LIGHTS

[kgasser2]

I'm trying to decide on a light kit. As any indie filmmaker, I want to get the cheapest thing, but I want something that will do what I need it to do. The problem is, I dont know what I need it to do. I know about the standard 3 point light set up, so I thought a 3 piece light kit would be best. I found this one that was fairly cheap.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=298604&is=REG

Is that a good kit? My current project will be mostly filmed indoors, in an apartment. So we will have some natural light coming in from the windows and stuff. I saw a video talking about different light kits and I saw this one.

http://www.tubetape.net/servlet/the-121/Cool-Flo--dsh--1200/Detail
http://www.tubetape.net/servlet/the-141/Cool-Flo-1800-Watt/Detail

Those seem good too. Does anyone think that only having 2 lights would present a problem? I'm just now trying to learn about lighting so I'd like to know which of these three are the best, what's another affordable light kit, or any other general tips on lighting.

Thanks a lot

 

[Zensteve]

I want something that will do what I need it to do. The problem is, I dont know what I need it to do.

Is that a good kit?

That's going to be totally your call, if you don't know what it is you need it to do.

For cheap (but reliable) kits, Britek is a good name. Skaeser has many variations, btw.

If you have light coming in through the windows, you might want to correct the lights with gels (or appropriate colour bulbs).

In any event, I usually end up renting whatever lights I don't have to make sure I have what I need.

There's a lot of good threads about it, that you can find by looking for "home depot" in search. (Lots of cheap ways to do lighting)

 

[directorik]

That “impact” kit is a nice starter. I can see the advantage of
those “Cool Flo” lights. They sure won’t put out much heat in a
small room. Of those you link I think I’d rather use the
reflector kit. You can control the spill better with those lamps
with gels and black wrap.

Does anyone think that only having 2 lights would present a problem?

Yes. The fewer light you have the less control you have. With only
two lights you lose either a backlight - which sets the subject
apart from the background, adding depth - or a fill light - which
softens shadows on the face. With three you can do all three.

With a few more lights you can light the background - something
almost all amateur movies I see ignore and can make a huge
difference - and highlight specific points in the room which can
add depth and make it look more like film.

With bounce/flagging and soft fill using something as simple as
foamcore and a paper lantern you can cut light from unwanted
places and make the performers eyes pop a little.

It’s these subtle little thinks that set apart good lighting from
available lighting.

Add a few “scoop lights” - those clamp on work lights with the
silver reflector. Three or four pieces of Foamcore from any art
supply store. Two or three paper lanterns that you can get at
Ikea. I hook each one to a dimmer (home improvement store again)
to get better control. Some colored gels (check on line or if
there is a small theater in your town they often have extras) and
some black wrap and you’ll have a versatile light lit to play
around with as you learn.