How to Light a Basketball Scene at UNCW: A Guide by Luma 3 Productions
A well-lit scene doesn’t just make your footage look professional, it can completely change the mood and feel of the shot. And that is why dramatic lighting is really important. At Luma 3 Productions, we recently set up a basketball shoot at UNCW, and I’m sharing our process so you can understand how a Local Video Company approaches this kind of setup and I will show you how to light a dramatic basketball scene. I will walk you through the process on what I did to light everything.
Whether you’re a Wilmington, NC Videographer or just curious about film studios in Wilmington NC, this guide will break down the key steps, lighting tools, and techniques we used.
Why Lighting Matters in a Basketball Scene
Sports scenes, especially indoors, can be tricky to light. Gyms often have harsh fluorescent lights or uneven color temperatures, which can make your footage look flat.Unless that’s the look you’re going for. On this shoot we were tasked to make it dramatic looking. Using the right lights and positioning them correctly helps:
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Highlight the players and action
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Add depth and dimension
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Match your creative vision or team colors
For our UNCW shoot, we wanted the colors to reflect the school spirit while keeping a dramatic, cinematic look.
Our Basketball Lighting Setup
Here’s a breakdown of how our Local Video Company set up the scene:
Nanlite
We started with six Nanlite PavoTube II 30XR RGB light 4′ tubes. These lights feature 0 to 100% dimming, a CRI of 97, and adjustable color temperature from 2700 to 12,000K with green/magenta adjustment. They are also RGB, so we can dial in the color we wanted for this scene. In addition, it comes with multiple lighting effects to conveniently help you achieve different creative looks through an app. The great thing about these lights is that we could program presets to match UNCW’s colors, letting the lights shift during the shoot for dynamic, visually interesting footage.
Layering the Lights
We positioned three Nanlites on each side of the basketball one up top and two down below. We did this on both sides of the basket to keep everything symmetrical. I guess you could say these act as practical lights because they are visible in the shot and are also creating a professional and cinematic feel.
Adding Aputure Amaran 300 RGB Lights
In addition to the Nanlite RGB tubes, we used two Aputure Amaran lights. We placed these close the backboard to act as moon lights. These full-spectrum lights allowed us to fine-tune the color temperature and adjust the vibe on the fly. I played around with some of the presets in the app, but ultimately kept them on without using any effects. This is especially helpful for Wilmington NC videographers who wants to capture consistent, high-quality footage in a challenging indoor space.
Accent and Modeling Lights
Finally, we used one Nanlite and a 1×1 Aputure bi-color panel off to the side to create modeling on the subject. This added dramatic shadows and extra depth, perfect for a cinematic effect. Overall, keeping the color temperature slightly cool helped emphasize the mood and intensity of the basketball action. Both of the key lights were set to 5500K.
Tips for Lighting Sports Scenes
If you’re trying to light a basketball scene yourself, here are some actionable tips from our Local Video Company experience:
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Use multiple layers of light – Key, fill, and accent lights help separate the subject from the background.
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Consider RGB lights for flexibility – They allow you to match team colors or create mood presets.
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Mind your shadows – Off-axis lights can create dramatic shadows that add depth.
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Check color temperature – Cooler tones often look more cinematic, while warmer tones feel more natural.
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Plan your stands and positioning – Stability matters. C-stands with sandbags are your best friend for indoor sports setups.
Why Hire a Local Video Company in Wilmington, NC?
Working with a Local Video Company like Luma 3 Productions ensures you get:
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Expert knowledge of film studios Wilmington NC and lighting setups
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Experienced Wilmington NC videographer guidance
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High-quality, cinematic Video Production that elevates your content
Whether it’s for a school shoot, commercial, or sports highlight reel, having professionals handle your lighting and setup saves time and guarantees a polished final product.
FAQs About Video Production in Wilmington, NC
Who is Luma 3 Productions?
Luma 3 Productions is a full-service Local Video Company specializing in video production, aerial photography, and tape digitization. We serve clients throughout Wilmington, NC, and Northern Virginia.
How much does a Wilmington NC videographer charge?
Pricing varies depending on the project. For basketball or sports shoots, lighting and multiple camera setups can affect costs. Contact Luma 3 Productions for a quote. To give you an idea, our rates start at $75 per hour.
Can Luma 3 Productions work in school gyms or large indoor spaces?
Absolutely! Our team has experience in indoor sports settings, gyms, and film studios Wilmington NC. We bring all the lighting, stands, and equipment needed to get the perfect shot.
What kind of video production services does Luma 3 offer?
From cinematic sports videos to social media content, real estate video, and tape digitization, we handle all aspects of production. We will ensure your project is professional and engaging.
Lighting a basketball scene isn’t just about having lights, it’s about where you place them, the type of lights you use, and the look you want to achieve. By layering RGB tubes, full-spectrum lights, and accent panels, a Local Video Company like Luma 3 Productions can turn a simple gym into a cinematic arena.
If you’re looking for professional video production Wilmington NC or a skilled wilmington nc videographer, we’re ready to bring your vision to life.
📞 Call or text me (910) 998-0844
📧 Email me: marc@luma3productions.com
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