Light Source: Three-point Lighting for Multiple Talent (page 2)

You can also use the sun as a light source in this setup. Place your subjects so that they are standing with their backs toward the sun, this provides a very strong back light. Reflect light off white bounce cards from both the right and the left of the camera. You may need to place a flag above the lens of the camera to prevent lens flare. If you don't get enough light on the talent's face, move your reflectors closer, or switch to silver or gold reflectors (See Figure 3).
If you are shooting a narrative piece and your talent is moving, you can still use a basic three-point lighting set-up. Every source of light must have an obvious source. Is it a table lamp, a top light or light streaming in a window? You just have to keep in mind that for every camera position, you need some kind of fill light (unless the scene is in a really dark room), a back light and a key light that is consistent between shots. You might find it helpful to draw the floor plan of the location on a piece of heavy white paper. Then, using clear acetate sheets, plot out each camera setup and your lighting for each camera. By looking at this visual aid, you will be able to see if the light is realistically coming from the same spot in every shot. Lamps usually don't magically move around a room, but if you're not careful when shooting from multiple angles, it might look as if they do.
Finally, experiment. By using the basics of three point lighting and an active imagination, you should be able to achieve some very interesting and dramatic results.

Robert G. Nulph is an independent video/film producer/director and teaches video production courses at the college level.

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