Important lights to have ?

[clumsy_cool]

I'm just starting a small studio in a basement and I was just wondering what are the MUST HAVE for lights, right now I have ;

NOTHING !!!

well not true I have 12 of thoses cheap yet very strong outdoor lights

 

[Cheesesailor77]

theres a set of VERY affordable lighting dvds on ebay (about $60 for the set of 3) and theres a section on lighting your basement studio. Its pretty straight forward actually, but if you have no idea where to start, get those dvds. There's 8 informative hours for the uninitiated.

plus I'm sure several other ppl will respond with more specific suggestions

 

[bcheong]

Fresnels are a must for me. Some smaller wattage lights are good also since most likely you'll be powering into 15amp circuits. Stuff in the 100-300 are good. LTM peppers, Arri 150's-300's, etc.

A large part of lighting is all the grip accessories to trim the light - c-stands, frames, mounting hardware, clamps, expendables (gel, blackwrap, etc)

 

[Steward]

You can Never...

You can Never...

You really can never have enough stuff in your basement... can you???
Why should production lighting be any different.

I think everbody would like the "best" that you can get.
From my experience though, you can make almost anything work.
You don't have to have the "best" to get started. Make your own.
Make it as you need it... learn from experience... the rest will come.

I have done some really cool stuff with just a strand of Christmas lights.
I see on this board where a lot of people light small intimate scenes
using Chinese lanterns. The levels needed nowadays for great looking video
is getting lower and lower.

12 lights huh???... say... plus some dimmers and extension cords,
(white foamboard can do miracles), could be used to light an
incredible array of subjects.

Heck... 12 may be way too much...LOL!!!

Have a plan or a final goal...buy the best as you work at it...
as you need it from project to project.
It doesn't hurt the pocketbook, as much or as often. that way.
Thanks for letting me ramble...
Good luck...!!!

Steward