Three point lighting system

This is the classic setup for standard interior and even exterior scenes.

Here is a tutorial on three point lighting we found on youtube.

Most light setups are adaptions of the 3point system, for example, 'High Key' lighting or 'Low Key' lighting.


High Key Lighting.
Having the key light and the fill light on high or full will produce soft edges, invisible lighting, no shadows, and upbeat mood.  Film makers may also use high exposure to let more light in when filming.

Low Key Lighting.
Having your 'Key light' on or slightly reduced power, your 'Fill light' very low or off and your 'Back light' low or off can be crucial to the thriller and horror mood as it is expressionistic, of emotion and mood, also is symbolic of  character traits.