Broadcast Studio Lighting: Practical Lighting Plots for Real-World Setups
Designing lighting for a broadcast studio often means balancing a lot of competing needs: even coverage, color accuracy for consistent skin tones, and setups that don’t need to be rebuilt every day. Having a clear lighting approach can make studio workflows easier to manage – and we have some resources for you here to help you find that approach.
The lighting plots shared here were developed by Michelle Poley, a broadcast lighting designer with extensive studio experience.
They’re presented as educational reference tools, rather than rigid prescriptions. These diagrams are intended as adaptable starting points you can apply to your own studio and production needs.
Downloadable Broadcast Lighting Plots
Each of the following plots is built around a common studio lighting philosophy: establish a soft and consistently color accurate base light using the Kino Flo Diva Lux 4 and its new color engine, then layer in controlled accent light — using the CHAUVET Professional Ovation Rêve E-3 ellipsoidals.
The same approach is applied across three familiar broadcast scenarios.
Three Anchors at a Desk
Designed for wide desk setups with multiple on-camera talent, this setup includes:
- 7 Diva Lux 4’s as Fill and Base lighting in both front and back
- Adding shape via 7 Ovation Rêve E-3’s with 36 degree lenses as both Keys and Fills from the front
Download the Three-Anchor Lighting Plot
Two Anchors at a Desk
One of the most common broadcast configurations, this plot demonstrates using mainly soft lights for key, fill and back lights via:
- 8 Diva Lux 4’s (4 per talent)
- Each talent has 1 Key, 2 Flll and 1 Back light via Diva Lux 4’s
- 2 Ovation Rêve E-3’s for set lighting
Download the Two-Anchor Lighting Plot
Single Standing Anchor
Great for weather and special reports, this setup utilizes the full lighting grid to evenly light both the single standing talent and the set, using:
- 8 Diva Lux 4’s for Base, Fill, and Back Lights.
- 2 Ovation Rêve E-3‘s for side fill
Download the Single-Anchor Lighting Plot
These lighting plots are intended as adaptable reference tools for real-world broadcast studios. Download the plots, explore how the layers work together, and adapt them to fit your space and workflow.
For more broadcast lighting resources and product information, visit the Kino Flo blog.
