The Importance Of The Backdrop In Video Lighting

When shooting videos, the backdrop can make a great deal of difference in your video lighting.  Whether you are buying your backdrop or using a bed sheet, the color and pattern on a back drop will change the light effects and mood of your video.

A light grey backdrop can be used to excellent effect.  By using colored gel films on lights pointed at the backdrop, you can change it to any color you wish.  White backdrops reflect too much light and will not give you the same video lighting effects as light grey.  Light to medium brown backdrops will give gelled colors more depth and a richer appearance.  With the proper video lighting effects, a medium brown backdrop can be made to appear nearly black.

The best materials for video backdrops are heavy muslin or light weight canvas.  Wrinkles on the material create texture which adds interest to your background.  The material also needs to be light enough to drape over objects.  Larger backdrops give you greater versatility for videos.  The way in which you hang your backdrop will change the character of your video.

When choosing the lighting for your backdrop, keep in mind the effect you are trying to create.  Your video lighting can make the scene dramatic or light.  If you are using a red colored gel, keep in mind that it should be a dark red, as brighter reds tend to bleed on the screen.  Cool blues and greens can be very good colors for backdrops.

Painting your backdrop with video lighting using colored gels is a great technique.  You can use two different color gels on two different video lights and overlap them to create a tri-color background.  If you are using this technique, make sure you don't allow your white video lights to hit the backdrop.

Another technique for creating warmth in you video is to use reflected ambient light.  A gold reflector will make your backdrop glow.  Reflectors in other colors will create different moods.

You should use backdrops effectively whether you are in your studio or on location.  Always bring your gels and reflectors with you when you are shooting a video on location.  The light at the location cannot take the place of your video lighting effects.

To create an ethereal effect, you may choose to use a smoke machine.  Using colored gel lights behind the smoke will create an almost mystical backdrop.  It's important not to let your white video lights hit the smoke from the front since that will ruin the effect.

You can also create shadows on your backdrop by using objects, like lace or a leaf in front of your video lights.  This effect can be used with or without colored gels.  Using an object to create a shadow is called cucalorus or cookie.  The closer you place the cookie to the light, the sharper the edges will appear.

Video lighting and backdrops set the mood of your video.  Experiment with different techniques and you will find the ones that are perfect for whatever type of video you are shooting.