help lighting interior to make it look like a club/dance floor

FiddlerMD

FiddlerMD

Well-known member
There is a scene I'll need to shoot soon for a client where we were originally going to film it in a restaurant that has a nice stage area (used to be a dance club). Long story short, we can no long do that and will be shooting at an apartment instead (i know .. quite a change... but for the purposes of this shot, it's not that bad). In any case, what I need primarily is an effect that when one guy appears on the 'dance floor' that he gets an overhead type projector shining on him.. u know .. kinda single him out w/ a narrow beam and some backlighting .. very "michael jackson-ish"
The ceilings in the apartment are around 9 feet high. I'm intending to get some disco lights (the colored kind) and a smoke machine to make it look a bit more clubby but my main issue is the top light. what type of light can i use that would have a short enough throw distance, wont burn the guy's head and will give me the desired effect? and how best to mount it?
thanks
 
Any type of betweenie or midget with a snoot would work just fine, especially with a fog machine...I dont know if you have access to grip gear, but if so, you could just rig it up with a baby stand with an extended side arm over the talent. Good luck!
 
you'll have to forgive my newbiness but when you say "betweenie or midget" .. do u mean a fresnel? any specific ones u can point me to?
 
Basically, the names "betweenie" and "midget" are nicknames for typically, yes, Fresnel lights. A betweenie is 300w, and a midget is 200w. Most commonly these are either Arri or Mole-Richardson brand. If you dont have access to them through a school or company, you probably wont have much luck renting them as they are generally only available in packages. Good luck!
 
One of the two lights mentioned will work, but I would add a snoot to polish the effect you want. A DEDO would also be an excellent choice.
For a more club atmosphere,
hide a kino or homemade shop light behind chairs or a couch, use colored gels on these. Have it wash up on the walls from the floor. Hide lights behind and up at plants, perhaps some artwork could be lit up, candles on tables, or battery operated lights. Several 150-200 watt lights for accent, even lights dimmed down to 30-70 watts for mood lighting. Chinese lanterns perhaps, I have even just rested them on the floor as practicals.. between chairs, in the corner, or from the ceiling....
It's your night club, you set the mood. Good luck.
 
One of the two lights mentioned will work, but I would add a snoot to polish the effect you want. A DEDO would also be an excellent choice.
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Right. As to why I had recommended it in my original reply. Good recommendation also on the accent lighting. Fiddler, dont be afraid to get creative with your surroundings! Use whatever you can get your hands on, maybe even go check out a local club and analyze the lighting and atmospheric effects that stand out to you. :beer:
 
Disco ball! you can buy small (1 inch 4 inch or 8 inch) disco balls at all the dollar stores right now they sell them as tree decorations.
 
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