Eyelight for interviews

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I've been doing several interviews and have realized while watching my footage that an eyelight would really help bring out the person from the background. As I've been a 2 man show on a tight schedule, I earlier figured that it wouldn't be necessary to have an eyelight, but I guess my standards are getting raised. Would you just use a reflecting board or a light bulb? I'm doing this somewhat low budget DIY. Any other interview lighting tips would be most appreciated.

Thanks,
Alexander
 
Re: Eyelight for interviews

You mean an on-camera light? Should I just mount it the camera, put some diffusion in front, and point towards the eyes? I've got a China lantern hung from above on one side of the face as a key, general practicals as a fill. What about backgrounds for interviews? So far, just been filming in my dining room which is the quietest place I can find, but it's got a beige curtain that blends in with caucasian skin.
 
Re: Eyelight for interviews

I'd probably stay away from on camera lights. They tend to look "cheesey", and don't give you flexibility regarding where the angle of light is coming from. I'd much rather set up a light detached from the camera...

Think about it, if you wanted to pan, the light would move, too. That may cause ugly shadows, and the whole point of the light is to make the subject look *better*.
 
Re: Eyelight for interviews

That's a good point.

I was experimenting last night with a little light that my wife uses to read a night (It' one of those clip on book lights - Halogen I think) and is flexible. I clipped it on a nearby stand and bounced it into a small square pice of poster board and it did not put off enough light to interfer with shot but gave off a nice little "eye light" in the eyes.
 
Re: Eyelight for interviews

That sounds like a good idea, John.

I've also heard that people can get good results from white christmas lights: if you're wanting a real ghetto setup (and let me tell you, I'm the KING of ghetto setups :P) it'll still get you good results. The only problem you might have is if its the type of lights where if you unplug one, they all go out. Then you'd be kinda screwed; but if you can keep them on individually, you'd have full control.

That said, John's reading light method would probably be simpler; I'm just thinking of other alternatives.
 
Re: Eyelight for interviews

I just picked up a 36inch china ball from target.  It cost $10 for the ball and light cord.  If set up right it could not only be used for a great eye light, it gives that great soft feel perfect for interviews.
 
Re: Eyelight for interviews

Agggggggggh

Ive been looking for this! I saw the same thing at Target about 4 months ago and did not buy it! And now they are gone!

Are they 'durable' enough for a photoflood?
 
Re: Eyelight for interviews

The one I saw was with a plastic shell. Very durable compared to the paper variety. And it was $10.00.
 
Re: Eyelight for interviews

Well I'm not a one man grip truck, so in not being collapsible I'm not sweating it. I'll just throw it the back of the Xterra next to my basketball.  8)

Sides, those paper ones last about 5 minutes. :P
 
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