Campfire in a forest scene - advice needed

[xhridhar]

Shooting a campfire scene next week and am looking for some advice from those who have done it before. What are the things I should watch out for? Should I get a proper fire going or use a gas driven fire without any smoke
?

I am more keen on a burning wood fire as the light from dancing flames would be nicer in my opinion. But will that create any continuity issues?

Any specific filters that would beauty to the scene? All advice is appreciated.

Cheers

 

[ErikTande]

Get a big wood fire going, and make sure you have enough wood on hand to keep it going. In addition, bring a couple portable lights. 1 softbox with neutral white/blue to use as a backlight to help separate the subject from the dark and another light with an orange or red gel to use as key or fill in addition to the firelight.

If additional lights are absolutely impossible, bring a few reflectors to help bounce the firelight where you want it.

 

[Paul Hudson]

Go rent one of these: http://www.filmandvideolighting.com/magashflbox.html

 

[j1clark@ucsd.edu]

Go rent one of these: http://www.filmandvideolighting.com/magashflbox.html

In most locations here in So. California, this would probably be the only option... campfires are limited to designated areas, and if one goes through official channels for a film permit, one would probably have to have an army of firefighters on hand...