Lighting for Talking Heads

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DevonH

Well-known member
In early 2012 I'm going to begin producing videos for local businesses, and I'm looking to put together a lighting kit that is fairly adaptable and can handle frequent transportation, setup, and take-down. 85% of the productions will be non-moving talking head content, but in fairly open situations (i.e. lead designer standing in front of the office, workers behind him at desks.)

My initial thought was to go with this 3pc lowel kit to start, then add-on in the coming months, but after reading more about tungsten lighting (particularly the heat and power usage), I've decided that I'd probably be better off with a set of flos, with my initial budget being between $1k-$1500.

I've seen a lot of good things about Cool Lights, and I'd like to give their products a shot, but I'd enjoy knowing what kind of kit you guys would put together to get started. I've scoured the forums, and there's been a ton of great advice, but I've yet to find a good starter kit list; which is appentlly due to how much variation there is when it comes to lighting.

My thought is 2 2x55's, and a 4x55, then put together a nice diffusion kit. Would you suggest the dimmer, or non-dimmer versions?

Thanks guys :)
 
Mostly Kino Flo 4X4, or Kino Flo Image 20. However, he Cool Light Flo's are very good and far more affordable.
 
I think the Cool Lights will be a good starter set. Perhaps toss in the 150w Fresnel for a hair light?
 
No offense here Paul, but I´m bored to death by the classic 3 point lighting.

I try to light interviews in a way that doesn't look "lit".
There is no receipt for what I do, it depends on the location and situation.
Mostly I also work with 2 Kinos and some small lights, but try to avoid the classic setup, like the devil the holy water.

Sometimes I bounce one Kino from the ceiling and the other one of a white board to get some gentle fill.
Than I use small LED or tungsten light to get structure in the background.

There is nothing wrong with a 3 light setup, but I just can´t look at it anymore.
So I always try to find new creative ways to light - but I have to admit, that sometimes it goes totally wrong ;-)

Well... I learn something new every day.

Frank
 
Postmaster said:
No offense here Paul, but I´m bored to death by the classic 3 point lighting.

I try to light interviews in a way that doesn't look "lit".
There is no receipt for what I do, it depends on the location and situation.
Mostly I also work with 2 Kinos and some small lights, but try to avoid the classic setup, like the devil the holy water.

Sometimes I bounce one Kino from the ceiling and the other one of a white board to get some gentle fill.
Than I use small LED or tungsten light to get structure in the background.

There is nothing wrong with a 3 light setup, but I just can´t look at it anymore.
So I always try to find new creative ways to light - but I have to admit, that sometimes it goes totally wrong ;-)

Well... I learn something new every day.

Frank
Click to expand...

You and I both may tired of three point lighting but that is beside the point. When you are hired by large corporations and ad agencies you provide what their creative directors want. It makes no diference when you are expected to provide them with their vision, you do it to the best of your ability and then get hired again and again.
 
Paul Hudson said:
You and I both may tired of three point lighting but that is beside the point. When you are hired by large corporations and ad agencies you provide what their creative directors want. It makes no diference when you are expected to provide them with their vision, you do it to the best of your ability and then get hired again and again.
Click to expand...

+1
 
Yeah, agreed.

That´s why I try to push my own projects.
But something has to pay the rent


Frank
 
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