Shooting a fire scene

HVXOU

HVXOU

Well-known member
Hey guys,

Our group is shooting a burning trailer this weekend with 2 adapted hvxs and two non adapted ones. What are some things to be aware of with the light of a fire and a lens adapter (I'm not completely sure which adapter). We only have a half hour for somewhere in the range of 40 shots. I am not sure if I am being clear so if you have any questions that would help you let me know.
 
HVXOU said:
Hey guys,

What are some things to be aware of with the light of a fire and a lens adapter (I'm not completely sure which adapter). .
Click to expand...


I can't speak to the adapter issue directly as I do not own one. But my understanding is that you'll need plenty of light to overcome any loss suffered as a consequence of the adapter.

As a former firefighter, I can tell you that light can be a challenge at a fire scene. You don't mention whether you'll be outside or geared-up in the interior. There will likely be almost no light inside once smoke starts banking down in the room. The same is basically true outside: as the smoke starts externalizing (either because the fire burns through or the firefighters vent the trailer), the smoke condition may limit your available light. I hope you're filming in daylight!

I would:
1) Get a clear understanding about where the fire will be in the trailer
2) Position yourself up-wind so the smoke (and plenty of embers) doesn't blow toward your camera
3)Be prepared to move if the wind shifts or fire conditions change
4) Be prepared to be disappointed. Fire is a complicated physical force and sometimes conditions are not right for a dramatic scene unless you douse the area with fuel (not suggesting that). Many fires produce tons of smoke but not much to see in terms of flames.

I hope you have enlisted the help of the local fire dept to plan the "burn." It's very easy to get hurt at something like this, even if you are a firefighter.

Good luck
 
Couple of things... Day or night shoot? Any more info on the scene would be helpful.

If night be sure your fill ratio is enough to light any subjects you need lit.

You would be surprised at how fast things burn... get the big shots first.

You, most likely, will need to tell the local fire department, if not hire one of them to be there.... and if I were the production I would pay a trained professional fireman to be on set. If anything happened it will be the best 100-200$$ you ever spent.
 
Shot is exterior at a minimum of 50 feet away.

That is a good point, the scene unfortunately is at night. Also we are shooting in a test burn location that the local fire departments use as a training session. There will be paramedics and firefighters on standby.

We are hoping to get mainly a silhouette of a group of people seeing the fire burning. (from behind looking at the burning trailer.)Would be be able to accomplish that, the closest we are allowed to go would be 50 feet.

Again, if I can be of more assistance let me know.

Thanks guys.
 
Thanks man, we are definitely going to need it. I just hope we have all points covered...
 
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