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Home: Video University Forums: Marketing & Business:
Lighting for low budget exercise video

X-Bill_W
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Mar 11, 2004, 5:54 PM

Post #1 of 5 (1432 views)
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Lighting for low budget exercise video	Can't Post

I'm shooting an exercise video and trying to keep the budget as low as possible. I'm going to use a gym as the studio with hanging backdrops and potted plants as the set. I was thinking about using worklamps and reflectors to light it. Would I be better off using an inexpensive lighting kit? Or, should I rent something? If so, What all will I need? Thank you.

X-Jim_Colman
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Mar 12, 2004, 10:23 AM

Post #2 of 5 (1429 views)
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Re: Lighting for low budget exercise video	Can't Post

: I'm shooting an exercise video and trying to keep the budget as low as possible. I'm going to use a gym as the studio with hanging backdrops and potted plants as the set. I was thinking about using worklamps and reflectors to light it. Would I be better off using an inexpensive lighting kit? Or, should I rent something? If so, What all will I need? Thank you.
Renting a decent light kit won't break the bank. You can rent an Arri four light kit for about $75 a day or a four light Lowel Omni kit for $50 a day. These lights have the proper color temperature for accurate color reproduction. Worklighs have a much lower color temperature that will make color balancing more difficult. In addition to a light kit, three or four C-stands with flags and nets will go a long way towards giving your shoot a professional lighting job.

The biggest problem you will face is positioning the lights/flags so you get the best "look". This is where it pays to hire someone who knows what they're doing.

X-Hal
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Mar 12, 2004, 10:42 AM

Post #3 of 5 (1429 views)
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Re: Lighting for low budget exercise video [In reply to]	Can't Post

Jim's absolutely right. Good lighting is a question of skill.
It's like the difference between buying paints and painting
a beautufl picture. You're much better off hiring a Gaffer or
Lighting Director who owns their own lights.

: : I'm shooting an exercise video and trying to keep the budget as low as possible. I'm going to use a gym as the studio with hanging backdrops and potted plants as the set. I was thinking about using worklamps and reflectors to light it. Would I be better off using an inexpensive lighting kit? Or, should I rent something? If so, What all will I need? Thank you.
: Renting a decent light kit won't break the bank. You can rent an Arri four light kit for about $75 a day or a four light Lowel Omni kit for $50 a day. These lights have the proper color temperature for accurate color reproduction. Worklighs have a much lower color temperature that will make color balancing more difficult. In addition to a light kit, three or four C-stands with flags and nets will go a long way towards giving your shoot a professional lighting job.
:
: The biggest problem you will face is positioning the lights/flags so you get the best "look". This is where it pays to hire someone who knows what they're doing.

X-Bill_w
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Mar 12, 2004, 7:43 PM

Post #4 of 5 (1428 views)
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Re: Lighting for low budget exercise video [In reply to]	Can't Post

: Jim's absolutely right. Good lighting is a question of skill.
: It's like the difference between buying paints and painting
: a beautufl picture. You're much better off hiring a Gaffer or
: Lighting Director who owns their own lights.
How much do they usual charge for their services?

X-Jim_Colman
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Mar 13, 2004, 10:17 AM

Post #5 of 5 (1428 views)
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Re: Lighting for low budget exercise video [In reply to]	Can't Post

: How much do they usual charge for their services?
A gaffer in my area (North Carolina) charges between $375-$500 a day. You might find somebody who will agree to a half day rate to set up for you and then leave. However this is not the best way to go unless you're shooting everything from one angle. You could also find a cameraman who knows lighting (and most good cameramen do) who might charge a little less.