How to Move Lights During a Shot | Cinematography Tutorial

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In this episode of 4MFS, we introduce new host and expert DP, Kevin Reyes, as he shows us how to rig moving lights and overhead cameras. We’re lighting in a studio space using techniques such as book lighting, practical lighting, and haze to achieve passing of time within a single shot. How do you do it creatively, technically, and safely all at the same time?
While shooting in a real bedroom in a real house has its benefits, shooting in a studio can actually be more practical and cost-effective depending on what the scene requires. Since we’re primarily going for an overhead angle, we only need to build out a single corner that looks like a bedroom and flag off a single wall of windows. Remember to scout your location ahead of time to figure out the challenges you need to tackle before coming onto set. The first thing we set up is the fill light, since we knew that there needs to be a consistent level of ambient light. We used the Nova P300c to be able to change the color temperature through Sidus Link within the shot. Kevin and the team rigged LS 300d IIs, one with ½ CTB and one with full CTO, to a doorway dolly with c-stands removed from their base to fit in the junior receivers of the dolly. That allows the lights to move in a single direction with one light dimming down and the other dimming up. When thinking about the transition between moonlight to sunrise, we made sure the lights are moving in the same direction with fast dimming but slow movement. All-in-all, coordination and rehearsals are key to getting it right, but the lighting doesn’t have to be complicated to look correct.
We are shooting with the RED Komodo with Leica R primes, which give a vintage and soft quality in general. We wanted a lightweight camera build since we’re going to be rigging a camera over the actress for a shot, which was achieved with a goalpost setup. Kevin used a pipe clamp that adapts to a tripod head, while adding a baby pin receiver on the top of the camera to apply a gobo arm extension and keep it extra safe. Make sure you buy/rent safety chains for your shoot for any type of overhead rigging.
The other technique Kevin used is the booklight, a common lighting setup where the light gets bounced and then diffused. This creates a very soft quality of light that is perfect for scenes where you need general ambience in a room. Kevin set up a Nova shooting into ultrabounce floppies and pushing through ½ silent grid. To make the rigging more compact, our key grip put the light on a turtle base stand and used a single piece of frame hardware, known as the “t-bone” method, to hang the cloth from.
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0:00 - Intro
1:10 - Story/Concept
3:55 - Camera/Lenses
4:48 - Location/PD
7:18 - Lighting
9:26 - Overhead Camera Rigging
12:36 - Breakdown #1
12:58 - Lighting #2
14:37 - Breakdown #2
14:46 - Final Results
15:17 - Outro
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[@Visethelegend]

15:19 I never thought Deakins would do those kind of movements haha

[@trevorkelso7742]

Kevin’s competency and enthusiasm is HOT

[@KevinReyesDP]

[@maxholt2869]

Kevin is the man, so much knowledge and super fun personality

[@aputurelighting]

Yes!

[@ThomasWilliamson]

Great video! I recently shot behind the scenes for a movie and was amazed at how much effort goes into lighting a scene and really creating a mood just like you guys did in this. As someone who has only worked on much smaller, non-cinema projects, learning about the Cinematography industry has been truly inspiring.

[@Yoludele1]

Love it

[@beauyoung9516]

Simulating driving at night. Most homes in Australia have a hills-hoist clothesline in the backyard. Shoot at night, park the car in the backyard near the hills hoist. Rig up the hills-hoist clothesline with some lights. Spin the hills-hoist slowly to create the effect of cars passing by. Get the garden hose out and make it rain. And safety first.

[@gordieborg]

Love CTO/CTB contrast in the final product!

[@LarsonFX]

Thank you for Kevin's wisdom! A great addition to the team.

[@theotherguysTOG]

dope will try this

[@BRGriffin]

Big Star Wars fan here, love it when the lights move while they are flying ships. In all the movies and the TV shows. Particular right before the “Holdo maneuver” when all the lights move as the ship changes direction. Very cool visuals.

[@Scion013]

Reminds me of one of the first films my friends and I worked on where we simulated cars moving past. It was literally just us whipping the lights back and forth by hand since we did not have all of this lovely equipment.

[@MementoMoriXIII]

Beautiful, Just Beautiful 👏

[@arcarsenal420]

Love all the tips and knowledge thrown in that don't necessarily pertain to the main video topic. It helps repeat and reinforce stuff covered in more detail in other videos.

[@danielpathcreator]

Yesss, Kevin is rocking it!

[@Delrio202]

Very very practical!

[@OldshoeFilmsProductions]

Great video guys, thanks.

[@danielpathcreator]

I used a tracking light technique when the actor was going through a location and the camera and the light was moving backwards in front of him. Every room had different lighting and it helped to keep the face visible in between different light sources.

