In class this week we worked with more equipment in preparation for filming our artists. Most importantly, we learnt about the three point lighting structure which is the most favourable way to light an interview. This set up includes a fill light, key light and back light. This lighting structure allows for nice subtle shadows to be cast on half of the subject’s face and therefore avoids making their face look flat. In setting up our three point lighting structure, we were given two different types of light. One type was LED panels and the other was smaller Didos. LED lights were revolutionary in TV and film lighting as they replaced older, bulkier and more fragile equipment. These lights also come with different coloured gels that can create a certain mood or colour correct. My favourite thing about the panels was that the brightness could be easily adjusted with a slider on the back. Didos are far smaller and easier to transport than the panels but do get very hot quickly. Whilst they do have different brightness settings, they are not as customisable as the LED’s. These lights also feature easy-to-use barn doors so lighting can be focused (or used to create an 80’s era slash in the background of an interview).

We were also given a crash course on the Zoom and lapel mics. I was most excited about the lapel mics because they eliminated the need for a boom. We were shown the correct way to fit these mics to our subjects and encouraged to try to make it less visible on their clothing. I very much intend to use a lapel mic on my artist as it will be easy to transport and achieve the best sound result.