Film Assignment

Gregory Lopez
1. You are to supervise the lighting of a face cream commercial. The script calls for an ECU of the model’s face. The novice LD (Lighting Director) suggests using a fast falloff “to accentuate the nice bone structure of the model’s face.” Do you agree with the LD? If so, why? If not, why?
I would have to disagree with the LD’s suggestion simply because too much shadowing of the face will not accentuate the nice bone structure of the model’s face, but would rather mask it. The change from light to shadow is too abrupt in a fast falloff. The LD would be better off using a slow falloff in order to keep a gradual balance between the shadowed side and illuminated side of her face. The bone structure of the model’s face will feature more visibility since there isn’t too much shadowing or bright contrast. With very little to no shadow present, the model’s facial features will stand out more as opposed to being concealed by shadows from spotlights.