[@thirdplace2535]

I actually was just planning to try that

[@zoanyway]

@@thirdplace2535 Film Riot recently did an episode that includes this.

[@thirdplace2535]

@@zoanyway cool, can you share the link?

[@MysticSuperWolf7]

Really digging Kevins vibes!! This is super helpful with my next project, ive only handheld lights while the cam was on sticks

[@DominusFeles]

When filming products and such I like the effect of a moving light over the surface, simply waving a small handheld light or hanging it from a rope and giving it a push looks very interesting 😃 Time it with sounds and you’re gold 👌

[@lazarkumaar9935]

Its good lesson thanks....

[@cockerjc]

Sweet!

[@AnaCamilaLunaLopez]

Amazing! i love to use different lights to mark the point of interest of the scene 💡🤩

[@sajeertliha9881]

One of the best episodes 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@aputurelighting]

Glad to hear!

[@PA4MUSIC_]

superb man 👌

[@filmingthedark]

Great thing about having the v-mount power option for the Aputure lights is you can go handheld with a light. Having someone being able to walk a light to move it through a shot is really useful, espy with a moving scene and subject.

[@aniefiokarchibong8572]

I really love this light set-up and the level of safety consciousness that was displayed. I love Aputure ❤️

[@aputurelighting]

🥰

[@xasaintx]

I was doing a student film a good while back and we needed to film a scene where a body was being transported in the back of a car at night. Rather than film on the road we kept the car stationary and had a crew member hold an LED panel while spinning on the spot to replicate the car doing past street lights while a couple of guys bounced on the bumper to simulate the movement. Also, I have that same Gerber tool. I feel you!

[@erelando]

Nice. I wish this kind of content existed 10 years ago.. Lighting is the key to cinema! 🙏

[@aputurelighting]

🙏

[@joeone2838]

Great energy! Educational and fun! Thank you!

[@mehdiabghial7626]

I love aperture ❤️❤️❤️🔥

[@GriffinConway]

Crushed it Kev! Great work bro!

[@soundbreaker2485]

I really love the scene in 1917 with the flares flying overhead. That’s a very cool moving light scene. They had flares on wires so probably would do the same.

[@nikolalakic9058]

Amazing to see how much work goes into a shot that looks so simple!! Well done! I would move lights to simulate a car driving through a tunnel - with the camera pointed at the windshield (or engine cover for a rear engine car) using tube lights over the glass makes it seem that it is moving!

[@tinmusic4591]

Kevin is such a cool guy!!!

[@hassanabulhassan2007]

Always great and fun to watch how people rig thier lights or cameras! keep on doing this!! It is very creative and inspirational!

[@BerlsMcSquirrels]

Awesome job Kevin.! So natural on camera, let's see more of this guy!

[@gionacalcagnile1587]

Love this! I think the best way to move light in a scene is the one shown in this video, but if budget is low you can use lighter lights (lol) and move them by hand

[@the.seafilms]

Kevin is the dude...Loved the content!

[@aputurelighting]

Thank you!

[@rounak.70mm]

Love it.👍

[@aputurelighting]

Cheers!

[@mexigecko9226]

For a movie we made two lighting with movement sets, one was for a car scene (with a pick up) on the bak we put two china balls at the extreme of a pole rig and that on a high roller so when the car where moving we spin the so the light simulate the passing cars. On the second one we use it to make a lighting transition (from day to night) where we install an arri light to a rod we start pointing on a high angle (to simulate a window),while we move it upward (changing the direction) we made it synchcronized with practical lights turning on while turning off the arri rig

[@aputurelighting]

Thanks for the response!

[@BEYONDIMAGES-AI]

Well Done

[@obiokezie1078]

Def learned a lot w/ this breakdown!

[@aputurelighting]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Lulu99149]

For the MC light question: Hi, I’m a beginner filmmaker learning from all your vids but what I’d love to try in terms of moving lights is create a simple circular frame (attached with thin metal cables in the center so it can spin) with a couple of MD lights attached. Then have the talent stand in the center and let the Circle spin while shooting from a low angel with a slow shutterspeed so the movement of the colored MC lights become blurry. Perhaps for a surreal shot when the character is partying and drank too much) P.S I love your videos thank you so much giving out all this free knowledge!

[@MarkHoltze]

Leica R's on a Komodo....pretty much my dream combo right there. I recognize those cAPs, SIMMOD baby! Nice break down mate! Loved it!

[@user-gi8wh3wj3c]

dope as always

[@aputurelighting]

Thank you!

[@valentinavee]

Heck yeah Kevin! You killed this! Welcome to the A-Team!

[@ubiFire]

Personally, I was disappointed in the selection of tape :)

[@bvangfilm]

Awesome!! I learned so much!!

[@aputurelighting]

Glad you found it valuable!

