The master's thesis entitled Virtual lighting in 3D animation as narrative tool examines the use of light to enhance the narrative in three-dimensional media. Our aim was to investigate the effects of light on the emotional reactions of viewers and to create a short animated film in which light actively supports the narrative. After conducting theoretical research in the areas of narrative, lighting and lighting techniques, we conducted a qualitative analysis of over 700 images from films obtained via the Shotdeck platform. The images were categorised into five basic lighting types – interiors at night, interiors in the morning and evening, exteriors at night, exteriors in the morning and evening and exteriors in daylight. Based on the results, we designed the lighting for our own storyboard showing the main character's journey through the world of sleep and dreams. During production, we tested the effectiveness of the lighting and its effect on the audience on a group of participants using a semantic differential. Based on the results, we refined the lighting in our animation. The animation was created and rendered in Blender 4.2, while the video editing, sound effects and post-production were done in Adobe Premiere. The results of the study show that lighting techniques depend on the time of day, the environment and scene's objective, and convey the general mood and energy of a scene rather than specific emotions. Audience tests confirmed that different lighting settings significantly affect the perceived atmosphere. Thoughtful pre-planning of lighting in the storyboard proved crucial for narrative cohesion in our animation. The study provides guidelines for a better understanding, planning and application of lighting as a narrative tool in film and animation production. It also opens up possibilities for future studies on the influence of individual virtual lighting properties on the understanding of the story.
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