Lighting
Overview
Lighting in ACT 3 AI defines how scenes, shots, and characters are illuminated to achieve mood, realism, or stylization. Alongside Camera_Angles and Cinematography, lighting helps convey emotion, highlight characters, and direct audience focus. Users can customize light sources, intensity, and dynamics through the platform’s visual pre-production tools.
1. Purpose
- Establish the mood and atmosphere of each Scenes
- Emphasize characters, props, and environments
- Simulate realistic time-of-day conditions (sunrise, sunset, night, etc.)
- Guide viewer attention through contrast and highlights
2. Lighting Types
- Key Light: Main source that defines subject shape
- Fill Light: Softens shadows, balances exposure
- Back Light (Rim): Separates subject from background
- Practical Lights: Lamps, candles, neon signs visible in shot
- Environmental Light: Sky, moonlight, ambient bounce
3. System Features
- AI-assisted auto-lighting per Shots or Scenes
- Adjustable presets: cinematic, natural, dramatic, stylized
- Dynamic lighting for animated or VFX-heavy projects
- Time-of-day simulation tied to Story_Beats
- Light rig visualization in Top_Down_View
4. Lighting Controls
- Intensity (lumens / exposure value)
- Color temperature (Kelvin scale, e.g. warm 3200K vs cool 5600K)
- Direction (front, side, top, back)
- Shadows (soft vs hard, cast length)
- Flicker and movement for practical lights (fire, neon, torch)
5. Integration with Tools
- Works with Storyboard_Panels to pre-visualize scenes
- Synchronized with Camera Angles and shot composition
- Auto-adjusts for Digital_Actors skin tones and costume materials
- Supports AI render models (Google_Veo_3, Runway, Wan)
6. Example Workflows
- Select a Scenes and enable "Lighting Setup" mode
- Choose a preset (e.g., "Film Noir") or create a custom rig
- Adjust exposure and color balance per Shots
- Preview results in Editor or Build_Video
- Refine during render pass for final look
7. Roadmap
- Volumetric lighting support (fog, god rays)
- Automated “lighting continuity” between scenes
- HDR and Dolby Vision grading integration
- Community lighting presets exchange
See also: Cinematography, Camera_Angles, Top_Down_View