How Is Backlighting Used in Film and Television?

Backlighting is an important part of lighting design in filmmaking. Any light source can be used as a backlight, but what makes a light source a backlight is the direction that the light comes from – it must come from behind the subject.

Sometimes known as the hair or shoulder light, backlighting is used to help create a three-dimensional scene by assisting in the separation of the subject from the background through increased contrast and perceived sharpness. Front lighting, on the other hand, produce more of a two-dimension look when used alone.

Backlights can create many different silhouette effects simply by changing the height, angle, and adding various light modifiers. You can get crisp and sharp edges of an actor’s hair and shoulders with a hard light or a soft and natural glow by adding diffusion. The soft halo effect is often used in TV soap operas as a symbolic sign of how “good” or “pure” a character is.

Kickers are backlights that are aimed directly behind or from below the subject instead of from the side or above, and they can create a very dramatic appearance. When using hard light sources as kickers, it creates a strong glowing silhouette effect.

You can see examples and learn more about the different types of backlight below:

“Video production tutorial: Types of backlight | lynda.com” by LinkedIn Learning

If you are looking for grip and lighting equipment for your next production, check out our online Nevada Production Directory to find experienced Nevada production crew and support services or drop by our office and pick up a free printed directory!

If you offer production and film-related services in Nevada and are not yet listed in our Production Directory, you can learn more about how to sign up for the NPD here.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is deemed to be accurate and true to the best of our knowledge. All data and information provided on this site is for informational/entertainment purposes only. If there are any inaccuracies, you may submit corrections and sources by visiting our Contact page. Nevada Film Office makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site & will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. We do not sponsor or endorse anyone in our posts nor do we receive compensation of any kind in exchange for providing information about specific websites or resources unless otherwise noted, so please check for references, business licenses or credentials as you feel necessary.