anyone shooting with no filters? no lights?

non

non

Active member
I am starting my 1st feature in less than 2 weeks(!!!) and I've invested alot of money in gear but am not sure if i should go into this without any filters.
I've got a solid script, great locations, some colorful characters and local yokels as actors(all non-actors of course!), and alot of enthusiasm from all involved. I may have access to someone else's lights for Interiros so that's not too big an issue.

Mainly wondering about the filter issue. Anyone? I'm not going Dogme95 style because I will be using both a Glidecam and a tripod although some handheld will be utilized as well.


Thanks in advance.
 
Re: anyone shooting with no filters? no lights?

I rarely use filters, the only filters I find generally useful are a polarizer and ND grads. So don't fret the filter thing too much.

Get someone who knows lighting though, because that will dramatically improve your production value.
 
Re: anyone shooting with no filters? no lights?

thanks, Barry. Point well taken.

I was not too crazy about getting into filters because then you gotta buy a mattebox and I've spent so much in the last month that I'm tight with the $ and don't wanna have to start shopping for more assecories if i dont have to.

Likewise, most of the movie is Exteriors during the day so i'm going for the 'real' look. The Interiors will be shot later and i know someone with some lights. actually going to meet him this week to discuss.

Thanks!
 
Re: anyone shooting with no filters? no lights?

Lighting is important outside as well, even if it's just some PA's with bounce cards and a flex-fill. Video has a lot less latitude than film, so it's a lot harder to get a "real" look -- with video you'll more likely get crushed shadows and blown-out highlights, which won't look "real" at all...
 
Re: anyone shooting with no filters? no lights?

Shooting a lot of exteriors doesn't necessarily mean you wont need help with the lights. I'm sure your lighting guy will tell you that. Even outside you might need some fill light, or a reflector. Harsh shadows exist outdoors, and just because it looks "real" to your eye doesn't mean that it will look good to the camera.
 
Re: anyone shooting with no filters? no lights?

You don't need a mattebox for filters. I have like 3 filters that just screw onto the lens.
 
Re: anyone shooting with no filters? no lights?

[quote author=Revsta link=board=news;num=1098848129;start=0#5 date=10/26/04 at 22:00:06]You don't need a mattebox for filters. I have like 3 filters that just screw onto the lens.[/quote]
Unless, of course, you are shooting with the anamorphic adapter.
 
Re: anyone shooting with no filters? no lights?

The fact is, when you don't have enough lights, not even a bounce card, you will have to make a huge effort, go over the top, to get stuff like this:

300064904.jpg


The main problem, as Barry said, is video latitude, and the contrast you will get with any source of imagery, especially those lit from daylight. Even the nature of the window light being beautifully soft and the direction being very pleasing, the lack of a bounce and (One of the most overlooked lights of all) the background light, is terribly noticeable. A backlight for some style and I could have a much more pleasing and appropriate picture. (This one is so heavy). But, hey, if there's nothing you can do about it, shoot...
 
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