100% Newbie Setting up to Film

[firsttimefilm]

Hello Everyone, I'm 100% a newbie and am building a set to film a short kids show. I'm very sorry if it this thread is in the wrong place, but I thought I'd start here.

I've been working on this as a side project on and off for about two years in my spare time, and my set is almost done. As this is a complete do it yourself project, I'm funding it all out of pocket and trying to cut corners in some areas, and then spend money in others.

I've saved up and purchased a pretty nice production camera, but am looking to install some cheap overhead Do it yourself lights.

A few things I've read so say to the cheap Halogens from Home depot and replace the bulbs to get a whiter look.

Any suggestions as to cheap but yet effective lighting I can build myself? Everything will be able to be mounted over head.

I'm sorry if I missed any pertinent info, I don't come from a production background at all so am blindly feeling my way through everything.

Thanks

[firsttimefilm]

Should I use some of these???? The cheap Halogens,

http://www.harborfreight.com/portable-halogen-shop-light-61576.html

Or Get the Silver Clamp on sockets and bulbs

http://www.harborfreight.com/clamp-light-with-aluminum-reflector-67651.html

I don't need any SPECIAL Lighting effects, just to be light up to film and distribute light enough not to cash shadows.

They also have these now which are the LED version of the Halogens. Probably a better "White Light" NO?????????????
http://www.harborfreight.com/45-bulb-led-work-light-66310.html

[TreeTops]

Lighting for good video results is a science. You can take semester long classes just to learn how to do proper lighting. But for amateur work, I would still stick to incandescent lighting. Some LED lighting tends to be on the blue side.

I'm sure some of the video pros here will have their opinion on lighting also.

[firsttimefilm]

Ok Thanks, that makes sense about the LEDS.

I will look into Incadescent and the different bulbs. I've got a large area to light up, say a 20 x 30 box shooting down. I know that the Halogens throw a ton of light, could I supplement with one or two of these to help fill the room or should I just strictly use Incandescents???

Thanks for replying,

[smrpix]

All those fixtures throw off a hard light -- harsh and bright with well defined shadows. You're better off pursuing something to soften the light like bounce cards or even LED or florescent panels.

[JVRaines]

Halogen is incandescent. Eats up your electric bill and heats up your studio and your actors. Why not try some fluorescents? They come in warmer color temps now and keep your studio cool.

[firsttimefilm]

Like the standard 4 ft fixtures with the 2 bulbs on each side????????????/ I have about 6-7 of those laying around at my work if thats' what you mean that I could install overhead.

[firsttimefilm]

I just pulled the 6 four bulb fixtures down and test fired them up. Suprisingly, all 6 fixtures are fully operational. I will start with those and then supplement in the areas I will need more.

Thanks for all the help. I will be frequenting here while I build my project. Will be readingand trying to search for answers already answered mostly, but may ask a question here or there.

Thanks again and hope to help contribute in the near future.

[smrpix]

Try not to go directly overhead. It'll look like you're in an office. Position them so they are shining at about a 45 degree angle to people's faces. Also consider putting them lengthwise on stands just off the floor. Experiment. (This is all just generic advice obviously, your desired look determines the placement, color, intensity and proportion of light.)

[newpball]

Any suggestions as to cheap but yet effective lighting I can build myself? Everything will be able to be mounted over head.

Since you want a cheap solution really any light will do, but do not mix different types of light.

But make sure that before any big shooting you shoot a color and white balance card ( a real one not one your print yourself).



Despite some advice to the contrary here I would stay away from fluorescent light.

[Cornucopia]

I would also advise the OP that "Cheap" and "Effective" are nearly mutually exclusive. Put the same care (and appropriately similar budget) to your Lighting & Sound as you do to your camera, otherwise you will NOT end up with a quality production.

Scott

[firsttimefilm]

Thanks guys for all the great suggestions. These are things I would not have thought about before.

My roof is on an angle and I was getting wire to hang these lights straight down, but I obviously won't do that.

Had no clue what a balance card is, just reading up on that. Since I"m not in the industry these are all new concepts to me. I've been spending a lot of time reading up on these topics, but sometimes its good to hear from others experiences.

[Cornucopia]

For angled roofs (especially ones that are high), the best thing is a drop-ceiling grid (usually made out of metal pipe). See the graphic:



Scott

[firsttimefilm]

Thanks thats a fantastic image. My ceiling is not overly high, but I will mimic that format in mounting the lights.

If I get time I will try and mount and even take some pics this evening. All depends on how the wife is feeling. Shes pregnant so That takes precedent.

Been working on this project for about two years. I work full time, 6-7 days a week so its been a lot of late nights building and working on this in the evenings after the family goes to bed.

Getting into the good stuff now.

Again, appreciate all the info. I wouldnt have set my lights up like that. Thanks

[Cornucopia]

It doesn't have to be set up that way, but if you go to TV/news studios, that's very often how it is set up. Just do a google search on "lighting grid" and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Does this look familiar?...http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/projects/lighting-grid-offset/


Scott