"lightning" options?

[starcentral]

I have a project coming up and would like to create some ambience with lightning effects, anyone know what lights to use for this or work well? I have global shutter camera for one but I know from trying to capture a "flash" that sometimes the flash of light is faster than a frame of video. For a flash to get captured by camera it should be at least a few frames long.

Any thoughts would be great.

thanks,

 

[CharlesPapert]

The Arri Skypanels have a new firmware update that adds various lighting effects include lightning.

 

[CharlesPapert]

Lightning Strikes are still industry standard (and quite expensive to rent). A rather hilarious and low-tech way is to position a tap welder just out of frame...it's bright, doesn't create shutter issues and it looks like lightning!

 

[starcentral]

Thanks about mentioning the sky panels - totally overlooked that as a viable and safe option.

I recently read about use of arc welders, but then someone else chewed out the guy regarding safety, fumes, etc. .

 

[CharlesPapert]

Thanks about mentioning the sky panels - totally overlooked that as a viable and safe option.

I recently read about use of arc welders, but then someone else chewed out the guy regarding safety, fumes, etc. .

Ha, well there is that! We had him way in the back of the exterior set, away from people and he was a welder by trade so he knew how to do it safely. But yeah, safety first!

 

[Bern Caughey]

Lightning Strikes are still industry standard (and quite expensive to rent).

Lightning Strikes is what immediately came to mind, especially the LEDs, but the SkyPanels sounds intriguing.

https://youtu.be/84ijDRTpyZI

 

[jamedia.uk]

try these https://www.rotolight.com They come with a whole series of speckai effects programmed in and when used with the gels can do TV, Fire, lightening, emergency vehicles etc as eel as standard lighting I use this kit. https://www.rotolight.com/product/neo-3-light-kit/

 

[Justin Kuhn]

For an option so cheap it's pretty much free, try a window shutter rigged on a c-stand in front of a hard source. You can pick one up at Home Depot or Habitat for Humanity (the cheapest option). Control your spill as needed and you're good to go.

EDIT: For the actual lightning effect, open and close the shutter as fast as possible in a spastic, random fashion, like you're having a localized seizure.

 

[Grug]

Or for the lowest tech option of all, place a flag in front of a light and spin it rapidly to get the affect. Shutter blinds are much better and easier to use, but if you don't have them, you can cheat it with a simple flag.

 

[starcentral]

Lightning Strikes is what immediately came to mind, especially the LEDs, but the SkyPanels sounds intriguing.

https://youtu.be/84ijDRTpyZI

Thanks for that link, I really like the idea of bright LED panels, they can be pulsed flashed quite easily.

Lots of options, thanks everyone.