Great lighting is the difference between amateur footage and polished video that builds credibility and keeps viewers focused. This guide lays out practical lighting essentials for video production, basic setups, techniques that shape mood and depth, the gear that reliably performs, and a step‑by‑step interview workflow. You’ll learn how three‑point lighting creates separation, when to pick soft versus hard light, how color temperature sets tone, and which fixtures and modifiers work best for corporate, event, and testimonial shoots. Each section includes quick checklists, clear comparisons, and concise setup rules you can use immediately on set or in remote interviews. The examples focus on efficient, low‑friction solutions so teams achieve professional results without a full cinematic rig.