Glossary
Comprehensive glossary of filmmaking terms, concepts, and techniques.
Showing 19 terms
A
2Ambient Light
The non-directional background light present in an environment from all surrounding sources combined.
Available Light
All light already present in a location, natural or artificial, used without adding film lighting equipment.
B
3Backlighting
Illumination placed behind the subject, separating them from the background and creating edge definition.
Bounce
A lighting technique where light is aimed at a reflective surface and the reflected light illuminates the subject.
Bounce Board
A reflective panel that redirects and softens light from a primary source onto a subject.
C
5Catchlight
A specular highlight reflected in a subject's eye from a light source, giving the eyes depth and vitality on camera.
Chiaroscuro
The strong contrast between light and shadow used as a primary expressive tool to create depth and drama.
Chimera
A brand of collapsible fabric softbox used in film and television lighting to diffuse and soften a hard light source.
Contrast
The difference in luminance between the brightest and darkest areas of an image or scene.
CTB, CTO, and CTS
Colour temperature correction gels that shift light between tungsten and daylight colour temperatures.
G
2Gaffer
The head of the lighting department on a film set, responsible for executing the DP's lighting vision.
Gel
Coloured or corrective transparent film placed in front of a light source to change its colour or intensity.
R
2Rembrandt Lighting
A portrait lighting pattern producing a small triangle of light on the shadow side of the face beneath the eye.
Rim Light
A light placed behind and slightly to the side of a subject to create a bright outline along their edges.
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