Simple lighting solution for guerilla shoot..

[Gabor D.]

I'm preparing a feature film project, its technically no-budget, so I intend to shoot it guerilla/doc-style... However at the same time I also aim for a "designed" look as the story is basically a sci-fi.

It try to use practicals and available lighting when possible. Most of the story takes place in indoors, some outdoor night street shoots, and very very few daytime outside shots... However I need a light, for "helping out" these scenarios.... some simple solution, a light, which could be used to enhance these shots. Something small, portable... Something I can put in various positions, small enough... I was thinking of some smaller LED light, but now I found this:
http://nofilmschool.com/2015/08/scorpion-lights-arrive-us-get-2-free-lights-when-you-buy-set-4

What do you think?

 

[Tarquin Cardona]

I think you really need to find out the CRI on these. Looks like a fussy little kit - lots of batteries to charge etc....

 

[Ulf Krentz]

Gabor,

Try to get hands on a small PAR light like a bronkobold 400W HMI or a K5600 joker. Get some flags and a bounce board. If you´re a bit skilled you can do A LOT with this.
Have fun! Cheers

Ulf

 

[Chris McKechnie]

That light source is TINY!! I would strongly advise not using those...they aren't going to give you enough light.

HMI's are amazing lights, though they generally don't lend themselves to portability, and either need generators or house power.

If you're looking for something really small and portable, your best bet/cheapest option may be something like a 1x1 panel with diffusion so you can soften those LED's up. Most are battery powered and offer diffusion screens or frames as well. F&V has a 3-light kit for just over $1k. You could even just buy one, if that's all you need. I've used these quite a bit in a wide range of scenarios and they have served me VERY well.

Always be careful about using just 1 light right above camera, as it looks very "on-camera-lightish," and is generally not flattering at all, especially on people. Place that key off to one side, then use some negative fill to get some contrast if the scene needs it. There's a lot you can do with 1 light, it's just a matter of how you use it.