1 Arri light

lxjordanxl

lxjordanxl

Active member
Hey guys,
I just purchased a Arri 650 Watt Plus Tungsten Fresnel. I want to eventually own about 3 of these but I was wondering in the mean time while I'm saving up for the other two, if anyone has any advice for me when it comes to using only one source for cinematography and if there any cool tips/suggestions/ resources ? Thanks in advance guys!
 
Bounce cards.

I once worked on a fast paced TV show production where the DP's entire light kit was based on a single Arri. He managed to use it to create everything from full noir scenes to diffused beauty shots. His reasoning was that the pace of production for the show didn't allow him time or crew to set up more than one light anyway, so might as well make the most of what he could use. If you watch the show you'd never guess that the whole thing was lit by a single fixture.
 
Bouncing off of a wall or ceiling can be effective to get a softer or more ambient light. Or, if you've got extra stands grab some foam core for bounce, or flood the fresnel through a frosted shower curtain liner.

Does your 650 have barndoors? If not, use black wrap and clothes pin flags to shape the light. A lot of the look of a shot is sometimes what isn't lit.

As far as technique goes, learn how to light from upstage. Essentially this means that the shadow falls on the side of a subject's face that the camera sees. I found this tutorial that might help you.
 
Try this, put your 650w on spot and light your subject with the light behind them facing the camera down at around 45 degrees. This will create a nice rim light around your subject, then use a cheap white piece of foam core, bristol board, bed sheet, for sale sign or even pizza box and use the spilled light to bounce some fill light back at them.

Try it and post your results, it will probably amaze you.

Many disagree, but for anyone learning lighting I always suggest starting out with only one light and adding more once you actually realize why you need more. I feel that too much emphasis is put on 3-point lighting pressuring many new DP's to use more lights when not always sure why or how to shape them. The end result with 3-point lighting if not controlled properly could appear the same as a bunch of home depot lights thrown around a room.

Anyway, best of luck and DVX is a great resource for learning how to light.
 
starcentral said:
Try this, put your 650w on spot and light your subject with the light behind them facing the camera down at around 45 degrees. This will create a nice rim light around your subject, then use a cheap white piece of foam core, bristol board, bed sheet, for sale sign or even pizza box and use the spilled light to bounce some fill light back at them.

Try it and post your results, it will probably amaze you.

Many disagree, but for anyone learning lighting I always suggest starting out with only one light and adding more once you actually realize why you need more. I feel that too much emphasis is put on 3-point lighting pressuring many new DP's to use more lights when not always sure why or how to shape them. The end result with 3-point lighting if not controlled properly could appear the same as a bunch of home depot lights thrown around a room.

Anyway, best of luck and DVX is a great resource for learning how to light.
Click to expand...

Excellent points.
 
Thanks Matt, I only wish I learned this sooner.

Lighting from behind is something I'm starting to use more and more in my work, that and keeping the fill on the camera side instead of the key.

Two great movies to watch using this sort of lighting setup predominantly are Citizen Kane and Blade Runner. Lit from behind with smoke used to illuminate and act as fill.
 
I would suggest that at least one (if not both) of your next two purchases is an open face lamp.eg 1x Arri 2K and 1x Arri 750. This will open the door to a lot more flexibility and capabilty than 3 x fresnels. (note: 650 watt fresnels are small output sources)
 
bgreencam said:
Hi i own a few Arri spots and not sure if you have tried these....cheaper and amazing build for the price.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1000W-As-AR...508?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5af1022224
Click to expand...

Those are NOT Arris! They're cheap Chinese lights made to look kinda, sorta, like Arris so that some poor shmuck who doesn't read well will buy them. Even if they do actually turn on and cast some kind of light, a lot of these cheap lights have very real and very dangerous problems like heating up and melting the wires. Since some of these, and any would be too many, are serious fire hazards I'd stay well clear of them. Get a real Arri used if you're on a budget.
 
I find the Chinese as-Arri lights to be excellent.

They are made from good extrusions and nice castings. The ones I have have high quality silicone rubber jacketing and high temperature wiring with the proper protective heat shielding sleeves on the wires inside the fixture. I found nothing cheap or lacking on these lights. BUT, there are issues like part replacement is difficult if not impossible. Lenses can be replaced by Arri parts. Some people have mentioned wiring issues. I found none. In fact, I was very impressed at how excellent the wire quality is.

I agree that new or used Arris are preferred, but I don't find fault with the Chinese units I have.
 
Yes...i understand their not real Arris. BUT....having many real Arri lights myself...these are made well and he's going to need at least
a 1K or 2K....i do advice that you get real ones for the lower Watts. Like the 150s...haven't seen them made well by the Chinese yet.
 
starcentral said:
Two great movies to watch using this sort of lighting setup predominantly are Citizen Kane and Blade Runner. Lit from behind with smoke used to illuminate and act as fill.
Click to expand...

You are my brother from another mother.

Blade Runner is the movie that made me want to work in the industry, and he reason my Epic is named "Decker".
 
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