Set Lighting Technician's Handbook: Film Lighting Equipment, Practice, and Electrical Distribution

This book covers so much detail of the lighting aspect of film that it's no wonder most refer to it as the must have 'bible' for filmmakers. It's loaded with tons of info, but the downside is that it is not exactly an introduction guide to basic lighting 101; Rather, it is definitely a professional guide and reference tool for folks who already have a clear understanding of lighting, aperture, ISO, shutter speed and the electrical aspect of this craft.However, DO NOT let that scare you off! Just because you're an indy filmmaker on a low/no budget with a single DIY light-kit doesn't make this book an expensive paperweight. The info in this book gives one the solid foundation to improve their skills, no matter what level. Granted there are lots of 'advanced' details, and I would say that a lot of the ground covered on electricity might be a bit much for those who only use a few lights plugged into a standard socket, however if you're serious about learning the craft, this book covers it.Even BETTER: The chapters that cover lighting, color temperature and gels is an excellent reference tool for the amateur. As lighting kits become more affordable, more people are skipping the DIY work light set up and going with pro kits. The only problem is most folks just turn on the lights without giving much thought to placement, temperature, and diffusion. Too much of the wrong light is just as bad as not enough of ANY light and this book covers more than just the generic "3 point setup" along with the details of placement, rather than just a generic diagram with no explanation.PROSIt covers the craft, art and history of lighting in film and how to achieve each look via reference charts and guides as well as detailed info on pretty much every light standard on a set/shoot in today's industry along with more info on electricity and the various tools and equipment used to power and achieve the lighting 'look' and feel for a scene.CONSI can't really list any cons, aside from pointing out that it isn't an introduction to DIY lighting; (which isn't a con since it never implies it as being a guide to DIY) - If you only plan on shooting with basic DIY work lights (and there isn't ANYTHING wrong with that) you will probably find this book is geared more for the pro's - However, even if you can't afford the standard ARRI kits, the info is invaluable and if you're serious about film, this book and the info will go from being foreign techno garble to an invaluable tool.Another plus is the homage and detail it pays to the standard Fresnel and Lowel lighting kits as well as the invaluable info on warming/cooling/converting lights with gels and diffusion. So you don't have a $100k Grip package? No problem. This book will give you the info and tools needed to crank out shots that will make your $200 Ebay lighting package look like you have a killer lighting package. I am by no means a pro (at anything) but this book is a must have whenever I tackle a shoot (still or video) where there is a lot of MIXED lighting and not a lot of options for controlling it (or so you think..) - Read the book, practice and tinker with your lights and you will be amazed at the difference after applying some simple knowledge gained from a few chapters in this book.

I have written, produced, or directed nearly 300 corporate videos, and though I'm functional at the aesthetics of lighting a set, I'm woefully ignorant about watts, volts, amperage, foot candles, and most of the electrical side of lighting. I had the privilege of working a shoot with the gaffer who lit the TV show Northern Exposure for four years, so I asked him how I should go about learning the electrical side. He enthusiastically cited this book, and said, "If you read it and actually master it, it will be as though you have five years experience as a gaffer." Though he now has 30 years of experience lighting, he told me he keeps this book on his Kindle to this day in order to refer to all the comprehensive tables in it.I gave it a try, and discovered he is right -- this is an incredibly detailed encyclopedia of everything a lighting technician should know, ranging from set etiquette all the way down to every bulb you can put in a cinema light. The recently updated version includes details on LEDs and on DMX lighting, so it not only spans the gamut of topics; it spans the gamut of Hollywood lighting, nearly from the beginning until now.Some knowledge is required to benefit from the book. A stark beginner will find it too jargony. But if, like me, you have intermediate experience lighting sets and are largely self-taught, this book presents a wonderful way to find out what you were unaware of, fill in the gaps, and have a thorough foundation in the language, processes, gadgets, and techniques that an experienced gaffer should master.By the way, if you don't know what a gaffer is -- the book begins by identifying all the roles on set. Director of Photography, following the vision of the Director, decides what lights are needed. The gaffer is the electrical technician that makes it happen. The best boy is the gaffer's chief assistant. If you've always wondered about both the obvious and the arcane sides of lighting, this is absolutely the book for you. If you know just enough about lighting to get in over your head, grab this book, sign up for Shane's Inner Circle, and get good!

Whenever I look for textbooks, I always scout for Goodwill books online first. I trust them. The last three books I’ve bought have been in pretty great conditions or exactly how they describe them. I am very happy with my purchase.

What can I say. I started at the beginning of the book and every day I'm learning something new. So much to consume but so important. An outstanding reference for filmmakers and lighting technicians. Well worth the price.

I purchased this book in hopes of learning more about lighting, more specific, elements of lighting in independent films... Unfortunately this book, although informative and very detailed, isnt necessarily what I was looking for. I am an independent filmmaker that often has to build my own light fixtures or find low/no budget solutions for my lighting needs... It seems as though this book is catered more for those who have jobs in the industry already and can readily identify or have access to many of the lights and procedures in the book... I am not going to give it a bad rating because i feel that one day this book WILL be an invaluable tool to me. For now, however, ill stick to the books that are a little more on my novice/immediate level of filmmaking...

Studio e lavoro nel mondo del cinema ma volevo sia colmare delle lacune pratiche sia studiare per bene ogni aspetto tecnico di questo complicato lavoro.Il libro spiega fin da subito le piu basilari leggi fisiche prima di intraprendere qualunque discorso. Cosa molto utile per capire a pieno quello di cui si sta parlando. Non manca ne di consigli ne di tecnicismi. E' perfetto per un nerd che è curioso di capire e farne suo dei concetti molto complicati e molto utili.Unica nota negativa: è solo in inglese ma non è molto difficile

This is a Great Book for anyone who is getting in to Sparking as Light Technician in Tv and Film. Great to know how Gaffers work in the Film industry.10 out of 10

This is my 4th one. I love to offer it to my different trainees on set.Lots of technical thing about light but also etiquette on set.I recomand.

This book is definitely the best primer I've found so far about film and video lighting.It contains all of the technical information you could ever need, organized into handy tables and appendices. Portions of this book are definitely not for beginners!That being said, however, it also contains a great background section about all of the roles, methods and equipment used in the lighting department.Wonderful book for novices and professionals alike!

A brilliant guide for every lighting technician. Especially those who start out. Might need a cover if you want it to last long. With some plastic film cover, it should last.