 Lights can be controlled in a number of ways, including dimmer boards, cookies, filters, diffusers, barn doors and flags.

 Faders (control levers) and channel switchers are grouped together on a lighting board (console), remotely controlling the lights.

 Independently adjustable flaps (two or four) on a rotatable frame; these selectively cut of light beams.  They are used to restrict light, shade walls, and prevent backlight from shining into the camera lens.

 Control spill from light sources  Made of cloth that is stretched over a metal frame.  Mounted on a light stand placed in front of a light source.

 Color gels can be placed over lights to enhance the color of the light.  Added to create special effects or control the type of light falling on the subject.

 Translucent material (wire mesh, frosted plastic, or spun-glass sheet) that diffuse the light and reduce the intensity.

 Perforated opaque or translucent sheets that create dappling, shadows, light break-up, or patterns that can be projected onto a set by a spotlight.

 Before lighting any production, a number of preliminary questions should be answered. What is going to happen?!

 The main subject are most often people.  You must know where people are going to be to properly light them.  You will need details on the action taking place

 Where are the cameras going to be located? Lighting must suit the camera’s position.  If the subject is to be shot from several positions, the lighting must take this into account.

 You need to know the general tones of the surroundings.  Are they light toned (then they could easily become overly bright) or dark tones (in which case more light may be needed to prevent lower tones from becoming detail-free shadows)  Will the subjects stand out from their background or tend to merge with it?

 Are you aiming at a specific atmospheric effect (upbeat, cozy evening interior, intriguing myster, etc.)?  The answer to this question will influence how the light and shade are distributed in the scene.

 Where are the sound booms going to be positioned? They could cause shadows.  Will there be lighting cues, such as someone turning on the light switch in the shot?  Will there be lighting effects such as a fire flicker, lightning, moonlight and so on.

 Avoid moving lights when they are lit. Filaments are fragile when hot.  Use gloves to handle hot lamps. Never touch quartz lamps or HMI bulbs with a bare hand (body acids destroy them)  Allow plenty of ventilation around lamps to avoid overheating.

 Beware of over-balancing floor stands! Weigh the bottoms (weights or sandbags). Secure cables to prevent accidents.  Always utilize safety chains or wires to secure all hanging lamps and accessories in case they fall.  Switch off lamps whenever possible to reduce heat, lengthen lamp life, and minimize power costs.

 Name three methods of controlling lights.