[@WonderFilm]

The lights aren't moving, but Mia and Sebastian's theme in La La Land with all the dimming practicals and the spot light is my favorite lighting gag of all time.

[@masoncrowe]

Wow love this new guy. Great video aputure!!!

[@aputurelighting]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@ricardodorame]

This guy is so much fun! Already loved the content here band Kevin definitely adds to it!

[@caseyandrew4820]

Thanks for the tips ... I always get a lot out of these videos keep up the informative work.

[@aputurelighting]

You're welcome!

[@GuezTVStudios]

I've just moved in to apature products and I'm loving it. I'm definitely trying this trick. Yea I did learn alot.

[@athulmenon6658]

I really love this video😍🙏🙏

[@aputurelighting]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sheldonstudio]

Kevin is a man of the people. Professional, fun, approachable, & an absolute wizard. The only way I’ve ever moved a light is handheld for moving spotlight purposes on dancing talent. But wow did I learn some stuff today. 🤘🏽

[@aputurelighting]

We totally agree, and thanks for watching!

[@KevinReyesDP]

Awww luh you. - kuya

[@margotvervust8362]

I'm currently preparing for a video project for school that requires a moody/lowkey lighting to transition into a brighter look, all in one shot. This video came at the right time! It's the first time I'll try something like this. Wish me luck! 🤞

[@kireetrajbhandari]

All the best to you!!

[@jonfraserdop]

More videos with Kevin please! :)

[@CHALADEITALIA]

One of my all time favorite moving lights type shot is a car at night shot. I can imagine using a bunch of MCs on some sort of belt to get that type of shot. It'd be really fun to experiment with a smaller set up than the usual big lights panning on a c-stand.

[@Boleskinebeatz]

WWDD.. Love it... 😏

[@santiagoguiastrennec811]

Awesome video! I would use the MC as a kicker light, or for close up shots that a need that extra subtle soft punch.

[@FilmQi]

Great informative video!

[@aputurelighting]

Thanks for watching!

[@KedarRai]

In the end, how scared that one sir was,😁😁🤣🤣 I am from Nepal 🇳🇵

[@PaulePorter]

Awesome. I already follow Kevin on his personal channel

[@arjunan.b4072]

Really cool, and i like the Deakins thing ♥️, i have a suggestion , the movement of lights moves shadows horizontally on her face, if you can do it vertically that would be better , am i right. ?

[@mavway02]

I love dynamic lighting in scenes! There's one video I watched where Shane Hulbert attached a bunch of Arri 1k's to a fisher Dolly, that was fascinating

[@justenn9949]

lol that patch is awesome

[@MrNothing12332]

Powli❤️

[@kris4637]

Evda poyallum kanum 😂😂😂

[@alexandermarcelhovel6440]

Great Episode, I learned a lot. Hopefully gone use some of those tricks for my next short. I ll try to replace the rails with just to helpers caring the lights sliding on a carpet, don't have the budget for more. One thing I would want to try is putting mcs on a big slow moving fan. WWDD love it.

[@clbazar]

Love this episode. Great work all around. Would have loved a gentle push in (down) on the main character as the light was changing , although I realize the extra level of complexity that would bring in, but it might be something that you could do in post as the move would be super subtle. Would also have liked to not have such a hard stop on the light dolly when reaching sunlight, but rather kept it moving but ultra slowly so as not to destroy her eye light. Learned a lot from this episode. Kevin, you rock, as did your team. Kudos to all on this!!!

[@musabzainPicaa]

Hey Aperture Team . Love this Channel So Much. last time i moved the lights . I left the lights Do it Works then I moved the lights Blocks Its gaves me the Perfect Moving Light that i was looking for

WWDD 🖤

[@orfanidis071]

Great tutorial, plus Kevin is awesome! One fun way to create a moving light would be to attach an led, like Aputure mc, to a drone and fly it above your scene

[@pdawggity]

yes, i've noticed light change in a scene like that. in the babadook their is s cool sequence where light changes and it's a time lapse of the woman sleeping waking up night turning into day. i would do it on a low budget by using motivated light from outside a window. especially a light you can change color and tone. perhaps with a light with a china ball and a long stick moving left to right.

[@LeoArmenta]

Excelent!!!

[@hytralium]

For a epic product reveal are moving lights perfect! Just tilting the light and you can get so epic results!.... As long as it's an Led...

[@creativevit5961]

Wow. That's truly inspirational. High quality context. Thank you, guys! 🙂 I'm actually need something similar for my new music video. V cheers. P.s the amount of work you put in to make this scene happen is just mind blowing

[@rohith5788]

I was also admired my Roger deakins cinematography

[@skullzalliances]

This video has answered if Deakins would bust some moves on set? And the answer is yes, yes he would.

