Finding places on location to plug into... HELP!

J

Jackson Miller

Well-known member
Hey guys. I have had problems in the past when I am filming on a location/on the streets in finding places to plug in my lights. I am talking low to no budget shorts. A while ago on a shoot it was dark and I had to cut the whole scene because I couldn't get the shots without the lights so I ended up just rewriting the script on the spot. Other times, I just go without lights.

So here is my question. How do you guys power your lights? Especially in situations like the ones I described... mainly outdoor shoots. You can find sockets indoors most of the time, but what if you are just out in a park, or in the streets, or worse, on a trail etc?

Do you use generators? How costly is that? Do you just call and get permission to plug in from the city or something? Because there are sometimes sockets around that are locked. Or how about battery powered lights such as the LED ones from coolights? Are there any disadvantages to these? They seem to cost a lot, but I can see a lot of advantages. Still, there aren't any battery powered regular lights from what I can see.

Thanks a lot guys. I have a short coming up with lots of shots outdoors at night in the streets of pasadena. I'll be using the 5d mark ii which is great for lowlight, but I would still love to use lighting for more artistic control.

Thanks guys!
 
Well if you are low to no budget forget about a generator. Check in allies. Or slip a business owner 20$ and run 2 stingers from different outlets from there shop out to the street and plug them into power strips and plug in lights there.
 
As long as your not running HMIS or anything that requires a ballast a generator from home depot will work just fine. Check your local home depot for prices, it should not be more than $50-$60 a day. If you are running lights that require a ballast you need to check/test the lights for flicker or power issues first but you should be fine most of the time.
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I was not aware that generators could be rented for that cheap, but it also seems a bit complicated. If I plug in too many lights is it possible to blow the generator? Or do damage? Also, they are heavy and noisy... I suppose it just depends on how heavy and how noisy. Hmmm.
 
If you're shooting on the streets you can ask permission to plug your lights on the nearby cafes or even houses. There's nothing to lose about asking.
 
Entity said:
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I was not aware that generators could be rented for that cheap, but it also seems a bit complicated. If I plug in too many lights is it possible to blow the generator? Or do damage? Also, they are heavy and noisy... I suppose it just depends on how heavy and how noisy. Hmmm.
Click to expand...

Count watts, if your not confortable with this make sure you have a really good gaffer or don't do it all. The worst that could happen is the genorator won't run or turn on, kind of like blowing a fuse in your house.

They can be noisy and heavy but remeber they're cheap and if you have long enough stingers and a good sound mixer/microphone than it shouldn't be too bad.
 
I got a small EU1000 Honda generator.

It'll run CoolLight LEDs and other similar lights, although I use to to recharge batteries and run my computer in the field.

It's pretty quiet and very fuel efficient. Got it for $500 via Craigslist. Came in very handy during a couple of power outages. It ran our Kenmore refrigerator which eliminated any concerns over spoiled food, etc. Dinner by candle light was just fine with my wife and grand daughter.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top