fill lighting in doc

DeSica

DeSica

Well-known member
I've been looking into some sound and lighting info for a small doc I want to shoot.

I've done some test footage for indoor stuff with my PD 100a, and am getting good results, even in progressive scan, with regular room lighting. I was looking into something to help fill in the faces (soft) of the subjects to balance the effect of overhead lights.

I emailed VidLed over a week ago about their products, but haven't heard back. I'd like something that could be dimmed, and that doesn't cost too much (around $250 would be great). Camera mounted is preferable, but since I may be looking at mounting a shotgun mic to the cam as backup sound, I might use the light on a stand or some on camera adapter type thing.

Suggestions?
 
Last edited:
vidled said:
Not sure if we ever got your email; either that, or you never received our reply!
Click to expand...

Well, since it seems easier to get through to you here than by e-mail, are your on camera lights suitable for what I am looking to achieve? I just want something flexible that can help cut out overhead shadows when shooting indoors.

I'd like something that can be dimmed down when not much extra light is needed, but still provide some kick should the situation ever require it.

I take it your lights can be covered with gel to balance for tungsten, halogen, etc.
 
DeSica, your descriptions are pretty vague and/or ambiguous, but yes, our lights are used for that kind of thing all the time.
 
The Lumen is going to be more expensive than $250.00...but it would solve your problems as well as numerous other issues. Feel free to check it out at the American Film Market. We'll happily sign you in with one of our guest passes.
 
Prodigi, I like the way you do business and I'm curious to see the Lumen, unfortunately I won't be able to make it to Santa Monica but i'll check your site. Nice logo btw. And thanks for useful advice on other lighting post.
 
I'm curious about the Lumen. I clicked your link and there was only a logo. Searched for the American Film Market, and found some re-direct or something, but didn't see any Prodigi company listed.

Any links to photos and more info?
 
It's hard to believe you can get really attractive lighting just using practicals. Study how shadows are painted on faces to produce depth and enhance looks by artfully placing appropriate sources, and how important it is to manage the light on the background and to use lights high and behind to separate your subject from the background with a rim of light.

There is a reason interview lighting is an art and craft. Shoot someone with a big nose carat (pointed shadow) crossing their lip or two equal nose shadows on either cheek and you'll see why it's worth studying the tutorials here and looking critically at great and not great examples on television.

Oh, and yes, you can bounce light in for a soft fill if you keep the reflector close enough to do the job, which is usually just out of the frame IMHO. Using an on-camera light for fill will be un-aesthetic I think, because it works against the modeling you are working to achieve with the key.

Good luck with this, and do plenty of experiments.
 
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