Shooting 2nd Unit Documentary

[antomic]

I have been asked to shoot 2nd unit for a documentary in a couple of weeks. The setting is a "mixer", sort of meet and greet. A lot of running around and grabbing cut away shots from the main crew. This is a real life setting with no time for setup. Are there any suggestions to the best way to light this type of setting? I think we want to avoid a deer in the headlights approach.

The director has asked if I would participate and shoot "B" roll with my DVX as backup. He hasn't used the DVX before and is either going to rent one or buy one as well.

To date, I have always had control over lighting. This location is indoors, and will be taking place in the evening. Other than that, I have no further information as to what to expect for the environment. He has mentioned bringing some battery powered lights with him.

I tried some test shots the other night in a dimly lit room. 24p, iris all the way opened. I liked the results cinematically, but they were unacceptable for documentary style. I want to avoid using the gain, as my tests yeilded quite a bit of noise. Would shooting 30p give me a little more exposure?

We will have one night to test further before the shoot. Thanks for any input.

 

[Moonwind]

Re: Shooting 2nd Unit Documentary

"Styles" are there to break! If you like your test shots, show them to the director and see what he thinks. They may be perfectly acceptable to him.

 

[antomic]

Re: Shooting 2nd Unit Documentary

i would love to make that decision, but it's not mine to make or break.

anyone ever use electroluminescent panels, like indiglo? i did a quick google and had a hard time finding any retailers. thought i would experiment making a hat with a glowing panel in the front.

 

[Bischofftep]

Re: Shooting 2nd Unit Documentary

Correct me if I'm wrong, but 24p will give you a brighter image overall than 30p because it has a slightly longer "shutter open" time than 30p.

I don't know if an indiglo would cast any significant light worth noting beyond a few feet, and I've also not seen one in just white?

 

[antomic]

Re: Shooting 2nd Unit Documentary

i was thinking that too, but thought we could color correct in post.

i am going to try an experiment with bumping up the master ped pretty high, and then adjust in post. perhaps that will lighten the scene enough without grain.

by the way, the director has since read jarred and barry's side by side comparison article, and has joined the family by purchasing a DVX100A on my recommendation.