Purpose

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The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to standardize the lighting and camera setup process for productions at F7 Studios. This SOP ensures that all lighting and camera operations align with the project’s creative vision, maintain quality, and adhere to safety protocols, providing consistency and efficiency on set.

 

1. Pre-Setup Planning

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1. Script and Shot List Review

   • The Director of Photography (DP) and Lighting Gaffer will review the script and shot list to determine lighting and camera requirements for each scene.

   • The Producer will confirm that all team members have the latest versions of the script, storyboard, and shot list, ensuring alignment with the creative vision.

2. Scene and Location Assessment

   • The DP and Lighting Gaffer will assess each location or set for lighting and camera considerations, including available light sources, space constraints, and electrical outlets.

   • The DP will plan for specific camera angles, lenses, and lighting setups based on the scene’s mood, required shots, and time of day.

3. Equipment List and Setup Plan

   • The DP and Lighting Gaffer will prepare an Equipment List for the required lighting, grip, and camera gear, including cameras, lenses, lights, reflectors, stands, and power sources.

   • A Lighting and Camera Setup Plan will be created, detailing equipment positions, angles, and other technical requirements for each scene.

 

2. Camera Setup

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1. Camera Placement and Positioning

   • The DP and Camera Operators will place the camera(s) according to the shot list, ensuring that positioning aligns with the planned framing, angles, and focal lengths.

   • Camera Movement: For shots involving camera movement (e.g., dolly, pan, tilt), the Camera Operator will ensure the camera is securely mounted on the appropriate equipment (tripod, dolly, gimbal) and conduct a rehearsal of the planned movement.

2. Lens Selection and Framing

   • The DP will choose lenses based on the shot type (e.g., wide shot, close-up) and scene requirements, ensuring the selected lens enhances the desired field of view, depth of field, and framing.

   • The DP and Camera Operator will check framing and composition, making necessary adjustments to capture the scene’s intended focus, balance, and depth.

3. Focus and Exposure Adjustments

   • The Camera Operator will adjust focus settings based on the planned depth of field, character placement, and movement within the scene.

   • Exposure levels will be set according to the lighting setup, with the DP adjusting ISO, aperture, and shutter speed to achieve balanced exposure without overexposure or underexposure.

4. Camera Settings Verification

   • The Camera Operator will confirm that all camera settings (e.g., resolution, frame rate, white balance) match the project’s technical requirements and are consistent across takes for visual continuity.

 

3. Lighting Setup

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1. Lighting Plan Execution

   • The Lighting Gaffer and team will set up lights according to the Lighting Setup Plan, ensuring each light source’s position, angle, and intensity aligns with the scene requirements.

   • Key, fill, and backlighting sources will be arranged to achieve the desired balance of shadows, highlights, and overall tone.

2. Color Temperature and Gel Application

   • The DP and Lighting Gaffer will set the color temperature for each light source, adjusting it to match the desired mood and scene location (e.g., daylight, tungsten).

   • Colored gels may be applied to create specific tones or effects, enhancing the atmosphere or visual aesthetics of the scene as per the Director’s vision.

3. Power and Safety Management

   • All lighting equipment will be plugged into grounded outlets or portable generators, with cables taped down or covered to prevent tripping hazards.

   • The Lighting Gaffer will ensure that lights are securely mounted on stands or rigs, and sandbags or other stabilizing measures will be used to prevent tipping.

4. Testing and Adjustments

   • Once lights are in place, the DP and Lighting Gaffer will perform a Lighting Test to check shadows, highlights, and overall illumination.

   • Adjustments to light placement, intensity, or color temperature will be made as necessary, and a final test will be conducted to confirm the setup meets the scene’s visual requirements.

 

4. Pre-Shoot Checks and Rehearsals

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1. Final Setup Check

   • The DP and Lighting Gaffer will conduct a final check of the camera and lighting setup, confirming that all equipment is in the correct position and securely mounted.

   • They will verify that camera angles, framing, and focus align with the storyboard and shot list.

2. Lighting and Camera Rehearsal

   • A brief rehearsal of the scene will be conducted to test camera movement, actor blocking, and lighting adjustments in real-time.

   • The DP, Director, and Camera Operator will monitor the rehearsal to identify any final tweaks needed for lighting or camera settings.

3. White Balance and Focus Adjustment

   • Before filming, the Camera Operator will calibrate the white balance based on the lighting setup and make any last-minute focus adjustments as per the scene requirements.

   • This ensures color accuracy and sharp focus, critical for maintaining visual consistency across shots.

4. Safety Briefing for High-Intensity Lighting

   • If high-intensity lights or special effects lighting (e.g., strobe lights) are used, the Lighting Gaffer will brief the crew and cast on safety protocols.

   • Crew members will be instructed on handling high-temperature lights and ensuring proper ventilation to prevent overheating.

 

5. On-Set Management and Adjustments

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1. Real-Time Adjustments

   • During filming, the DP may make real-time adjustments to camera angles, lighting placement, or intensity based on the Director’s input.

   • The Camera Operator and Lighting Gaffer must be prepared to make quick changes while maintaining safety and quality.

2. Continuity Checks

   • The Script Supervisor will monitor each take for continuity in lighting, camera framing, and positioning across multiple shots, ensuring that all elements match for seamless editing.

   • Any significant adjustments to the lighting or camera setup will be documented in the Continuity Log for reference in subsequent takes or scenes.

3. Lighting and Equipment Safety

   • The Lighting Gaffer will ensure that lights do not obstruct pathways and that all cables are properly taped down or covered.

   • The DP and Camera Operators will check camera mounts and stabilizers regularly, ensuring that all equipment remains secure throughout filming.

 

6. End-of-Day Wrap-Up and Equipment Storage

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1. Equipment Shut Down and Cooling

   • The Lighting and Camera Teams will power down all equipment at the end of the shoot day, allowing high-intensity lights to cool before handling.

   • Equipment will be inspected for any signs of wear or damage, and necessary repairs or replacements will be documented.

2. Storage and Security

   • All cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, and accessories will be stored in designated storage areas or locked cases for security.

   • Fragile items such as lenses and bulbs will be stored with proper padding to prevent damage, and high-value equipment will be kept in secured, climate-controlled storage.

3. End-of-Day Checklist and Report

   • The Lighting Gaffer and DP will complete an End-of-Day Checklist, confirming that all equipment has been stored correctly, all cables are packed away, and any equipment needing repair is logged.

   • The DP will submit a daily report to the Producer, noting completed shots, lighting setups, and any issues or adjustments made during filming.

 

7. Documentation and Continuous Improvement

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1. Lighting and Camera Setup Documentation

   • All lighting and camera setup plans, including notes on equipment positions, settings, and adjustments, will be stored in F7 Studios’ project management system.

   • Each document will follow the naming convention: ProjectName_Scene_LightingCameraSetup_Date.

2. Feedback and Review

   • After production wraps, the DP, Lighting Gaffer, and Producer will review the effectiveness of the lighting and camera workflows, identifying areas for improvement.

   • Feedback will be documented, and any changes to processes or equipment setup will be incorporated into future productions.

3. Annual SOP Review

   • The Lighting and Camera Setup SOP will be reviewed annually by the DP, Lighting Gaffer, and Producer to ensure it reflects current industry best practices, feedback from past productions, and new equipment capabilities.