Lighting Overhead Shots: Filmmaking 101

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Whether it’s for reviewing gear, shooting commercials, or cooking tutorials, overhead shots are great to have in your filmmaking toolbag. An overhead shot is when the camera is mounted overhead, looking straight down at your scene. This can serve as an interesting shot that gives character to your filmmaking, or a good second angle for live shooting. Today on 4 Minute Film School, we will be showing you two different ways of lighting an overhead shot.

In this video, Matt from the A-Team shows us how to set up and shoot a typical two camera setup with an overhead angle, as well as a more staged overhead shot. First, he sets up the camera over the set. This can be done using various rigging equipment. Second, he determines what type of shot it’s going to be, and how he wants it to be presented. Lastly, he figures out what lighting will make the subject look best for that shot.

The main aspects addressed in this video are soft light, and shadows. Soft light refers to the quality of your light source. For most overhead shots, soft lighting is the best option because it minimizes shadows and can light large areas. Shadows in this sense refers to the shadows your subject is making. If the goal is flat, even lighting across the frame, think about how you can fill in light into the shadows to balance the lighting.

The creative possibilities of the overhead angle are limitless. YouTubers use it for reviewing products, photographers use it for laying out large spreads, and filmmakers even use it for dynamic angles in Hollywood movies. Even if it’s just you standing over the set with your phone, experiment with overhead lighting to see what works for you. Having a few go to lighting setups can help make you a more efficient filmmaker once you get on set.


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