GVM Lighting Workshop Insights
At Cinematography for Actors (CFA), our mission is to foster an inclusive, hands-on environment where underrepresented filmmakers and creatives can experiment, grow, and thrive. Our most recent Lighting Workshop—led by CFA co-founders Indeana Underhill and Haeleigh Royall, along with guest experts from Hot Rod Cameras and Blackmagic Design—gave participants an opportunity to work with professional tools while exploring the core principles of cinematic lighting.
Watch the Full Workshop Video
“Film is a collaborative medium.”
— Indeana Underhill, CFA
Inde opened the workshop by reminding us that “film is a collaborative medium.” She emphasized that CFA is designed as a low-stakes, high-support environment where creators are free to experiment and ask questions without fear of failure.
Participants were encouraged to push their creative boundaries, partner with one another, and explore how light can shape tone, mood, and emotion.
The workshop featured interactive demos from Dain Fuentes of Hot Rod Cameras and John Parenteau of Blackmagic Design. Dain introduced various lighting instruments and modifiers, highlighting the importance of understanding and using what’s available on set.
“Take advantage of the resources here today,” he urged, inviting participants to physically handle the lights and get a feel for how they behave in different environments.
Tip # 1: Start with One Light
The heart of the workshop was storytelling through light. Participants broke into teams and lit various scenes—a podcast set, an artist’s studio, and a living room setup—using the equipment and advice shared throughout the day.
A key lesson echoed by both mentors and attendees: start with one light. This method helps filmmakers understand how individual sources shape the frame before layering in complexity.
Pro Tip:
Experiment with modifiers like diffusion, bounce, or flags to shape light.
Don’t be afraid to use DIY tools—bed sheets, foil, or lampshades can add polish on a budget.
Tip #2: Use Tech to Fine-Tune Emotion
A major theme in the second half of the workshop was how technology can support creativity, not replace it. Participants got hands-on with the GVM LED app, learning how to wirelessly adjust lighting settings like brightness and color temperature—right from their smartphones.
Being able to make real-time adjustments without interrupting the vibe on set gave attendees more freedom to experiment and observe how subtle changes could shift a scene’s emotional weight.
By the end of the workshop, participants shared their experiences and outcomes. Discussions centered around the importance of controlling shadows, managing light spill, and how to utilize available light during shooting. By evaluating their lighting setups, attendees grasped the deeper narrative implications behind their choices.
As one participant noted, the opportunity to train with professional equipment and receive personalized feedback from experienced guests was instrumental in their learning process.
For more information about CFA and our programs geared toward supporting underrepresented filmmakers, be sure to check out our Workshops, Film Challenge, and Fiscal Sponsorship Program.