netflix-style documentaries to core dramatic techniques, modern LED workflows and the crew roles that make it all happen. Written for practical use: real setups, real gear trade-offs, no theory for theory’s sake.

Frequently asked questions

What is a standard lighting setup for interviews?

The reliable starting point is a soft key light at roughly 45 degrees off the subject, a dimmer fill or bounce on the opposite side, and a backlight or edge to separate the subject from the background, with a controlled background light if the space needs it. From there, the ratio between key and fill sets the mood.

What is the difference between a gaffer and a grip?

The gaffer is the chief lighting technician and runs the electrical department, executing the cinematographer’s lighting plan. Grips handle everything that supports and shapes that light: stands, flags, diffusion and rigging, along with camera support like dollies and cranes. Electrics light it; grips shape and rig it.

How does lighting affect mood in film?

Contrast, colour and direction do the emotional work. Low-key lighting with hard shadows reads as tension or menace, soft high-key light as openness and safety, warm sources as comfort, cool ones as isolation. Change the lighting and the same performance in the same room tells a different story.