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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

4 Light Construction Light Tower.

Are you going for the low cost version of outdoor lighting like No Country for Old Men?
 
I just need a crap load of light color isnt as much of a worry as flicker for me.
Anyone have any low budget ideas?
 
those lights probably aren't covering full spectrum... like parking lot lights. You can use regular worklights that are full spectrum, and as long as you have something to bounce the light off of like a big wall, can get good results in a pinch.
 
martin that idea had crossed my mind.
Is there like cheap china ball (is that what they are called) solution?
 
Chinese lanterns is probably what you are looking for, but they are too small for exteriors.

There are specialized film lighting companies that rent out those lights - talk to them, and maybe you can get a special deal if you are on a budget. Sometimes it is better to rent something v. good rather than buying something that v. much isn't.
 
thanks. Yea im on an extremely tight budget because its a spec gig but I dont wanna sacrifice quality. I am just looking for all the guerilla tricks I can use
 
Well, especially if it is on a spec gig I would try to get the best equipment possible - that way you can truly impress your client and increase your chances of actually getting the job.

And it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. If you make a deal with a light rental company, á la "if I do get this job, then I will rent those lights from you", you'll get the best of both worlds.



That said, if your role on this project is director, I would try to get to know a good DP.

If you are the producer, I would get a good DP.

If your role on this project is lighting cameraman, I would try to get to know a good, patient gaffer.

And if you should indeed be the gaffer, then I would do some serious thinking about career choices... ;)

Anyway, off to bed for me.
 
I have used those construction lights a couple times. They work fine. They are very loud, but they are daylight-ish in color. Since there are four lights they make weird shadows. They are really cheap, like $50-100.

Dusty
 
correct me if im wrong but couldnt you color correct?
I will be giving everything blueish green color crush anyways.
My main thing is. Its gonna be out door patio of a club type situation.
A downtown intersection.
And a warehouse I want it to pour threw like its an extremly bright full moon.
The scenes are extremely dense and with all the other pre existing light I dont think it would stand out to much on its own.

And yea Martin once again I was planning on diffusing them but the main thing is flicker.

I have heard house hold shop lights work miracles?

I'd love to have the budget and to make deals.

But the costs of camera grip and locations/permits have almost consumed what little budget there was.

Whats hindering me in the spec deal making area is the fact the area im in isnt very production savey so no ones to keen to making such deals.

I'm really trying to work with what I have.
 
Already ahead of you.
Either way with out those particular lights a generator will be need anyways because the locations that these lights are needed dont have power at all. They are outdoors.

So I have made the needed changes that audio wont be a problem.

But just still trying to get a definative awnser on the flicker.

Im going against the grain here with just about everyone here which I think is ironic.

I mean red is trying to revolutionize so much.

Yet every response I get involves to some level.

Well if you have the money to film on the red than you should have the money too...

Well the fact is I don't.

But I am extremely convicted and believe with that why waste money on an arri when a flood light from lowe's will work.

I mean I have no one I am trying to impress.
(Especially since I have no investors.)

I am wanting to shoot this the most extreme guerilla style ever so it can open ideas and change the thinking here.

You know. If strapped for cash a wheelchair will work for a dolly. Look awkward as crap but hey it gets it done you know?
 
Try posting your question re: flicker on cinematography.com. There are quite a few full-timers that have been under budget-crunches. If it works out, please let us know - another tool in the kit. By the way, you're dead on about the irony of asking a group lamenting the cost advantages of Red and then provide cost-prohibitive lighting solutions. Good Luck.

Nick.
 
I hate to state the obvious, but why not just rent a crystal sync generator and a 10k, and write it off as a business expense?
 
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