putting together a lighting kit

D

DvGuru

Member
I am putting together my first lighting kit and was wondering if anyone could give me some suggestions as to what I should get.

The lights will be used mostly for independent filmmaking. I'm not trying to light anything huge just yet -- just a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen -- small interiors like those.

As of right now I've been thinking about a 650w fresnel and 2 300w fresnels from Arri, and a Kino Flo Diva-light 400. Someone also mentioned to me a Mole Richardson 1000w Baby. I'd also like a soft light.

Is all of that equipment neccassary? I'm new to lighting so any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
Re: putting together a lighting kit

The Diva 400 is a soft light, and a whole lot more convenient than building a softbox onto a tungsten head.

For small stuff, interviews etc., that would be a reasonably complete set of light heads. Then you need the usual stuff -- C-47's, blackwrap, cords, cable ties, all that. See Scott Spears' lighting article for a way to put together all the goodies on the cheap.
 
Re: putting together a lighting kit

Well, like I said, check out Scott Spears' article, it talks about all the other goodies you need (stands, flags, cookies, etc).
 
Re: putting together a lighting kit

Check out the "Rostronics Lights deals for DVXuser members" here on the lighting forum.
 
Re: putting together a lighting kit

I see what you're saying Barry. By reasonably complete, I thought you meant there are other lights that I should be purchasing.
 
Re: putting together a lighting kit

Oh, you'll want more, trust me -- but 4 decent heads is enough to light most small situations, and you're going to flat-out love using the Kino.
 
Re: putting together a lighting kit

Kinoflo Diva's are fantastic. I've not really been able to use them extensively in the field, so I'm not sure about their durability, but I did use two kinos on a month-long location shoot, and they became the anchors of the film.

Also, I'm a fan of bare color-corrected bulbs in bleached chinaballs. They're not always easy to position, but they're cheap as hell and provice a really nice soft light. You can't really pump a lot of light out of them, but then the DVX is sensative enough to manage. A few extra feet of duvateen can really control the extra spill as well.

Also, sometimes it's nice to have an open face light or two for your backgrounds and distant rooms/doorways. It's one of the few things that I'll actually use a Tota for.
 
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