Ring Lights I. Introduction (Approximately 30 seconds – 1 min.) A. Attention Getter: No lights. No camera. No action. You see, some people may assume that a good camera is the key to producing exceptional images. However, in the age of selfies, we know that proper lighting is everything. B. Revealed Object and Background: This is a ring light, a circular tool which helps filmmakers with various types of shots by creating even lighting and removing shadows. This light allows us to enjoy our favorite shows and videos without distractions from poor image quality. C. Speaker Credibility: I enjoy creating humorous videos, such as parodies and skits, that I post to Facebook and YouTube. This experience has made me familiar with the importance of good lighting in film. D. Thesis: The ring light represents professionalism and innovation in the film culture with which I identify. E. Preview of Main Points: First, I will discuss the ring light and what its use represents in film culture. Second, I will share why I identify with film culture. Transition to first main point: Let us begin by reviewing how to use the ring light, as well as what its use represents. II. Body (Approximately 3-4 minutes) A. Culture Object Represents: The ring light is a relatively easy-to-use device that represents professionalism and innovation in film culture. 1. How the artifact is used in the culture: Filmmakers make simple adjustments to the ring light for purposes such as creating even lighting, enhancing image detail, and highlighting subject’s eyes. This tool connects to a slim stand and operates with an on and off switch. I can adjust the height by twisting the nobs and pulling up and down on the stand. I can also adjust the direction of the light by tilting the actual ring light forward or backward. This tool comes in various sizes. Measurements for this ring light include an outer circle size of 18 inches and an inner circle size of 14 inches. Some ring lights are dimmable, but mine is nondimmable. Whoever uses this ring light should avoid staring directly into the light, as it is extremely bright. Make-up artists typically use ring lights for filming video logs, or vlogs. By placing the camera in the middle of the ring they are able to highlight their eyes and make their faces glow with a soft focus look. I find my ring light most helpful when I want to film in my parent’s house, which usually has dull or harsh lighting that makes images unclear or incredibly dim. 2. What cultural values the artifact (or its use) represents: Within film culture, ring lights represent professionalism and innovation. In relation to professionalism, ring lights increase the clarity of images, quickly turning videos from cellphones and older models of video recorders into high quality productions. Part of professionalism involves investing in one’s craft. Ring lights range in price from around $80 to $300 on eBay. For college students like us, that is the price of textbooks! To buy a ring light indicates among other filmmakers that you are serious about filming. Using a ring light also symbolizes innovation. People assume that because I produce high quality films that my projects require a large budget or a $3,000 camera. However, my ability to creatively use an $80 ring light to eliminate unwanted shadows and create the right focus attracts others to notice my work. Transition: Now that we understand how using the ring light represents professionalism and innovation, I would like to talk about why I identify with film culture. B. Why I identify with this culture: I identify with film culture because of its power to tell stories. 1. How this culture is an important part of my life: Film culture has been an increasingly important part of my life since I learned about it at an early age. I started writing skits for my friends to act out in elementary school. In high school, I worked on my school’s broadcasting team. Last year I published a Christmas parody on Facebook that surpassed 1,300 views. Over time, I have learned that film combines visual, written, and audio expression in a way that tells a story. The opportunity to record in one setting, and share my ideas visually with others for years to come makes me feel a sense of belonging to film culture. 2. Why these values are important to me and seen in my life: The values of film culture include professionalism, innovation, and flexibility and are important because they allow me to overcome challenges as I strive to master my craft. With all of the new editing software and upgraded versions of phones, cameras, and video recorders, people are demanding more high quality images from those who produce creative content, regardless of their level of film experience. I believe that my supporters are more likely to share my work with others when I meet this demand. Innovation is creativity put into action and brings about recognition from audiences and fellow filmmakers. Learning how to improvise and use the ring light as my sole source of film lighting gives me the practice I need with innovation and flexibility as a professional. As we know from giving presentations over the years, sometimes technology fails us. Having flexibility is necessary, considering that unexpected challenges will occur when I start to produce even bigger film projects. Transition and signal closing: I just shared why I identify with film culture because of its storytelling power. Finally, let us recap what we have learned about film culture and the ring light. III. Conclusion (Approximately 30 seconds – 1 min.) A. Review Thesis: To summarize, the ring light represents professionalism and innovation in the film culture with which I identify. B. Review Main Points: First, I described the ring light and how its use represents professionalism and innovation. Second, I explained why I identify with film culture. C. Memorable Closer: All of us have a story to tell. When it comes to using film to share that story effectively, you can have the camera and all the action, but do not forget the lights!
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