Lighting interviews with the ARRI D4 light kit

realdefender2002

realdefender2002

Member
Hello everyone,
I am flying from LA to Indianapolis next week to shoot some footage for my client - This project is not complicated, but the change in light kits at the last minute has got me just a little concerned.

One of the set-ups involves me conducting interviews using the HPX 170 and the ARRI D4 light kit. The interview subjects will include models & professional athletes (expecting lots of african american, hispanic, east-indian/asian and caucasian talent).

Most of the filming will be indoors in a small room, while some of it will take place in front of a swimming pool (indoors).

Can any lighting gurus here have any tips or words of wisdom that you would like to share regarding the ARRI D4 kit specifically? I ask because I haven't really worked with the Arri D4's recently (using Impact light kits - Cool Light III, V and IX). Any advice much appreciated.

If you need additional details about my situation, please feel to ask away!

:Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)
 
In a small room filled with tungstens, you might want to make sure you have a fan for the talent or you will get footage for a deoderant commercial You didn't say how small the room is, but make sure you have the scrims that come with the kit to knock down the 650 if need be. You can also get 300w bulbs to fit the 600w light. I don't think the Arri kits come with a grid for the softbox, so if this kit is a rental, you might want to see if the rental house will provide one.

Regards,
Grant
 
Arri kits are very easy to use. I don't know what kind of impact kit you are using, but if you have working knowledge of lighting techniques, you should find the D4 suits your need just well.

I have the softbank IV which is similar. As far as words of wisdom, it really depends on your camera setup and the room setup. If you are using a bare camera, the 650 chimera will be great. If you are using a lens adaptor, you really need a 1k chimera instead.

If you are trying to match daylight, you are going to run into problems. Best bet is to bring along a few large sheets of 1/2 CTB for your key, but remember that it will really kill the output.

The 150s are not color matched to 3.2k. I find them to be more like 2900 or 3000. This might work just fine for a rim light or kicker or highlight but it will not match the other lights without something like a 1/8 CTB.

What are you going to light the background with? I think you might need another 650, unless you are relying solely on ambient light.

Shoot me an e-mail with any other specific questions.


jason@awakenedfilms.com
 
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