Music Video Set - Filming Outside

T

TimB

Well-known member
Hello all.

I'm kind of in a pickle with a current client. I am to shoot a Music Video outside, however, I'm used to filming in a controlled location.

Having power on set is not an option, as the area that we are shooting in is protected.

What can you suggest for me to have on set, do's & don'ts etc

Thanks
 
Battery powered LED lights and collapsible reflectors would be a start. And don't get caught trespassing and get all your gear confiscated...!
 
Scout the location so you know where the sun will be and bring big bounce sources, silks, and negative fill.
 
I'll be shooting into the sun (not ideal I know), so I have purchased a few 1m x 2m reflectors on stands, plus a few sandbags. As long as there is sufficient sunlight, will these give me enough light reflection for the talent?
 
Reflector will give you enough light for the talent.
Try to place the talent in a way so the sun is the back light and you use reflector as key. Be careful with the reflector Don't blind the talent!!!
Mirror board is good to have too.
 
"shooting into the sun" is actually quite nice sometimes. As mentioned by Tvdie try to use it as backlight. The boards you mentioned should be fine, as long as you don't have to go too wide. If you're shooting into the sun you need a lot of light as fill. If it's a wide shot, try and get something punchy and big. On a feature where I was key grip, we shot outside using an 8x8 reflector (or sometimes 2 4x4 reflector boards) and really tried to punch in some light for fill.

If you have to use the shiny side (if you need a lot of punch because white isn't enough), then as mentioned, don't blind the talent. Warn them to look away from the reflector before you hit them with the light. Also try to not hit them dead on. If they're squinting you have only two options, don't use the shiny side, or ask them to try to close their eyes and face the reflector and wait a few seconds before they open. Some talent have found this an effective method to not squint and get used to it. Just don't torture them for too long! Judge with who you're working with.

If you're not shooting into the sun, try and use one board as a backlight and hit them with a nice edge or rim.
 
Reflectors will be a nightmare unless you have someone on each one to point them continuously.

Dealing with this variable and the coming and going of the source levels overtime is going to make for a frustrating day.

Consider going natural light if you are fixed to a location you can not control.
 
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