3 point lighting is the easiest way to do it. All film lighting can be done with inexpensive alternatives. The only difference is the way they can be controlled. 3 point lighting includes the key light fill light and the backlight. This is very basic but it will get you in the right direction.
Key- This is usually your main source of light. The standard position is 45 degrees high and 45 degrees to the side of the camera. You really want to focus where you are throwing the shadows. Watch any film and concentrate on the lighting there are only a few main positions where the shadows go and if you find the shadow you can find where the light is coming from.
Fill- this light is less light than the key and is usually softer. This light is right next to or above the camera and it fills in the shadows created by the key. This light is less powerful because you don't want to create new shadows or create flat lighting.
Backlight aka kicker aka hair light- this light is behind the subject either up high and above the actor or to the side. This light separates the subject from the background and gives the a nice glow so you are creating some depth behind them.
This is the most basic form of lighting and it can be altered several ways but this will help you get started.
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