[@moritzbauer7563]

Love the energy here but still eye for detail ! Great job. The last time I had to create moving light was when we had to reshoot a "in car scene" closely before a car crash in the movie. Problem was that the car actually stopped working throughout filming the day before so I had 2 people shine their iPhone light on the talents face from the outside and make it look like the car is speeding by moving their lights irregularly + making the camera shake a little. Worked perfectly well and nobody noticed. Would be a huge help to have an aputure light with a little more power !

[@aputurelighting]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Eforbesy31]

When I've seen lights move on set, it usually someone Hollywooding a handholdable light to track with the movement of a subject. However, I think I am going to try out the dolly setup next time.

[@taftphotography]

As a still photographer, I am always impressed by the cool gear that is used in cinematography. Just curious, is the gear rented for the specific job or is it personal gear that is brought to the set?

[@Ranger7Studios]

Great job man! Love this setup! I actually did a poor man's car scene using several small LED panels and foam board from the dollar store to block the returning twist of the lights. I was amazed at how real it looked.

[@aputurelighting]

Cool indie techniques!

[@HooliHelga]

First of all, thank you, really impressive video :) To answer the question: I work on a fake driving scene, where the car is actually standing in a parking lot. We plan to put two spotlights on a wheelbarrow, which will be imitating a moving car from behind and it will be pushed by someone. A led tube circling in someones hand, imitating lights coming from columns and a spotlight which will be moved occasionally by the head, imitating cars coming frontally.

[@aputurelighting]

Thank you for the detailed setup!

[@siddhantmogaveera]

I remember once we had to emulate this kinda lights moving in a scene but it was practically impossible to move the lights due to the tight space and lack of proper rigging so instead we just bounced the light off of a reflector and then moved the reflector to get the effect.

[@kevinadah]

My name is also Kevin!! I would create lights moving in a scene with a projector. I think it could give a really cool look paired with some studio lights too!

[@NIKONGUY1960]

WWDD totally sold the concept.

[@medaziz3929]

Moving reflector

[@natevallieres117]

To create a sunrise with a more hard light they could also bring the light upward through the window to create the sun raising

[@haddonhousefilms]

Since the sun doesn't rise that fast. I took it as a pair of car headlights. It seemed more like a car pulled into the driveway. Great video guys.

[@orelbitan]

What if you changed the WB on the camera while you shooting, would it give the same lighting results?

[@orangearts-desgs5614]

Wow, guys! You're killing it! Thank you to the whole team. Kevin and V have to collab! :D My moving lights are my friends - very flexibel but sometimes reluctantly haha

[@manuel.teufel]

Such a beautiful light setup. And guys, don't forget the wwdd patch on your way :)

[@nacj4345]

Hey aputure team my name is nac j a filmmaker from uganda. I love your channel because it has really elevated my work to higher levels just because of your lighting tips you give us every week. Please keep bringing more talents because we a lot. May jesus christ bless you.

[@reggiejean-baptiste1576]

Hey great video! what tools did you guys use for that top down rig?

[@rennat734]

I think it would be cool if there was a feature where you could program light transitions. Most modern aputure lights have some level of programmability or app support so something where you could program a start, finish, and transition time would be super convenient. less room for human error too. especially if you need to change CT and intensity at the same time

[@CinemaTeacher]

Congrats and welcome, Kevin! I would create a moving light by using Aputure's MC lights as a passing car light doing a "poor man's process" car shot! Can I please, PLEASE get an MC light?! 🤔

[@strangecasa3783]

Car lights moving without having a vehicle. Rig the two lights to the crossbar similar to the camera rig about 6 feet apart at the desired color temp. connect the crossbar on something like a c stand with dolly wheels at the correct height. Then move it around. If it's bright enough it will just look like headlights head on, but won't see the "car body" (that isn't there or could potentially put any car body to go with the lights since they won't show a distinct shape of the headlight lens and most car lights are similar). If just trying to get the effect shine it into the scene and move it naturally like a vehicle would or into another vehicle. Might work to simulate a car crash, when you can't crash cars. Could probobly do it with one for a motorcycle light. Wonder how it would look if I put a light wide light on my bike since I don't have a motorcycle around?

[@sanilalkuttimon1755]

❤️❤️

[@sharonstark5484]

This was so visually interesting! For product videography I would literally just have someone turning the light so that the light sweeps across the product.

[@aputurelighting]

Good idea!

[@GatesRick]

Kevin, what's on the pipe clamp that allows you to connect to the video head? I figure it must have a 3/8x16 to go into the base of that head. But looking around I can't find any pipe clamps with a 3/8x 16 stud.

[@Gwerd]

What Wouldn't Deakins Drop?

[@KevinReyesDP]

🙌🏽