Lighting for film sets, etc. Under £1000/$1500

[J.McClean]

Hi Everyone,

First just to say thanks to all you for your advice over the years in this forum. A lot of us couldn't do it without you!

I've been given a budget of £1000 (about $1600 dollars) to put together a lighting kit.
The main purpose will be lighting sets on location and some studio for HD shooting.

From reading these forums, does this sound like a good idea:

1x 650w Arri fresnel.
1x 300w Arri fresnel.
1x 800w Lowel tota.

My main concern would be having a light strong enough to cover a wide area (lowel) should it be needed on location, but also have the possibility of using as a standard key light in a softbox.

Originally I was considering the 800w/1000w Arrilite open face instead of the lowel - is there a huge difference?

Are there any other options I should be thinking about?

Thanks

 

[Jordan Scott Price]

That is not very many lights. I would recommend looking into a much bigger lighting packages, which will still put you well under $1,600. Talk to your DP and Gaffer.

It also depends greatly on what you are shooting, when you are shooting, and what look you want.

Totas are best for lighting large areas, but they are difficult to work with because they are no more than a lamp inside a semi-reflective casing with two small doors to control spill (not really to give you a good barn door cut like you would expect with a fresnel).

With more information about your project, we could probably provide you more help.

 

[J.McClean]

The shooting will be short films, dramas, music videos, etc. Mostly on location (probably indoors) but with some studio work also.

I've read a lot of people say its better to get fewer good lights than a lot of cheap lights?

If the need for more lights is greater, there is a possibility of renting more lights, even HMI's if required.

I've never used a tota before, but how does it perform with a speedring/softbox with regards to controlling the light? Would there be something more suited for lighting wide areas for wider shots?

I also have a daylight 5600K bank of cfls that I have used and work pretty well for interviews and close up shots if daylight balanced light is needed, but for wider shots where more light throw is needed it just wont cut it.
I have access to theater Fresnels that can be used in studio if needed for extra effects (e.g. semi practicals).

 

[TheDingo]

I've never used a tota before, but how does it perform with a speedring/softbox with regards to controlling the light?

With the right speed-ring it works great, I have one that I use as an interview light in a small video-softbox ( i.e. fire-proof softbox ), but softboxes are not very broad light sources. The Tota light is a very broad light when it's not in a softbox, but it's also quite harsh when used directly. If you wanted to light a large area with a softer broad fill light, then I might use Tota lights with shoot-through umbrellas to diffuse the light.

 

[J.McClean]

but softboxes are not very broad light sources. The Tota light is a very broad light when it's not in a softbox,

Hey, yes sorry wasn't clear on this. I meant using a softbox to control the light for a keylight, and either bouncing on foamcore/umbrella for a wide fill.

Is there a speedring/softbox brand you could recommend? At the moment i'm looking at photoflex....