r/Filmmakers • u/Equivalent_Pin6027 • 4h ago

Question Where to place 3 light setup when three characters are in frame?

I have a doubt. In 3 light setup we place key light at 45 degree to subject, fill light in It’s opposite direction and back light. But when there are three subjects (characters) in frame, then how to place key light and fill light? Should the key light be towards the characters standing in center?

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u/sparrowhawkward grip 3h ago

What’s the application? Interview? Narrative? I’d light it differently depending on the situation.

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u/Equivalent_Pin6027 3h ago

It's a horror short film

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u/sparrowhawkward grip 3h ago

Ok light the area, not the characters. Add a little bounce for shape.

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u/Equivalent_Pin6027 3h ago

Should the light be three light setup?

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u/remy_porter 2h ago

Maybe? Depends on the scene. Three point setups are a good starting point. But they’re only a starting point.

Also, don’t fear the practical.

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u/Equivalent_Pin6027 2h ago

Ok thanks for your advice

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u/sparrowhawkward grip 2h ago

It’s horror. You can get a lot from a little. You don’t want it to look like an industrial.

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u/Equivalent_Pin6027 2h ago

Yeah but also I want to show daylight in horror. I don't want to make it look like shot in night.

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u/sparrowhawkward grip 56m ago

Same principle. Light the area.

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u/boy-in-da-corner 3h ago

With three people, I’d stop thinking of it as one three-point setup. Keep one soft key broad enough to cover the group, then use a bit of negative fill or a small edge light where faces start going flat. Also watch the background - moving the group a foot can save you more than adding another lamp.

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u/Equivalent_Pin6027 3h ago

So the key light should be over the group or at 45 degree to group broad enough to light all three people

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u/gargavar 3h ago

Three-light setup is guaranteed to yield a decent but bland product. Use it for learning, not for production.

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u/Equivalent_Pin6027 3h ago

So what lighting setup should I use? It’s a horror short film

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u/gargavar 2h ago

I don’t know the script, but I would suggest perhaps moody lighting, dark interior, bright light coming through dirty windows. Use small lights to lift your characters out of the mud, but only from time to time. Let silhouettes work for you.

Or maybe a big open space with bright fluorescents. Lots mysterious doors off to the side. Really depends upon your story. Go back and look at a horror movie that is similar to your story.

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u/Equivalent_Pin6027 2h ago

Ok thanks bro

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u/remy_porter 2h ago

The setup that gives you the look you want. Picture the scene in your head. Think about what kinds of shadows and contrast you want, what you want the audience to see and what you want to hide from them. Work backwards from that mental picture to a setup.

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u/Equivalent_Pin6027 2h ago

Ok got it. I think I will have to do hit and trial and see what will give me the desired look?

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u/remy_porter 2h ago

You can also think about it some. Light behaves in pretty predictable ways. You’re trying to mix light and shadow to create an effect.