Shooting in a 727

[chuckles]

Hey guys,
I'm shooting a low-budget commercial inside a real 727 commercial airplane during the day. The plane is outdoors, and we're shooting during the first half of the day. I was wondering if any of you had any tips for lighting? I think we can spend between $300-400 renting lighting, dolly, grip...

This will be shot on the 7D.

Should we rely heavily on the natural light? I was thinking of getting a couple of daylight balanced Kinos, and that's it? Would be sweet to get a 12K and blast the side of the plane, but obviously not within budget. The majority of the scene will take place in the first class cabin and where the flight attendant stands.

Would love to hear any thoughts or experiences!

Thanks,
Chuck

 

[Allan Black]

I do this stuff and you're on the ground simulating a flight, but parked near the perimeter?

727 being an old model, space is limited and if all the first class seats are full of passengers .. it'll be tighter. Or are you shooting in a converted freighter? Watch out for a/c that may taxi past the windows and even get it organised to turn the 727 around for a better aspect. Get power on the plane for its cabin lights if you want them.

Then with a 7D, natural (morning sunlight) light should do it with small keys and reflectors for talent. Try opening the forward door for more light but exterior airport sounds might restrict your sound. If the ad is for a current airline watch out you don't show the age of the Boeing, I'd get your art director out there asap. Hope this helps.

Cheers.

 

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

If you have the right angle and the man power, 4x4 hard bounce boards or mirror boards can be used to redirect the natural sun. Less expensive than HMI's and require 0 electrical power. I'd prefer something coming through the windows... I don't know if I'd want full strength, but then I could just ND those tiny windows that are effected.

 

[ilauzirika]

if the budget is too low, and there is no way to stop from seeing planes taxiing you may be able to overexpose the windows, in real life, many times you fly even the human eyes can't adjust to the bright light in the upper part of our atmosphere. I don't know how the 7D handles overexposed parts, but keep in mind that. Overexposing would give you easier choices when it comes to lighting the inside. At least cheaper.